This mission trip was a profound, life-changing experience that I struggle to fully articulate. It was, without doubt, a divine assignment. Even when finances became challenging, I remained confident in God's provision. My faith was strengthened when our church's mission ministry collectively donated the remaining balance for my trip, exemplifying God's grace as described in 1 Corinthians 9:8.
Despite being part of a 33-person team, I felt this was a deeply personal journey with God. The scripture "to whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48) resonated strongly with me. Through daily worship, prayers, and the love of our group, I experienced God's presence in a powerful, renewed way. I found myself "seeing" God all around me, rekindling my passion for serving others and sharing the gospel.
Each day, I intentionally reflected on God's purpose for me. During a devotional about "abiding" with Christ, I realized I was experiencing this profound connection, feeling nourished by it. This revelation, along with the testimonies of my fellow team members, provided exactly what I needed to hear.
In the eye clinic, we encountered various untreated conditions, reminding me of the healthcare disparities between the Dominican Republic and the US. The joy on patients' faces when receiving new glasses was priceless, especially one woman overjoyed to read her Bible again.
This experience has deepened my faith, expanded my spiritual family, and increased my understanding of global health issues. I returned home renewed, full of gratitude and love. I've since joined my church's mission ministry and look forward to continuing to live out the Great Commission in my local community. The trip has truly changed me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve and grow in my faith through this transformative experience.
