This page will be updated with future trips as well! STAY TUNED!
-Gordon Wojton Jr.
Dominican Republic – Jarabacoa 2025
I recently traveled to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic.
I went with my church family to partner with one of our partners, Mission of Hope. They exist, like every believer should, to make Christ known. Their mission is to bring life transformation to every man, woman and child — which is ultimately God’s goal in each of our lives.
Some of the biggest problems in Haiti and Dominican are lack of food, clean water, healthcare and friendly relations with eachother.
That is what Mission of Hope seeks to bring: food, water, healthcare and the transformational power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have you ever heard the gospel?
G – God created us to be with Him.
O – Our sins separate us from God.
S – Sins cannot be removed by good deeds.
P – Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again.
E – Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life.
L – Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.
Here is a good video about the history and relations of the two countries:
Why did we go here?
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”
– Jesus Christ
Not only is the Gospel important for us, but it’s important for this island because they have forgotten to love their neighbor. That is how we are going to save Hispaniola.
FACT: the Dominican flag is the only one in the world with a Bible on it.
“God, Homeland, Liberty”
Isn’t cool to see God’s faithfulness and the faith of the Dominican People in that way?
Here is a little breakdown of what we did for the week…
MEDICAL CLINIC
Picture this with me: a church transformed into a clinic. This wasn’t the church you and I pass by on our way to Target or Starbucks, but a building we would equate to a two car garage attached to the nice neighbors home across the street. A building that sits with chairs and a projector on a Sunday, flipped into a mini waiting room, triage space, provider space, eyeglass station and pharmacy; all to serve the people in this small village, thousands of miles away.
– Jordan Purrington
Medical Clinic inside Fuente De Paz, the local church.
We served over 300 people in two days at the medical clinic. I stepped into a provider role and had the privilege of assessing them not only physically, but spiritually as well. I prayed with every single patient I saw and reiterated the importance of having a relationship with Jesus while sharing with them Matthew 4:4 which is Jesus’ response to the enemy when he is being tempted in the desert: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” — the implication being that spiritual food, reading God’s word is more important than physical nourishment.
“I spent time praying over each individual, knowing that the power of our loving and caring Father above was the only true answer to the many trials they were facing.“
-Jordan Purrington
Pastor Yeudi and his family that faithfully serve the people of Jarabacoa
Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
- Book of Psalms
My favorite part of the trip was making connections with the local people, praying for them and holding babies. On the right, Osmailin, an adorable little baby. Holding her and praying over her was one of the hightlights of my trip.
Just a random picture of the town as we drove through, notice the billboard representing “Padel”, a popular sport that blends elements of tennis and pickleball.
The Chapel had dish duty one night! Each missionary team volunteers for dishes one night of the week so the local ladies that work in the kitchen can get home a little earlier and spend time with their family!
WATER FILTER PROVISION
We had two days of delivering water filters to folks in the community who did not have access to clean water. The church “Fuente De Paz” does a really good job of outreach and data collection to keep a running list of needs of the people in town. The water filter makes a great gospel sharing opportunity because I would ask: “Do you prefer clean water or dirty water?”, to which everyone answers “clean”. And that opens the door to explain how God prefers us to be holy/clean/righteous. But the only way WE can be made CLEAN is through JESUS, the water filter!
“We ministered to this woman, named Julia, during our ministry time. She could barely walk and had no clean water. We provided a water filter and shared the gospel with her!! She was so encouraged and praised God for our visit. “
– Ava Grohusko
“Going into this trip I knew I would leave forever changed, I just didn’t realize how much. I didn’t expect how deeply I would be impacted and moved by the words, actions, and presence of those around me. I felt the Holy Spirit radiating off of the locals and I was moved to tears that I couldn’t control. I left mentally, emotionally, and spiritually changed. I cannot express the immense gratitude and thankfulness I have for this journey! That quiet whisper from God urging me to go on mission has ignited such a passion inside of me.“
Go and serve! Grow the Kingdom of God!
– Emilee Budziszewski
Unfiltered-Faith 