February has been a month of miracles, and I can’t wait to share what God has done.
From a life-changing surgery that cost our ministry absolutely nothing, to four precious widows waiting for a sponsor, to a mission team currently serving this week — God is moving in Barahona, and you are a part of every single story.
Thank you for praying, giving, and standing with us. I hope this update fills your heart with as much joy as it fills mine.
February Highlights:
New partnership with Big Hope Bearden Ministries, a medical ministry based in Georgia
Betania received a full hysterectomy – completely free – through Big Hope Bearden Ministries
3 widows in urgent need of bathrooms – fundraising is underway
4 widows still need sponsors to begin receiving monthly support
Right now, our team is on the ground in the DR, ministering to widows and their families
June trip is almost full- only 5 spots remaining!
A Miracle Partnership: Big Hope Bearden Ministries
Last summer, on our way home from a mission trip, God arranged a divine encounter. We crossed paths with Donna and John Bearden of Big Hope Bearden Ministries — a medical ministry based in Georgia that sends teams of surgeons to Barahona throughout the year to perform free surgeries for those in need.
We immediately knew this was a God-ordained connection. This past month, that partnership changed a life.
Betania is 42 years old. She has three children still at home and was in urgent need of a full hysterectomy. As a ministry, we strongly discourage our widows from using the local hospital in the Dominican Republic. Due to widespread corruption and inadequate care, several of our widows have tragically passed away after receiving treatment there. We always work to find safer, trusted alternatives.
Through Big Hope Bearden Ministries, Betania was seen by a surgeon, and just last week she had her full hysterectomy — completely free. Big Hope Ministries covered every cost.
We are overjoyed to report that Betania is doing well and healing beautifully. Her young sons have stepped up in the most precious way — watching over their mama, making sure she rests, and taking care of her every need. We told them to look after her, and they have done exactly that. 💙
We are so grateful for Donna, John, and the entire Big Hope Bearden Ministries team. This is what the body of Christ looks like in action.
We Need You: Help Us Build 3 Bathrooms
Betania is also one of three widows who do not have a bathroom in their home. The other two are Morena and Nosilia.
Without a bathroom, these women are forced to leave their homes — sometimes in the middle of the night — to find a shared restroom down the street. It is unsafe, undignified, and something we want to change as quickly as possible.
Here’s where things stand:
Betania and Morena already have their bathroom structures started – they just need funds to finish
Nosilia still needs construction to begin
We plan to hire local contractors to complete the builds, and our summer mission trip team will assist with construction on-site
Goal: All three bathrooms completed by July 2026
You can donate toward a specific bathroom build on our website. Visit the Causes page to see the goal for each bathroom and give directly toward completing them.
4 Widows Are Waiting for a Sponsor
Right now, 32 of our widows are fully sponsored — but 4 more are ready to join the program and waiting for someone to say yes to being their sponsor. Will you prayerfully consider supporting one of these women in need?
But the need doesn’t stop there. We currently have additional widows in Barahona who have been identified and are hoping to one day receive support, but we must get the 4 currently on the waiting list sponsored first. The need is great, and it is growing.
What does $100/month provide?
30 days of food for the widow and everyone in her home
Monthly in-home visits with prayer and bible study
Help with essential needs – medicine, doctor visits, basic household items
Home repairs (bed, roofing, and more)
Emergency support when unexpected needs arise
Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring one of these five widows? Every sponsorship brings a woman out of isolation and into a community of care, love, and the Gospel.
On the Ground in the DR - Pray for us!
This week, our mission trip team is serving in Barahona, Dominican Republic (February 28 – March 7)!
We are especially excited because two pastors from two of our partner churches — along with one pastor’s wife — are joining us on this trip as a vision trip, seeing firsthand what For the Widow does on the ground.
Here’s what our week will look like:
Visiting all 36 widows in their communities
Meeting the 4 new widows on our waiting list for the first time
Leading Bible study three days during the week in each community
Hosting our beloved Widows Event where all 36 widows come to our mission house for a special program of worship, fellowship, and celebration
This trip is a powerful opportunity for these pastors to witness widow care in action — and we believe God will use it to deepen their partnership with our ministry.
Safety while we’re in Barahona
Softened hearts among those who we share the Gospel with
A meaningful, Spirit-filled Widows event
Divine connections with the 4 widows we’ll meet for the first time
If you are a pastor interested in joining a future vision trip, we would love to talk with you.
Reach out to us at forthewidow.org.
2026 Mission Trips
We have two more trips coming up this year — and spots are going fast!
June 20-27, 2026 – ALMOST FULL! Only 5 spots remaining
November 7-14, 2026 – Signups open now
Learn more and register at forthewidow.org/mission-trips.
How You Can Help Right Now
Sponsor a widow ($100/month): Four women are waiting. Your “yes” changes everything.
Give toward a bathroom build: Help Betania, Morena, or Nosilia have a safe, dignified home.
Pray: For our trip team, our widows, and the four women waiting to be sponsored.
Go: June is almost full – register today before spots are gone.
Share: Forward this email to someone who might want to get involved.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus alongside us.
