I just got back from an eight-day mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where we visited our widows and welcomed new friends into our ministry family. This trip was anything but easy, but God’s presence was unmistakable every step of the way.
Three incredible women joined us for the full journey, and midway through, we were blessed to have Pastor Kirk Coffman from Harvest Hill Church in Midlothian, Texas, and Pastor Bill Hawks and his wife, Leigh Ann, from Highland Colony Baptist Church in Ridgeland, Mississippi, join us for a special vision trip. Their encouragement and support, especially during a week of obstacles, were a true gift.
From the moment we arrived, challenges seemed to chase us. One of our beloved widows, Rellita, suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Witnessing the conditions in the local hospital was heartbreaking and a stark reminder of how different healthcare is for our widows. I quickly realized we need to find more reliable, trustworthy care for them. Before the week ended, we found ourselves rushing another widow to the hospital, uncertain and scared, and not getting the answers we needed.
It wasn’t just physical trials. We learned about demonic spiritual activities that go on in the very communities we serve – a sobering reality that deepened our resolve to share God’s love and truth.
Just when we thought we’d seen it all, our ministry truck broke down. But God provided: our driver and friend Cuco came to the rescue, reminding us that even in chaos, He sends help.
As I reflected on these hardships, I felt God asking: “Will you trust Me, even when things are hard?” Each test became a chance to lean on Him, not my own strength. Through it all, our team was united in prayer and provided much-needed encouragement.
Amid the trials, there were beautiful moments I want to tell you about. They reminded us why we do this work…
New widows visited and sponsored
Impact of our new literacy program on the lives of widows
Generational faith as a result of sharing God’s word
On Friday, the team threw me the best surprise birthday party I’ve ever had, full of music, dancing, and so much love from our Dominican family. My husband Peter, Miqueas, and my ministry sisters orchestrated the whole thing. It was a joyful reminder of the family God is building through For the Widow!
Thank you, friend, for making these moments possible. Your prayers and support are the reason we can keep showing up, even when it’s hard. God is at work, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this story.
Moments of Hope & Transformation
We met five new widows this week. One widow was sponsored by a team member and the other four are still waiting for a sponsor so they can begin to receive support.
One night, after a hospital emergency, one of our new widows, Maritza, opened her home to our team. She offered chairs, made coffee, and even introduced us to her family. As the team waited for transportation to arrive, a nearby baseball team wandered over, and soon, stories and testimonies were being shared across languages and backgrounds. The next evening, during Bible study, Maritza came forward to rededicate her life to Jesus and was sponsored by one of our team members. These are the moments that make the challenges worthwhile.
Another widow, Amantina, told us the story of how she was diagnosed with uterine cancer last year. She has had several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She has a follow-up appointment in June to determine what is happening. She told us that she believes in the name of Jesus that there is no more cancer in her body. We are believing and praying for the same thing.
Impact of Education
Mada Yoni sat and told us the story of how she and her neighbor Maria were once enemies, throwing rocks at each other’s homes and arguing with each other. However, after Maria joined one of the literacy classes, a new friendship began to form and it showed us the ripple effect of education and dignity.
Gladys, our very first widow, called our literacy program “the best thing you’ve ever done for us.” And Consuelo, our 100-year-old widow, is one of the best students when it comes to learning. She does her homework and even practiced her letters throughout our widows event on Friday.
It’s easy to forget how precious education is until you see it transform a life.
Generational Faith
Nosilia’s grandson, Chicky BoBo, recited a Bible verse for us (Exodus 20:12) less than a year after his grandmother came to faith. With Nosilia’s decision to follow Jesus, she began attending church regularly with her two grandsons.
God’s Word is taking root in young and old alike. The ripple effect of one woman’s decision to follow Jesus is now shaping the next generation.
A Pastor’s Perspective
We were blessed to have two pastors and a pastor’s wife join us for a vision trip. Our ministry relies on church partners to fund the work we do in the Dominican Republic, so it’s important to show the pastors of these churches first-hand the impact their tithes and support are having on the ministry.
If you’d like to hear firsthand what this trip is like, click the videos below to watch short video testimonials from two pastors who recently joined us in the Dominican Republic. They share what they saw, how God moved, and why they believe the Church should keep showing up for widows.
