Blog Series Part 2! (Dominican Republic)

    This is part two, of a 3 part blog series! An update to my supporters who have been beyond gracious and kind to support me on my journey of being on the race. The purpose behind these blogs is to not only show you guys how the Lord has moved in my life during my time on the field but also to inform and encourage you guys on what is going on in the global Church. So without further ado let’s hop right in:)

    The second country I went to was the Dominican Republic! Due to the rise of Covid during this period of the race, my squad was rerouted. My squad and I spent a duration of 2 and half months in the DR. The Dominican Republic is located in the north-central Caribbean. This small island is shared with another country right next to it, Haiti. Throughout the years Haiti has undergone many years of civil and governmental unrest. Recently Haiti’s President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in July, and soon after an earthquake hit the Island in August. As a result of these two devastating events, Haiti’s government has struggled immensely to stay in control as rival gangs throughout Haiti are fighting for more power and territory throughout the Island. More than 40% of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, is taken over by Gangs. As a result of an uprise in gang violence, kidnappings, and governmental issues; many Haitians moved to the Dominican Republic to have a better life. In desperate hopes of leaving Haiti, many Haitians come to the Dominican Republic illegally. Having no documentation, paperwork, or visa; many Haitians struggle to provide a sustainable living for their children and family. Even documented Haitians struggle to make a living as they are racially profiled and discriminated against. It has not only been a consistent struggle for adults to get a job but also for Haitian children and teens to have an education. Many Haitian children only have an education at an elementary level, to proceed academically a birth certificate is required. Whether immigrated or born in the DR, it is common for Haitians to be denied a birth certificate and as a result, children are forced to stay at home.

     With many obstacles and trials that Haitians are faced, I had the opportunity to partner with an organization called Mission of Hope (MOH). Mission of Hope’s main objective is to bring transformation to every man, woman, and child. Through partnering with local churches, schools, and communities MOH’s goal is to bring change in the lives of all ages in the Dominican Republic. During my time in the DR, we focused on serving the Haitian communities. We did so by serving weekly in local schools in the community to help teach English to Haitian children and adults. Haitian children that can go to school have to pay for an education. Through MOH, my squad and I were able to walk alongside these schools that focus on the education of Haitian children and be an extending hand to the teachers within the communities. We also partnered with a local language teacher who spends his time teaching English to Haitian adults. We were able to teach the class English vocabulary, grammar, and proper pronunciation all the while we were able to learn their language, Creole! If our days weren’t at the schools, we spent our time partnering with local church pastors and leaders, going into the communities to help meet any needs. Whether through construction projects, kids ministry, or evangelism we were constantly involved with helping the local churches and communities around us.

    During my time in the Dominican Republic, I was able to see the tangible effects of sin in the world. I no longer only saw sin through the lens of eternal separation from the Father but have recognized that sin distorts and perverts every form of creation the Father has intended for good. Seeing the economic poverty and social division in the Dominican Republic, I saw how interwoven sin was within the world. But through the anguish of sin, I also saw how good the Father truly is. I saw how creation cries out for rest and restoration, unknowingly longing for a life that once originated in the Garden. I saw how even through pain and suffering the Father is still sovereign over his people. Whether through the smile of a lady passing me in the streets, the laughter of children enjoying the simplicity of their youth, or even a young man crying out to the Father on his knees during a Sunday church service; The Lord is still moving in Dominican Republic soil and has never left His children.

    With witnessing as much as I did in the Dominican Republic the Lord encouraged me immensely when I faced personal adversity within my race. The DR was probably the hardest country for me being on the race. Facing challenges within my squad, struggling to do ministry, and seeing the effects of disunity within my own church body; it was a hard season to walk through. But even amid the trials, the Father was building my character in ways that will go far beyond the race. I have gained wisdom, insight, and have been strengthened by the Father in ways I couldn’t even imagine. I have learned to embrace the cross instead of just carrying it, and have truly counted the cost of following Christ. I have learned that the pursuit of righteousness is costly and it’s a path few will walk. That being misunderstood by others is a part of following Christ and not everyone will understand the weight of what you do. But I have learned that through it all my words and actions are not held to account by man but by God. That my obedience is to the Father and not of this world. And that with every hardship I face and with every trial I endure my foot shall not be moved because my steps are ordered by the Lord.

   Although the DR was hard I thank the Lord for the trials because I wouldn’t have grown as much as I have without them. I also thank you guys for your prayers and support. If you would like to support the Dominican Republic and what the Lord has been doing there please keep both Haiti and the DR in your prayers! There is still civil unrest within Haiti, and both the DR and Haiti are being effected as a result of it. Thank you for sticking around and blog three is on its way 🙂