Over the summer, three students from STCH Ministries Boothe Campus went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
For many, it was their first time venturing beyond Texas, making the experience surreal as they navigated the bustling airport on their way to serve abroad. It was a journey that would open their eyes and deepen their faith in ways they never imagined.
The students, selected through an application process, participated thanks to funding from Women’s Missionary Union of Texas and the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions.
Since 2001, STCH Ministries has applied for the grant, enabling students to alternate between U.S.-based trips and international mission trips, providing opportunities for discipleship and service.
On this trip, the students worked alongside two church groups.
Christopher, a high school junior, was inspired by a pastor’s words to apply. Under the guidance of Benjamin Brewer, STCH Ministries student ministries coordinator, the students prepared by learning about Dominican culture, developing their testimonies and studying the book Go Well.
“The people we were going to serve were what mattered most,” Brewer explained. “At the end of the day, the relationships we build are the primary focus.”
Upon arriving, the students were struck by the stark differences between Dominican life and Texas life.
“We couldn’t believe that people lived like this,” Christopher remarked. Their time at an orphanage in Santiago was particularly eye-opening. Sometimes joking about being “orphans” back home, the students realized they were not.
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“We actually have it pretty good,” they reflected.
Close bonds built
The students bonded deeply with the children at the orphanage. Mary, a high school senior, was brought to tears by a little girl who clung to her, pleading: “I love you, Mary. Please take me home with you.”
Christopher developed close relationships playing sports with a child who eagerly awaited his return each day. “When I came back, he ran to me and jumped into my arms,” Christopher recalled. “It was hard to leave that kind of love behind.”
Journie, another student, helped with Vacation Bible School alongside her housemom, Brandy. “Seeing the kids sing Christian songs and participate was amazing,” she said.
Journie also learned valuable lessons about contentment. “God helped me know that even when we don’t have something, we can still make the best of what we do have,” she said.
The mission trip was not just about service, but also skill development and the joy of giving. Under the guidance of projects coordinator Russell Jerez, the students helped build playground equipment for the orphanage.
Housepop Terry Burtchell shared his expertise. Passionate about woodworking, he helped the students create something that would bring children joy.
The generosity of the Dominican community left a lasting impression. One family, supported by STCH Ministries Samuel’s Fund, invited the mission team to dinner at their home. Samuel’s Fund is a sponsorship program that helps orphans and at-risk children in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador.
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