In 2013, we, alongside dozens of other ministries, invaded the nation of Honduras as a part of 1Nation1Day with one common goal: to see national transformation take place. Working with the highest government officials, the key business leaders, and virtually all pastors in the nation, we were able to see God work in miraculous ways. Since that trip two years ago, violence in the nation dropped nearly 40%, the largest gang in the nation was disbanded, school attendance is at an all time high as they are teaching biblical values in their curriculum, and the church is stronger than ever.
This year, we endeavored to do something similar in the nation of the Dominican Republic. This was a nation that faced its own unique challenges, not the least of which being the division among churches and pastors. Prior to coming to the Dominican, I was told that the church as a whole was not very united, but this became abundantly evident once we arrived in the country.
Our team of 38 missionaries was stationed in the province of San Juan, with around 2,000 other missionaries scattered across the other provinces. From the start of the trip, I noticed there was division between the key pastors we were working with—having their own agendas, wanting things done their way, with their church members getting the key roles, etc. I thought perhaps this was unique to our province, but after hearing reports from many of the other mission teams, this was standard across the nation.
It became evident to me early on that one of our main goals, if not the main goal, of this trip was to unite the local churches together. I am a firm believer in the fact that the united, mobilized local church is the hope of the world. The quickest way for a movement from God to be stopped in its tracks is to get Christians divided, fighting and bickering with one another. The Kingdom of God is ushered in most effectively when there is a sprit of unity amongst the believers.
Even though this 1Nation1Day trip had different outcomes than the trip to Honduras, I believe with all my heart that it was a success. Yes, the numbers were less than in Honduras. Yes, there seemed to be more opposition. But we were able to make a significant impact on many key leaders, and start the process of bringing lasting unity to the Body of Christ in the Dominican Republic. Since the 1Nation1Day missions trip, there have been hundreds of pastors who have expressed their apologies for not being a part of this movement, and committing to unite with other churches for the future.
Honduras in 2013 was ripe for national transformation, and national transformation took place. Dominican Republic was also a nation ready for national transformation, but with a much greater focus on the foundation of the nation—the leaders of the local church. Looking forward, we are believing for the Dominican Republic to be an example to other nations of a church united together to see the Kingdom of God come to this earth.
Thank you to everyone who supported us on this mission trip—your prayers and financial support were not in vain. As always when I come back from a mission trip, I am flooded with the reminder that everything that happened would not be possible without the continual help of our committed supporters. Thank you for partnering with us. Together, we are seeing the Kingdom of God come to the earth!
For the Lost,
Jesse