I’m writing to you from the other side of an incredible week in the Dominican Republic. Our team just returned from a powerful mission trip, and I can’t wait to share what God did in the hearts of our widows, our team, and the communities we serve.
From November 15-22, our team of six Americans from Texas and Florida joined three Dominican team members to visit widows, lead Bible studies, distribute food, and share the Gospel. We visited 28 of our 30 widows (two were unfortunately sick), and God showed up in ways that left us in awe.
This trip was marked by deep relationships, powerful teaching moments, and five beautiful salvation stories that reminds us why we do this work. Thank you for making this trip possible through your prayers, your generosity, and your faithfulness to this ministry.
Mission Trip Impact and Stories
⭐️ 28 widows served across 10 communities
⭐️ 120+ people attended Bible studies in Canoa and Mena Arriba
⭐️ 375 pounds of rice and 100 pounds of beans distributed (103 family portions across 6 communities)
⭐️ 1 widow gave her life to Jesus – Maisola made the decision to follow Christ!
⭐️ 4 people gave their lives to Jesus – In addition to Maisola, three women and one boy decided to follow Jesus!
⭐️ Testimony training equipped widows to share their faith with their communities
⭐️ A family in need received a new washing machine, bringing dignity and relief
Over the next two weeks, I’ll be sharing some powerful stories from this trip:
The story of Maisola, an 80+ year-old widow who finally said “yes” to Jesus
The stories of Madeline and Isabel giving their life to Jesus
How a new washing machine brought hope to a family with multiple blind, deaf, and mute members
A Grain of Rice and the Promise of Eternity
One of the most powerful moments of the trip came during our Bible studies in Canoa and Mena Arriba, where we taught about eternal life using a simple, unforgettable illustration.
In Canoa, at Iglesia Templo Biblico, we had over 50 people in attendance – mostly women, but also children and a few men. In Mena Arriba, we had 70+ people, including about 25 women, 5 men, and 40 children.
We brought a large bucket of rice and gave every single person one grain to hold. We explained that this single grain of rice represents our life on earth – a life that will have moments of joy, but also pain, disappointment, and sadness. Then we pointed to all the rice left in the bucket and explained that it represents eternity. In fact, all the rice in the Dominican Republic, all the rice in the world, still wouldn’t equal the length of eternity.
We shared five verses from Scripture about eternal life and reminded them of God’s promises: that His Holy Spirit will be with us when we put our faith in Him, that He will make all things right through the blood of Jesus Christ, and that we should not store our treasure on earth, but in heaven where it will never ruin.
Then we gave each person a small, clear jar. We told them the jar represents Jesus and the hands of God. When we drop our single grain of rice – our life – into the jar and put the lid on, we are placing our life in His hands. He will protect us, care for us, and be in control of all things.
It was a beautiful, tangible reminder that this life is short, but eternity with Jesus is forever.
Empowering Widows to Share Their Testimonies
On Wednesday of the trip, we hosted a widow’s event at the mission house. We brought the widows together for singing, dancing, fellowship, and a powerful lesson on how to share their testimony.
We taught them a simple three-part framework:
What was your life like before you put your faith in Jesus? What were the things you went through when you were alone without Him?
How did He save you? What was it like when you made the decision to put your faith in Him?
What has your life been like after Jesus? How does He help you in your life now?
After teaching them the three parts, three of our American teenagers – Cole, Alyssa, and Kaleigh – stood up and gave their testimonies as examples. Then four of our widows volunteered to share their testimonies as well.
It was infectious. As each widow shared what God had done in her life, other widows wanted to get up and share, too. It was a powerful reminder that when we share our testimony out loud, it encourages others to do the same.
We also made a fun video with the widows to Forrest Frank’s song “Celebration.” We wanted to do something joyful and remind them that when someone puts their faith in Jesus, we celebrate what God has done!
How You Can Get Involved
There are so many ways to be part of what God is doing through For the Widow.
Your giving provides food, medicine, transportation, Bibles, and so much more – but most importantly, it reminds each widow that she is loved and cherished.
Whether you give monthly, sponsor a widow, or give when you’re able, we want you to know that 100% of every dollar is used with care and purpose. We’re committed to being faithful stewards of the resources God provides through people like you.
Ready to Join Us on a Mission Trip?
We’re excited to announce our 2026 mission trip dates! Limited spots are available, so don’t wait to reserve yours.
February 28 – March 7, 2026
June 20 – 27, 2026
November 7 – 14, 2026
Gather your friends, family, or small group and plan a life-changing trip to serve alongside us.
