A medical volunteer group from Southside Church of the Nazarene in Virginia, USA, traveled to the Dominican Republic in partnership with Work & Witness and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. 

The team worked for one day in each of the five districts from 3 to 10 February. More than 550 people received medical and spiritual care, and 60 people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.

"Every day in every district manifested especially the power of the Holy Spirit through express compassion as an act of true love," said Paquita Bido, NCM coordinator for the Central Field. 

He also said that not only the lives of the patients were transformed, but also of those who served.

Nathalie Franco, a Dominican volunteer who served as a translator, shared her experience.

"Last week there were people who paid to provide their support to various communities in my Dominican Republic, who put aside all interests and personal commitments to serve others," Franco said. "I saw love in their eyes, their smiles when Jesus spoke to each patient, but above all, I love when God healed the sick when He restored their bones, when He gave sight to those who came without seeing. ... After that week, my life will not be the same ever. I fell in love with a real God, power and goodness, a God who loves you and expects nothing in return but a grateful heart for His mercy."

Bido thanked the group, led by Sonia Cheda, Sheldon Drake, Dave Nef, and Pastor Kevin Skellet.

For more information on Work & Witness opportunities, visit nazarene.org/workandwitness.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica