IN THE HEART OF A BUSTLING AIRPORT, the unfamiliar sights and sounds starkly contrasted with the world they knew. For students from our Homes for Children campus, this was their first time venturing beyond Texas, making the thought of boarding a plane to a foreign country surreal. As they weaved through the crowded terminal, it suddenly hit them – this was not Texas anymore. They had arrived in the Dominican Republic, where the culture is vibrant, the people are warm and the needs are profound.

This past summer, three students from our Boothe campus embarked on this journey. Alongside two other church groups, they participated in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic – a journey that would challenge their perspectives and deepen their understanding of God’s love in ways they never imagined.

To join the mission trip, high school students applied and interviewed with STCH Ministries’ staff. Unlike traditional mission trips where participants fundraise for their expenses, this trip was made possible by generous gifts to the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions. This benevolent offering, designed by Women’s Missionary Union of Texas, advances Texas Baptist missions in leading people to know Christ and developing a missional lifestyle as part of fulfilling the Great Commission.

Among those selected was Christopher Lee, a high school junior. His work with kids through his school’s ACE program, along with the influence of a pastor’s words about God’s calling, inspired him to apply for the trip. He attributes his experiences and dedication to service as key factors in making him a strong candidate and securing his spot on the team.

Under the guidance of Benjamin Brewer, STCH Ministries Student Ministries Coordinator, the students prepared diligently for the trip. They learned about the Dominican culture, developed their testimonies and studied “Go Well,” a book recommended by STCH Ministries’ Dominican partners. “We emphasized that the people we were going to serve were what mattered most,” Benjamin explained.

“All of the activities are wonderful, but at the end of the day, the relationships we build are the primary focus of our mission trip.”

As the plane descended into the Dominican Republic, the students looked out the window at a patchwork of homes, some barely standing. The bustling streets below hinted at a world far different from what they knew. The students quickly realized that this was not just something they had seen in movies or on YouTube – it was real life.

“We couldn’t believe that people lived like this. It really opened our eyes to how different life is in other parts of the world,” Christopher remarked, observing the differences compared to their lives in Texas.

The time spent at an orphanage in Santiago was particularly impactful. For our Boothe Campus students, who sometimes joke about being “orphans,” the experience brought a new perspective. “We realized we’re not orphans,” they reflected. “We actually have it pretty good.”

The students quickly formed strong bonds with the children at the orphanage. Mary, a high school senior, was brought to tears by a little girl who clung to her, saying, “I love you, Mary. Please take me home with you.” Christopher also developed close relationships, spending time playing sports with a child who eagerly awaited his return each day. “When I came back the next day, he ran to me and jumped into my arms,” Christopher recalled, tears welling in his eyes.

“It was hard to leave that kind of love behind.”

Journie, one of the student participants, was deeply moved by the trip. “It was an amazing experience, seeing kids sing Christian songs and participating,” she shared. Alongside her housemom Brandy, Journie helped with Vacation Bible School at IBQ and watched over a class of four-year-olds while the orphanage conducted teacher evaluations.

The trip offered valuable lessons beyond the act of service. The students learned that even when material resources are limited, we can still make the most of what we have. Journie reflected on this lesson, saying, “God helped me know that sometimes if we do not have something, we can still make the best out of what we have.”

In addition to these insights, the mission trip was a chance to develop new skills and experience the joy of giving. Under the guidance of Russell Jerez, Projects Coordinator, the students worked on building playground equipment for the orphanage, a task that brought a sense of accomplishment and teamwork. As they worked, Terry Burtchell, a housepop with a passion for woodworking, shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with the students. His experience added an extra layer of meaning to the project, as he helped the students learn to create something that would bring joy to kids around the world.

The generosity of the Dominican community also left a lasting impact. One evening, a family sponsored by STCH Ministries’ Samuel’s Fund program invited them to dinner at their home, where their hospitality and love were overwhelming. “They gave so much, asking about our families and what they could pray for,” Christopher shared. During dinner, the father, a tailor, even took the time to fit them for custom-tailored shirts, which were gifted to them. The students were deeply moved by the way the community embodied the spirit of giving, showing them that love and generosity surpass language and borders.

Language barriers sometimes made sharing testimonies difficult, but the love they shared went beyond mere words. During Vacation Bible School, their joy and enthusiasm were contagious, even without full understanding. The students led story time, skits, crafts and games, and despite the language gap, their connection with the children ran deep.

Benjamin was particularly moved by the deep faith of the Dominican community.

“Their prayers were so heartfelt, and their love for God was evident. It caused a lot of self-reflection for our students,” he said. The trip was a powerful reminder that love and faith can bridge any gap, no matter how wide.

Returning home after such a powerful experience brought heavy hearts. The memories of the children’s smiles, the generosity of the families and the deep faith of the community will be treasured, but the real challenge lies in keeping the passion alive. “It’s difficult to remember what you experienced and allow it to affect you long term. How do you stay passionate for the Lord and remember what He’s doing?” Benjamin wondered.

For those who went on the mission trip, the journey did not end when they boarded the plane back home. What they learned in the Dominican Republic continues to resonate and prompt moments of reflection. They see each day as an opportunity to recall the love and joy experienced, allowing it to shape and change their lives.

As the students reflected on their time in the Dominican Republic, one theme emerged above all others: love. “Our hope is that the community remembers how we loved them and each other as Jesus loves us,” Benjamin said. “Love is the ultimate goal.”

The mission trip may have been just one week, but its impact will last a lifetime. For the students of STCH Ministries Homes for Children, the journey was about more than just serving others – it was about experiencing God’s love in a profound way and learning to carry that love and generous spirit into their everyday lives.