This February, a team of staff members from Guatemala, the United States, and the Dominican Republic gathered for a memorable Trips Summit. Our mission? To prepare the Dominican Republic to host mission teams, grow stronger as a unified team, and brainstorm ways to make each mission trip a truly transformational experience—for both the communities we serve and the teams that visit.
A Personal Encounter with God’s Mercy
The summit was nothing short of unforgettable. What stood out most for me was the opportunity to meet new co-workers from various countries and realize how the 410 Bridge family is expanding by God’s mercy and love. It was incredibly humbling to reflect on how the experience I’ve gained in this ministry can help others as they serve in their own communities.
God spoke to me through the people we met at the summit. I witnessed firsthand the power and potential of mission trips to change lives—not only for the communities we serve but also for the teams that visit. By sharing God’s Word, encouraging people, and supporting their development, we are participating in something truly transformational.
A Deep Spiritual Moment
One moment that deeply marked me spiritually was during our prayer visits. Someone shared their struggles with loneliness, fear, and anxiety, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how I had been feeling the same way recently. It struck me profoundly because, despite coming from different parts of the world, we share similar challenges. And yet, the solution is always the same: our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In the midst of every struggle, He holds us up with His righteousness. That experience reaffirmed His power in my life.
Preparing for the Teams Ahead
Looking ahead, we’re diligently preparing for the upcoming mission teams. We’ve been conducting training sessions for our staff, sharing ideas to make trips even more transformational for our communities and church partners. Our community coordinators are actively passing this information along to leadership councils to ensure we’re all aligned in our mission. A key strategy we’re implementing is improving the planning and communication of trip itineraries. By providing team agendas earlier, we’re giving groups more time to prepare and be even greater blessings to the communities they visit.
As we move forward, we’re committed to maintaining the essence of our trips while enhancing the experience for both our communities and teams. This year, our goal is to foster deeper connections between missionaries and vulnerable families. We want our teams to witness firsthand how they can bless, support, and empower the people they meet.
United for Miracles
Through all of this, God has been teaching me that miracles happen when we are united and put Him first. Teams are powerful instruments in His hands, bringing hope and transformation to communities that have lost their dreams. Many people believe miracles don’t happen in their communities, but when they see teams praying for them, helping with their harvests, and walking alongside them, they experience God’s encouragement and joy. I’ve always said my job is to teach people to dream, and I’m so grateful for the mission teams that help make that possible. Thank you for showing our communities that with God, all things are possible.
Preparing My Heart for Each Trip
As I prepare for each mission trip, I spend time in prayer, asking God for His peace and presence to be felt. I pray that every trip goes smoothly, that each person encounters God, and that their hearts are open to receiving His Word. These trips are transformational—not just for the communities, but for everyone involved, including our staff, drivers, and translators. I still vividly remember translating for my first team in 2018. Watching them share their testimonies, worship, and love others moved me deeply and drew me closer to God.
These trips have changed countless lives, including mine and my family’s.
Looking Ahead
As we step into a new season of trips, I am excited about the spiritual growth unfolding on both sides of the bridge. I hope that our church partners leave with hearts full of God’s love and that our communities are inspired to continue working toward lasting transformation. This year, our teams will witness the impact of our programs in education, economic development, and discipleship. They will see transformation in action.
My prayer is that, through these trips, many people will come to know God’s love and be moved to seek Him, worship Him, and serve Him. My greatest hope is that every team member will take home the love they experience in our communities and share it with their family and friends. I want them to see the joy in our communities, even in the face of challenges, and be inspired by the resilience and faith they witness. Above all, I hope they remember that God is always present, working through every moment, every person, and every trip to bring about His perfect plan.
