Dominican Republic 2026 Day Ten

1) Where did you experience God at work this week whether it was in yourself, in others, or around you? Give an example and explain the experience.

2) Give an example of when you were challenged or pushed out of your comfort zone, and how God helped you through it and what you learned. Where did you experience God at work this week whether it was in yourself, in others, or around you? Give an example and explain the experience.

3) If someone asked you if going on the mission experience was worth it, what would your pitch be to encourage them to come? Give at least three examples from your time here to support your pitch.

Lucy Da Costa (Question 1):

During this trip, I experienced God during worship night. It was really nice to see everyone caring for each other and helping one another, especially when things got tough. Seeing everyone come together, pray for each other, and support one another was really touching for me. You could truly see God working through everyone and bringing people closer together. The atmosphere felt so peaceful and welcoming, and it made me feel like I was surrounded by people who genuinely cared. It reminded me that we are never alone, especially during difficult moments, and that God can work through the people around us. I am really grateful that I got to experience that night because it gave me a strong sense of peace and made the trip feel even more meaningful.

Olivia Currie (Question 1):

This week, I saw God working many times, but mostly through the people around me on our team. On the worksite, everyone was always so eager to serve, even when it was hard work on long sunny days. Everyone continued to be joyful, encouraging, and always having fun together. I saw God working through each person’s strengths and abilities as we worked together whether it was bricklaying, shoveling, sifting, or painting. We helped when someone was struggling, checked in on each other throughout the day, and found ways to support one another. It was so amazing to see us all come together to accomplish things that would have been much harder on our own. I believe God was working through our team by giving us the energy, patience, and joy to keep going even when we were tired. Serving others isn’t something we have to do alone. It’s something we get to do together, and God works through all of us when we come together to serve Him.

Katie Fintelman (Question 1):

I saw God working while in the Dominican Republic when we were at the church that we went to on Sunday during the worship. They sang in Creole (a French dialect) so most of us could not understand what they were saying, but watching everybody else around us who did understand what the words were saying… just the joy they had while worshipping was really cool to see and I was able to sense God‘s love and joy through that place. It was enough for us to feel God during the worship whether we could understand it or not, so our whole team joined in on the dancing and clapping. It was really cool for me to see because it shows that you can feel God‘s presence around you and you don’t have to understand what people are saying to feel him and it really is not just about what words can be spoken to describe him. It’s how you feel when his love and presence is around you.

Chloe Hall (Question 1):

I have seen God at work in so many people throughout this entire week. The people in the DR are so passionate about their love for Christ and one of the biggest moments for me was being in the church and seeing everyone dancing, singing, and worshipping with their whole hearts. It was honestly so inspiring to see how much joy everyone had and how they weren’t afraid to show their love for God. I also saw God through the people we met and the organization we stayed at. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to help, and you could tell they genuinely cared about the people around them. Even in the little things like working, serving, cooking, cleaning, or just taking the time to talk to us I could see Christ shining through them. The lighthouse also really stood out to me because it made me think about how we are called to be a light for other people and point them towards Christ. I saw that same light in my own team members too. Watching them serve step out of their comfort zones encourage each other and genuinely care about the people we were meeting showed me how God can work through us when we are willing to say yes to Him. I came into this trip thinking I was going to help and serve other people but I feel like God has worked through the people here to teach me just as much. This week has reminded me that God doesn’t always have to work through huge moments sometimes you can see Him in someone’s smile the way someone serves a conversation or just the joy someone has because of their faith.

Taryn Clough (Question 1):

My way of seeing God work this week has been through many people and the blessings. I have seen people grow through their faith and maturity in Christ. During one of our devotion times with a small group me and my group talked about our questions and gave very meaningful answers. We created a safe place for each other and grew through Christ in the process. We agreed on many things and talked about Christ and his journey through everybody and us. One of the people in my group decided to close in prayer. When this person closed in prayer, I saw that they have improved in praying with a group and saw God work through them through this as well. I also saw God at work by watching everybody work hard for the lighthouse and the community around seeing them knowing that this is helping God‘s kingdom and the people in his kingdom has been a blessing. I know many people on our team were challenged, but through Christ’s strength and many prayers for his will strength, faith and guidance, we were able to persevere. We all put in our best effort and strengthened as a team. As someone who has been on this trip for the past two years, I would strongly recommend others to go on this trip. This trip has guided me through my walk with Christ and it has been such a blessing. The memories are endless just being together as a team in the community around us, with people who love Christ and want to grow through Christ… it has been amazing and I would recommend it to everybody. My first time going to the Dominican was a very scary experience until we left. I would say me going on this trip has created memories of a lifetime that I would share with everyone and anyone if I could. The growth through Christ and spiritual healing that has happened through this trip is something else I will forever be grateful for.

