Dominican Republic Team Update

Dominican Republic Mission Update | Serving with Children of the Nations

Our Dominican Republic Mission Team has officially begun their journey! On Saturday, July 25, three members of our Trinity family—Paris Del Degan, Jacquelyn Phillips, and Odin Phillips—traveled to the Dominican Republic to serve alongside Children of the Nations‍ ‍through August 6. They joined 14 other team members from churches in Washington, California, and Florida, united by a shared desire to serve in Christ's name.

Already, God has provided meaningful opportunities for the team to serve, build relationships, and experience His faithfulness.

One of their first projects was building and delivering two beds to sponsored young adults in Don Bosco, both of whom have significant disabilities. The team was deeply moved by the warmth, kindness, and gratitude of the families they met. These simple acts of service became tangible reminders of God's love and care.

The team has also enjoyed sharing meals with four different local families. Around each table, they have experienced genuine hospitality, delicious food, and the joy of connecting across cultures as brothers and sisters in Christ.

A special highlight has been the opportunity for team members to meet their sponsored children. During a pool party, one team member had the joy of meeting her sponsored child for the very first time, while others eagerly anticipated those introductions later that day. These moments are a beautiful picture of the relationships that Children of the Nations seeks to foster and the hope that grows through long-term investment in children and families.

The group also traveled to Pedernales, where they led English and art lessons for local children. Paris did a wonderful job organizing engaging English-learning activities, helping create a fun and encouraging environment for the students. The team was greeted with an unforgettable surprise as the children hid behind a gate before bursting out with an enthusiastic welcome—a joyful moment that touched everyone's hearts!

While in Pedernales, the team also visited the demilitarized zone along the Dominican Republic–Haiti border, gaining a greater understanding of the region and the unique challenges facing the communities there.

One of the greatest blessings of the trip has been watching God knit this team together. Although they represent three churches across Washington, California, and Florida, friendships have formed quickly among both the adults and students. Their unity, encouragement, and shared heart for serving have been a beautiful testimony to the work God is doing—not only through them, but also within them.

As the team continues serving through August 6, we are grateful for the ways God is already at work and look forward to hearing more stories of His faithfulness in the days ahead.

How to Pray

Please continue lifting our team before the Lord:

  • Pray for strength, health, and unity as they continue serving together throughout the remainder of the trip.

  • Pray for meaningful relationships with the children, families, and local ministry partners, and that every interaction would reflect the love of Christ.

  • Pray for Children of the Nations as they faithfully serve children and families throughout the Dominican Republic, asking God to continue strengthening their ministry.

  • Pray for the local churches and communities to be encouraged and strengthened as they share the hope of the Gospel.

  • Pray for lasting impact, that the seeds planted through acts of service, friendship, and God's Word would continue to bear fruit long after the team returns home.

Thank you for partnering with our team through prayer. Your prayers are an important part of this mission, and we look forward to sharing more updates as God continues to work in and through our team.

Fraser Ratzlaff

Fraser is Director of Partner Engagement at Children of the Nations, which is one of Trinity’s partner ministries. Children of the Nations is a Christian nonprofit dedicated to raising children out of poverty and hopelessness so they can become leaders who transform their nations. Fraser is also a Deacon at Trinity and he, along with his wife Holly have 2 children and lead a Community Group.

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