About 75 people from nine countries on the Mesoamerica Region joined together to carry out a Maximum Mission project in the Dominican Republic to impact people with the message of salvation through service and compassion.

Roughly 300 children were ministered to, and 50 people accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

The event took place from 14-18 July, before the regional youth congress. Participants settled in three different sites to serve the communities: Higuey, La Otra Banda, and Hato Mayor.

The missions team split into groups and served simultaneously in the three locations. Some of the activities included a visit to a home for the elderly, where the team members spent time listening to and washing the feet of the elderly. During a visit to a detention center, they shared a message of hope along with food and personal hygiene items to residents. In addition, they delivered clothing, food, and personal hygiene items to needy families. They also worked on repairing the roof of a house that was in disrepair.

Elba Duson, coordinator of Missions Mobilization for the Central Field, said that language barriers were not a limitation for participants from the Caribbean Field to join in this time of service.

“I am amazed at what God can do with hearts willing to be instruments of his love,” said Mitzi Villegas, a participant from Mexico. “God brought us together in the way he wanted and led us to do things we never imagined we were capable of doing. There was no language or cultural barrier that prevented us from serving with love.”

An important part of the Maximum Mission project was the work with the children carried out through Vacation Bible Schools, recreational and sports activities, donation of school supplies, and also washing and combing the girls' hair.

Another significant part of the project was the creative evangelism work that was carried out on the streets, at traffic lights, in homes, and with people on the streets.

“Seeing the impact of the gospel in the lives of young children and their passion to share it was a breath of hope for the future but also a reminder that the kingdom of God belongs to children,” said Timmeon Spencer, Missions Mobilization coordinator for the Caribbean Field.

Kenia Flores, from Mexico, shared that a year ago, her mental health deteriorated and was a burden that continued to weigh on her and cause her insecurity.

But during the event, one night before going to sleep, she opened her Bible and received a message from God in Joel 2:21. “Do not be afraid O earth; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD will do great things.”

“Beyond my fears and complexes, there is a God who renews,” Kenia said. “I knew that God would [speak to] me from the day we arrived. I heard the brothers from Higüey sing, 'I will change my sadness, I will change my shame, I will give them for the joy of God.' How could I not cry with such joyful praise? It is the power of Christ. Beyond the pain, beyond my past, he was already working.”

--Mesoamerica Region Church of the Nazarene