What does a mission team really do? We often get asked this question, and it’s sometimes difficult to put such a life-changing trip into words. 

But Naomi, a recent team member on a trip to the Dominican Republic with MVI missionary Rick Sucher, did a pretty good job of summing it up.

Here is what she wrote:

“To say we were changed by what we experienced is an understatement.

We saw God working all around us.

We painted benches, tables, and the entire children’s building inside,

we painted four beautiful scenes from Bible stories on the wall,

we performed a children’s story and songs,

we helped feed 150 kids,

we attended three church services,

we gave our testimonies,

we went door to door praying,

we saw giant insects,

we swam in the ocean,

we had prayer and devotions daily together,

we rode an open air bus everywhere,

we wept,

we gave hope,

we received a new understanding of poor,

we laughed together,

we ate different foods,

we were humbled by Jesus’ love,

we bonded with our group and people we couldn’t communicate with,

we sweated all day,

we hurt,

we learned that the Bible is true,

we saw people receive Jesus into their heart,

we washed people’s feet,

we served,

we pounded nails,

we gave away Jesus and prayer,

we cried,

we were tired,

we sought Jesus,

we were touched with dirty hands and held them,

we were shocked,

we felt despair,

we stood for hours,

we were invited into a house the size of a walk-in closet,

we embraced children daily,

we were sad and heartbroken,

we ran and chased kids,

we pushed swings,

we were paint-stained,

we felt awkward,

we were loved, we saw shame,

we were stretched in our faith and understanding of who God is,

we prayed,

we held babies,

we saw hopelessness,

we had a tea party,

we made princesses,

we saw fear,

we didn’t flush toilet paper,

we had 12 hours of being in the heat daily,

we drank so much water,

we felt safe,

Jesus showed his power,

we read God’s Word,

we walked and walked,

we ate empanadas,

we gave hope again,

we cried out to God and He heard us,

we loved and received love,

we are changed,

Jesus reigns.”

Thank you, Naomi, for sharing your experience, and for serving well.