THE MODEL
We have been working since 2007 with an organization called G.O. Ministries which is a Christian non-profit dedicated to the ministry of short-term missions and the development of global partnerships of ministry. G.O. Ministries' model is to empower Dominican nationals to continue and support the work they are already doing in their communities. Our relationship with G.O. Ministries, the missionaries, and the nationals we have encountered is one built upon a solid foundation of continuing support, not simply a week of physical work per year. As a church, we travel with the intention of returning, at least yearly if not more, to work with the Dominican community we are coming to know and love. Ours is a focus of relationship building above all else as a sustainable model for continued support.

A NEW PLACE TO SERVE
In early 2010 Pastor Luis transitioned to working with a different community - one with much greater needs than anything he has encountered before. This new community, Santa Lucia, is also called La Mosca ("The Fly") due to the multitude of flies which thrive off the surrounding trash dump. Our friends who are full-time missionaries with G.O. Ministries characterize the area as "a place of profound suffering and despair. Disease, addiction, crime, illiteracy, and malnutrition reign supreme. La Mosca is a torment for those that live there. It is truly a place characterized by hopelessness." We have gotten recent reports from Pastor Luis of escalating violence there as well. As Jesus calls us to go into the darkest places to bring hope, we are looking forward to the challenge of serving this community as Pastor Luis does each day. For a description, photos, and video of La Mosca, see our friends Jeff & Vicki Rogers blog.

WHERE DOES YOUR SUPPORT GO?
Your financial support goes towards group travel expenses, food, lodging, medical supplies, supplies for children’s activities, and equipment that we will leave in the Dominican when we return home. Just as we consider our trip an investment in the Dominican Republic, we hope you consider a donation an investment in the development of leaders in areas of great need. If you would like to support a specific individual going on the trip, please make a note in the memo line of your check or otherwise indicate your preference. For more information, please visit our fundraising page. Also, prayer partners are just as important as financial partners. If you would like to commit to praying consistently for our trip preparations and work, please let us know!

WHAT ABOUT HAITI?
In addition to the Dominican Republic, G.O. Ministries also works in Columbia; Mongolia; Louisville, KY; and facilitates a church, medical clinic, nutrition center, dormitory for teams, ongoing training, sports outreach, and a Christian school in Haiti. By supporting our trip and our commitment to G.O. Ministries, you are also supporting the relief work they are doing in Haiti every day. For more information on G.O. Ministries Haiti Relief efforts, please visit www.gohelphaiti.org.