Hi Friend,This past June, we had the joy of welcoming 22 wonderful teammates from Harvest Hill Church in Midlothian, Texas, for their very first mission trip with For the Widow. They spent eight unforgettable days walking alongside our community in Barahona, Dominican Republic, and the warmth and love they brought with them will be felt for a long time to come.
Together, we saw God move in such tangible, life-changing ways across the region. Here is a look at what He accomplished through their servant hearts:
- 800 pounds of rice and beans distributed, bringing nourishing meals to around 100 families
- 12 different communities and 38 widows visited, making sure these precious women felt seen, valued, and loved right in their own homes
- 5 widows matched with sponsors, surrounding them with long-term prayer and financial support
- Over 300 lives reached with the gospel through heartfelt Bible studies
- 6 people made the beautiful decision to give their lives to Jesus Christ
We are so deeply grateful for every person who went, prayed, and supported this trip. You are helping build a family where no widow has to walk alone.
Carmen’s Story
One of the most touching moments of the whole week centered around Carmen, a new widow from Santa Elena who is blind and had just recently joined our ministry family. At the time, she was still waiting to be matched with a sponsor.
While resting in the shade of a tree outside a neighbor’s house, Stephanie, one of our team members from Harvest Hill, felt a strong pull on her heart. Carmen had been on Stephanie’s mind ever since they met a few days earlier, and right then and there, Stephanie knew she wanted to become her sponsor.
She got to share the wonderful news with Carmen face-to-face, right under that tree. Hearing that she was chosen and loved brought Carmen to tears, filling the moment with pure joy, heartfelt gratitude, and warm hugs. It was a beautiful reminder of how God connects our hearts across miles to let these precious women know they are never forgotten.
A Bathroom and a Blessing
The team worked closely with a local contractor to build a private, working bathroom for Morena, a widow who lovingly opens her home to her children and grandchildren. For years, like so many women in her community, Morena lived without basic indoor plumbing or running water. Something as simple as taking a shower or using the toilet meant daily compromises on comfort, privacy, and personal health.
Thanks to this project and the incredible kindness of our supporters, Morena and her family now have a clean shower, sink, and toilet right inside their house.
Having a safe, functional bathroom changes everything for a family like Morena’s:
- Safety and peace of mind: Her family no longer has to leave the house late at night or rely on unsafe outdoor setups, giving Morena comfort knowing her children and grandchildren are protected.
- Health for the whole household: Reliable access to clean running water keeps the little ones healthy, cutting down on preventable illnesses and easing the constant worry that comes with raising a family in poverty.
- A feeling of dignity: Being able to wash up in a private, clean space reminds Morena that she is seen, cared for, and valued.
When you support projects like this, you do so much more than build a structure. You lift a heavy weight off a mother’s shoulders and bring health, comfort, and joy to an entire home.
Gathering the Widows Together
Midweek, we welcomed 38 wonderful widows to the mission house for an evening that truly warmed our hearts. We started the night lifted up in worship and gave a warm welcome to the new women joining our community for the first time. To break the ice, we challenged everyone to step out of their comfort zones, find three people they didn’t know yet, and give them a big hug. The room quickly filled with laughter and bright smiles.
We then gathered into small, cozy groups of five or six, intentionally mixing women from different neighborhoods so they could build new friendships, with a translator helping every voice be heard. They opened up about the Christian values they hope to pass down to their children and grandchildren, and shared sweet stories of how this ministry has touched their lives. Before the night ended, one woman from each group stood up to share a few takeaways with the room. It was such a moving picture of the beautiful, supportive family God is building here among women who might never have crossed paths otherwise.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on their time with us, it was inspiring to see how deeply the Harvest Hill team connected with the widows of Barahona. Their love shone through in every home they visited, every conversation they shared, and every hand they held. In fact, they were already talking about their next return before they even left. We could not be more grateful for the heart and spirit they brought to this trip.
Seeing a team serve with so much joy was a wonderful reminder of what happens when a congregation steps out together. If your church family is feeling called to serve, we would love to help you host a custom mission trip of your own.
While For the Widow handles the on-the-ground logistics, security, and community relationships, your leadership team will direct the daily ministry with guidance from our director. Together, we can create an unforgettable experience that perfectly matches the unique skills, passions, and calling of your group.
