"Showing up for people is what matters . . ."

by Gabe Zamorano, Southington, CT, Weeks 1 & 2

This year was my second time being a part of this mission trip to the Dominican Republic, and since God saved my life last year on 3/2/25. He has blessed me in many different ways. But, being able to serve your people is the greatest blessing of them all, Lord.

It was amazing to see how God moved this year in the DR . . . this year really taught me more about being present. We aren’t going to be able to solve all of the problems these people face in three weeks. What really matters in these moments is being able to share the love and joy of Jesus Christ. At times during the trip, you may not be building a giant wall around an elementary school, or praying for an entire family while distributing food. All you may be doing is showing up, and being present for these people and that is more than enough.

I really felt this was the case this year during week one after the Haitian wedding we went to. After the wedding, there was a wedding reception. The mission team stayed for the wedding and the wedding reception. For this entire experience there was no work to be done, no one to serve, and no one to meet where they are at. All we could do was show up, and that’s what we did. These people were filled with so much joy that we were just there. The reception included lots of music, dancing with kids, and just enjoying the presence of so many amazing people.

At times, I feel like we come to serve these people and provide them with a better means of life, but I feel as if these people are serving me before I ever serve them. The joy and love people have for us gives me hope. It gives me hope for my life, that I can find joy and love in Jesus, but I can also find joy in the presence of other people, no matter who they are, or whey they may come from.

Because what Jesus demands from us is not to just serve others to meet them at their physical needs, but to meet people’s spiritual needs, and show them the love and joy of Jesus Christ. Showing up for people is what matters, we can do all the work in the world, but it doesn’t matter if we don’t enjoy and sit in the presence of other people. I continue to pray for those in the bateys and those we served. Lord would you reveal yourself to them and show them the love of Jesus Christ. It’s an amazing blessing and privilege that I can officially call this place my second home.