Dominican Republic Mission July 2023
Through the Grace of God, our youth and congregants, led by Reverend Father Abraam Ayoub, traveled to the Dominican Republic to serve our brothers and sisters on the island, under the guidance of His Grace Bishop Youssef of Bolivia. The trip started on June 26th until July 6th. Please take a few minutes to read about the experiences of our group and plan to join us next year when we head back to D.R.
This trip was from Christ Himself. It is a gift I am undeserving of and one I pray I will never forget. I was transported into Heaven on Earth. I was greeted by earth angels and people who love Christ so passionately and deeply that our earthly bodies could find no other response but laughter and tears. We were blessed and spoiled daily with encounters from individuals struggling physically and financially but spiritually overflowing with wealth. They prayed over us, loved us, played with us, sang with us, and taught us what it means to pray unceasingly. We came to serve and were served. We came to pray and were prayed over. We came to love and were loved. Even those struggling spiritually taught us the power of prayer and how Christ is truly our lifeline. Attacks from the devil daily, both physically and spiritually, on our bodies, on the building, on our relationships, tried to shake us and steer us away from our service, but it only made us cling to Him tighter. We were shepherded by His Grace Bishop Youssef and Abouna Abraam who taught us daily that diving into Scripture and prayer and keeping Christ in the center of our service and our lives is our main goal otherwise, what is the point? Days we lacked in prayer, we felt it in the service and in ourselves individually. We are nothing without Christ, He is our everything and our reason to serve in the first place. I learned so much from those I served with, they have a permanent home in my heart, and because of them, I am better. I am so grateful for this experience, and I cannot wait to reunite with the other half of my heart that I left behind in the Dominican Republic. - Sofia Hart
In the summer of 2023, I embarked on a life-changing Coptic Orthodox mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the locals, and their genuine happiness and gratitude were humbling. Our days started early at makeshift medical clinics, where we worked alongside doctors and pharmacists to provide essential care to the residents. Despite the language barrier, the power of compassion allowed us to connect deeply with the patients. Witnessing the resilience and faith of the community left a lasting impression on all of us. We also cherished the time spent with the children, playing sports and experiencing pure joy. The journey taught us valuable lessons in gratitude, resilience, and the beauty of community. The friendships formed with both locals and fellow volunteers were precious, and the experience reinforced the fulfillment of living out our Christian values through service. - Mariam Ibrahim
In the summer of 2023, I was blessed enough to go on a transformative journey to the Dominican Republic, not as a mere tourist, but as part of a Coptic Orthodox medical mission trip. Little did I know that this experience would leave an indelible mark on my heart, forever changing the way I viewed service, community, and the love of Christ. Our mission was simple yet profound: to provide medical aid and care to the underserved communities of the Dominican Republic, while also engaging with the local children, teaching them about the hymns and teachings of Jesus Christ, and fostering a sense of unity and belonging within our group. As a member of the team, I was humbled and honored to serve alongside skilled doctors and pharmacists, pooling our resources and expertise to bring hope and healing to those in need. Upon our arrival, the warm embrace of the Dominican people instantly made us feel at home. We were met with open hearts and eager smiles, a testament to their resilient spirit despite facing various challenges in life. From day one, it became evident that this was not just a mission trip; it was an opportunity to create a family with people from different corners of the world, bound together by our faith and a shared desire to make a positive impact. This Christian Coptic Orthodox medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic was a sacred journey that touched our souls, reshaped our perspectives, and instilled in us a commitment to compassion and service. We returned home, not as the same individuals who embarked on this adventure, but as a united family, forever connected by our shared experiences, our faith, and the lasting impact of Christ's love on the lives of those we served. - Emily Kallah
The Dominican Republic was my first mission trip. Being in the very first group to serve in the D.R., I was hesitant of my ability to contribute. However, I learned so much every day from everyone I met or had already known. The love Sayedna and Abouna served with taught me a lot about humility and empathy. I also learned from other servants how to serve passionately and with an open heart. During our time there, we set up a clinic to provide medical assistance, and it was heartwarming to witness the gratitude of the people who sought help. Despite their severe illnesses and dire needs, their unyielding faith in God was inspiring. They truly prayed without ceasing. There were also children that came to church daily seeking companionship. Although language was a barrier, most of these kids just needed someone to smile at them or give them a warm hug. When given the smallest amount of attention, their faces would brighten up and the room would be filled with giggles and laughter.
Our mission was to represent the image of Christ in a foreign land, but it was humbling to discover that the people we encountered already reflected the love and compassion of God, without even knowing. This eye-opening experience left me immensely grateful for the blessings in my life - my loving family, the comfort of a roof over my head, and easy access to food. It also filled me with hope for the future growth of the Dominican Republic church congregation, knowing that the genuine faith and warmth of future servants would continue to touch the lives of many. - Mora Guriguis
One day on our trip, Anba Youssef posed a question: "What does it truly mean to love God?" As his talk unfolded, it was concluded that knowing God is inseparable from loving Him, and that loving God extends to loving His children. Throughout our time in the DR, this lesson resonated deeply within me. Of the many beautiful memories of our trip, one in particular stands out to me. We visited an isolated orphanage, away from the lively, bustling streets we were accustomed to. Upon our arrival, the children joyfully welcomed us in as they eagerly embraced the Bible lessons and songs we shared with them, but it was their openness to our affection that left the most lasting impression. With just two simple words—"Te amo" ("I love you" in Spanish)—they had felt loved and cherished. In contrast to our complicated and busy daily lives back home, the DR trip showed me the power of simplicity and how to to love others out of the overflowing love Christ has graciously loved us with. Being part of this trip was an absolute blessing because it not only unveiled the depth of Christ's love to us but it also blessed me with countless brothers and sisters in Christ, both among the locals and those I served alongside. -Holly Saleeb
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