"Serving God in a place that takes you out of your comfort zone is a humbling experience . . ."

by Callie Suraci, Wallingford, CT, Weeks 1, 2 & 3

The Dominican Republic Mission Team trips have been something that I’ve held near and dear to my heart for the past nine years. There’s no way to truly describe what a trip like this does to your heart and soul, but if I could describe it in one word; it would be “humbling”.

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When doing mission work in the Dominican Republic, you come across all different types of people, but one thing that the majority have in common is their love for Christ. Despite the poverty, the harsh living conditions, and the countless health issues that the people on this island deal with on a day to day basis, I have never seen such powerful examples of faithful servants of God like I do in the DR. Though many people in the bateyes may be monetarily and materially poor, they are spiritually rich in a way that I aspire to be every single day.

For those reading this who have never been on a mission trip, I encourage you to take a leap of faith and go. No matter your age, the condition of your health, your finances, or where you’re at on your faith walk, God will meet you where you’re at. As it was said in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.

Serving God in a place that takes you out of your comfort zone is a humbling experience that challenges you in ways that you’ve never faced before… but what a blessing it is to be able to use my God given resources and abilities to shine the light of Christ and give back to His beloved people. Returning every year that I possibly can is a non-negotiable for me; part of my heart will forever and always be with the people of the Dominican Republic.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13