Gabriel Roberge (Question 2):

A time I was pushed out of my comfort zone on this trip would be whenever we had some sort of athletics/sports going on. Whether it was playing baseball with the community or going on a morning run with the team. I’m a slow-paced guy, I take things slow and I DO NOT run (emphasize do not). Yet I still did. I truly felt God at work not when I did anything like that, but when I received encouragement from others. Anytime Kalli cheered my name, or Luka ran beside me I felt God with me working through them. I ran to home when playing with some of the Dominican guys, and when I passed the plate I didn’t feel anything until I heard my team cheer for me. At that moment I felt the spirit flow through me from the love of others. That day I truly felt how God works in many different ways and you may not always expect it and for that praise him.

Brooklynn Tupper (Question 2):

Over these past 10 days I have definitely been pushed out of my comfort zone. One of the most significant times I found challenging was when we were sharing our testimonies. I don’t really share things like that often but as I started talking it was like God was guiding me in what I should say. I thought it was really cool because I never thought I would be able to talk that much in a group. Everyone in my small group ended up connecting over little things so I thought that was really cool and I am so glad that God helped me through it. I learned from this that God is always with you and the Holy Spirit will guide you when you are nervous.

Ben Freeman (Question 3):

Yes the missions trip was 100% worth it. I had opportunities to grow in my faith, make new friends, and help people who needed it. There were so many times during the trip where I felt especially close to God, closer than I have in a long long time. His presence was definitely with us. I got to meet so many new people, some Dominican, some Canadian and it was really nice to get to meet new people and learn how they see God and how he has affected them in their lives. We did lots of hard tedious labour as well, but for a great cause and for great people and I personally feel like we made an impact in Villa Altagracia. All in all this has been an amazing eye opening trip that has grown me in my faith and I would definitely recommend to anybody.

Luka Bailey-Braun (Question 3):

Yes! Absolutely! The DR mission experience is very much worth the funds, relationships, spiritual growth, and physical labour. Firstly, the money raising was necessary and worth it, especially because it created connections and a support team of people praying for you. Secondly, the relationships developed within the team, Lighthouse staff, and the Dominican children is all such a blessing, and it sharpens us as well as forges bonds of friendships that grow both parties in so many ways — and continue to flourish after the trip too. Thirdly, the spiritual growth that came was a result of the devotionals, and the Christ focused environment is incomparable and will be cherished for the rest of the team members’ lives. Finaly, the actual physical impact through the work on the job site is so tangible that it makes you feel like you’re actually doing something — and you are — as well as the blood, sweat, & tears that are poured out for the work makes it so powerful. Ultimately, this trip is one hundred and ten percent worth it all. The time, money, and prep is incomparable to the relationships, spiritual maturation, and physical work done. Everyone should go on this missions experience, it is worht it in numerous ways and to such great magnitude! GOD IS GOOD!

Olivia Botelho (Question 3):

Yes, this mission trip is most definitely worth it in every way. It was a trip to remember; an experience to serve the Lord, the community, and each other while also growing in your faith, building new connections and relationships, and was overall such a fun trip. This mission opened new opportunities to serve while also growing in your faith in ways that are truly such blessings to be able to do. We did lots of work in the community, which was difficult at times since we were outside in the heat for hours at a time, but the relationships made with people in the community and doing it all to serve truly made it so worth it, and even more fun. Every morning and night we would gather as a team and do devos then would have time to go off alone and with a small group. These moments made such an impact on us all, helping us to deepen our faith while also getting to know our team more. I can truly say that God was in every part of this week, through our team, the Lighthouse team, all the hard work and most definitely the quiet moments. There were many opportunities for us to have fun and really connect as a team as well. We went to the market, to a beautiful waterfall, and spent lots of time in the pool. These experiences gave us a break from all the work while also giving us the chance to make deeper connections with each other as a team. It was truly so amazing to have such a great team who is so willing to serve. This mission experience was so amazing in every way. It can be scary, but it is so beyond worth it.

