Mission Trip Impact
// Rob Arms
Early in 2019, I arrived in the Dominican Republic from the United States. There was some work that needed addressed at our Colegio Nueva Vida Campus.
Christ Church of the Valley from Phoenix, Arizona, prepared for a week of relationship ministry.
I was immediately greeted by a group of excited students followed by a barrage of questions. When are the missionaries coming? How large is the group? Where is the team from? I barely finished with their questions before another group joined them. After addressing all their questions, the students went their own way with huge smiles of anticipation. Their hopes were confirmed; more teams are coming this year!
Bombita students learning new songs to sing in church.
The question has been raised: Do mission groups really make a difference? In 2019, we had seven teams engaged with the lives of our students, and also children from surrounding communities. Through the efforts of mission teams and the movement of the Holy Spirit, 62 students made a commitment to follow Christ. Countless others were strengthened spiritually. One highlight is the sponsor luncheon, where sponsors get to meet their student (along with a family member) and spend a memorable afternoon together.
Students from Redemption Village are anxious to start their week of Vacation Bible School!
So my answer: Yes! Teams make a difference today and for eternity. When you take a mission trip you never know what experience awaits you. Our students in the Dominican Republic hope to see you soon. ~Rob Arms
