There are moments in ministry when God invites us to return to places where His presence met us in unforgettable ways. For me, Samaná in the Dominican Republic is one of those sacred places. As I prepare to travel back this month, my heart is filled with gratitude, expectation, and a deep sense of pastoral responsibility for the new believers who came to Christ during last year’s mission campaign. Our team witnessed God move with unmistakable power. We saw men and women step forward with courage, confess Jesus as Lord, and begin a journey of faith that reshaped families and ignited hope in their communities. Those decisions were not isolated moments—they were the beginning of discipleship stories still being written today. Returning now allows us to see how those seeds have grown. It is a joy to revisit the very places where prayers were prayed, tears were shed, and lives were changed. My desire is to encourage these new believers, strengthen their walk, and remind them that the global Church stands with them. Mission work is never transactional; it is relational. God knits hearts together across cultures and languages, forming bonds that transcend distance. This trip is an opportunity to sit again with brothers and sisters who welcomed us with open arms, shared their stories, and trusted us to walk with them in their first steps of faith. These relationships matter. They are part of the Kingdom’s fabric, woven by God Himself.
New believers often face pressures that test their commitment—cultural expectations, spiritual opposition, and the everyday realities of life. My prayer is to speak life into their journey, remind them of God’s faithfulness, and help them see that the same Jesus who saved them is the Jesus who sustains them. I want them to know: You are remembered. You are valued. You are not walking alone. This return trip is not simply a reunion; it is a continuation of the mission God began. I believe He is opening doors for deeper discipleship, leadership development, and community impact. The work in Samaná is not finished—and we are honored to be part of what God is doing.
As I pack my bags and prepare my heart, I am reminded that mission work is never about the missionary—it is always about the God who sends. I am humbled to return to Samaná, grateful for the privilege of serving, and eager to witness once again the beauty of God’s work among His people. May this journey be filled with grace, joy, and renewed faith. And may every step taken in Samaná echo the love of Christ to those who welcomed us once, and now welcome us again.
Pastor Joe