Aiden Walker (Question 3):

This trip must be the best mission trip that our church has to offer, it has a little bit of everything. My first reason for going on this trip is that you are in the community helping people out, interacting and playing. It is a great experience seeing the community since life in Dominican Republic is drastically different from the life in Canada. My second reason is also a great way to see other countries. When you go on this trip there is 1 day where you go and see different cool locations, for example this year we went to a waterfall up in the mountains and it was beautiful. Finally, my final reason is that you get to make new connections and talk to new people from the team that you would not usually talk to, becoming friends that you would not even hang out with.

Julia Fintelman (Question 3):

I would always recommend the Dominican Republic missions trip to anyone who is considering coming. Throughout the trip I was able to spend time with God constantly, whether it was during our morning devos, when I was working through the day, or during our evening devos. It gave me an overwhelming peace that makes the trip even more memorable. The trip also provided a perfect environment that allowed me to deepen my faith by learning practices such as journaling and breaking down scripture. I was also able to make connections with Christians my own age that I wouldn't necessarily otherwise and these connections have even turned into life long friendships. I was also able to experience a different culture and see how God is working in other parts of the world. The Lighthouse team that we partner with is an amazing example of all God has done, with the schools, water treatment facilities, and medical centers in both Los Alcarizos and Villa Altagracia. Having this opportunity to grow in my faith and be apart of the Lighthouse’s mission is truly a gift from God and I would 100% recommend attending this trip to anyone who is considering going.

Liam McGitchie (Question 3):

I would 100% percent recommend going on this trip as it was a great experience and I learned so much in just a week. Although the languages were different it was easy to understand the kids. I loved working for the lord, and although it was hard work it was really fun and worth it to go. The food at the compound was amazing! You are always full and never hungry, and they take really good care of you there. It is a great place to feel God’s presence in your life and grow in your faith journey.

Charlotte Allen (Question 3):

I would encourage anyone who is considering to go on a mission trip to take the leap of faith and go. I’ve learned and experienced God so much on this trip and there’s many reasons why you should go. First of all, you can meet many new Christ centered friends and learn so much from other peoples faith journeys. Also, when serving and helping others it brings a different type of fulfillment and joy especially when you see the work you’ve accomplished only in a couple days. Lastly, when you are challenged physically, emotionally and in a different environment it shows you what spiritual gifts you have and after the trip you can use those gifts in your everyday life to be stewards of God.

Noah Hanisch (Question 3):

If someone asked me if it was worth it to go to the DR, I would say it’s 100% worth it. When I was in the Dominican, we did everything through Christ and I felt so close to him on the trip. We would always pray, and it felt like God was always there. Also, it’s a great way to experience a new culture. In the DR their culture is so much different then ours. They all treat each other like family and instead of being on phones, all the kids would play baseball (a lot). When I was on the trip I made a lot of new friends. When you’re on the trip you meet a lot of new people who are also Christian, and they are friends that are good to have because you can then openly share your faith with them. That is why I recommend going to the DR on a mission trip with the church.

Ashton Moore (Question 3):

If someone asked me if they should go on the Dominican Republic trip I would say yes because everything that you do there you just feel super close to God and it makes it so much more enjoyable knowing he’s working through you and you are being protected by him. Another reason is just how cool it is to be in another country helping out people by doing simple things like shoveling, painting, and placing bricks for the walls they are building. It’s a great way to see the true culture of the country and not the resort part. Last reason is that it’s a great way to get close to people and God. You work with the same people for 10 days so you’re bound to learn more new things about everyone there and everyday we talk about God and pray at least 5 times so it’s a very good way to meet new friends and get closer to God.

Kalli Deremo (Question 3):

If someone asked me whether it was worth it or not to come on the missions trip, I’d 100% tell them yes! This trip gave me so many new experiences that I will carry with me and let me see how God works in so many different places. Getting to experience Dominican culture was truly amazing. Although life is done differently there it is done with so much joy. In Dominican everyone knows everyone, not a single person passed by that our Dominican leaders didn’t know or didn’t wave to. The Dominicans truly embrace and exemplify loving your neighbour as yourself. The new things I got to do will become memories I’ll have forever. Going on this trip also helped me to see how God works through others and helped me to create and develop friendships with each one of my teammates. Having the opportunity to do life and serve God with this team is truly a blessing. This trip reminded me that each of us have special gifts to use to glorify God and being able to encourage my friends and constantly be filled with joy, showed me how deeply God cares about each of us. It was also really cool to spend time alone with God, it really helped me relieve stress and listen to God and reflect on his goodness. Spending time in prayer and scripture allowed me to connect with God. Overall, this trip was an unforgettable experience and a true blessing.