More Than a Mission Trip
- 7 hours ago
- 7 min read
Sunday, August 9, 2026 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]
Today's update is from Alexis and Taran
There are moments in life that stay with us forever.
A conversation with someone who changes the way you see the world.
A child who becomes your friend despite speaking another language.
A worship service where you experience God's presence in a new way.
A simple act of service that leaves you realizing you received far more than you gave.
That is what we hope every HOPE Encounter becomes.
This week, rather than telling you what a mission trip is like, we wanted to let those who have experienced it share their own stories. As you read these reflections from participants over the past year, we hope you'll catch a glimpse of how God has used these experiences to strengthen faith, deepen compassion, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
One of my greatest joys is watching families experience missions together.
Over the years, I've seen children discover that they're capable of making a difference, parents slow down long enough to truly connect with their kids, and entire families return home with a deeper love for God and for serving others. Those moments are what inspired us to create the Family Hope Encounter.
I'm so excited to invite you to join us April 17–24, 2027, in the Dominican Republic for a week designed specifically for families. This isn't just a mission trip or a vacation, it's an opportunity to serve together, grow in your faith together, and create memories that will shape your family for years to come.
Throughout the week, your family will have opportunities to build relationships with Dominican and Haitian families, participate in hands-on ministry that children can enjoy alongside their parents, experience the beauty of God's creation, and spend intentional time reflecting on what you're learning together.
Whether your children are young or nearly grown, there's something powerful about stepping away from the routines of everyday life and experiencing God in a new way, as a family.
If you're wondering whether the Family Hope Encounter is right for your family, I'd love to invite you to our free online information session.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
6:00 PM (Eastern Time)
During the session, I'll walk you through what a typical week looks like, who the trip is designed for, travel details, costs, and what you can expect. Most importantly, you'll have plenty of time to ask questions. There is absolutely no obligation—it's simply an opportunity to learn more and see if this experience might be a good fit for your family.
If serving together as a family has ever been on your heart, I hope you'll join us.
I look forward to meeting you on September 20!
Testimonies from Mission Trip Participants
Carolina (June 2026) - Full Gospel Interdenominational Church
“We are so excited for what God is going here and with how he is moving with the children and in the churches as well. I’m so grateful for this opportunity”
Elijah (June 2026) - Full Gospel Interdenominational Church
“Being here has been a big blessing and it’s honestly kind of surreal. It’s kind of crazy, everyday you wake up and it’s like ‘I’m actually here.’ You see people in videos and picture of their mission trips, but actually being here and putting your hands to the work; actually being a part of what’s going on feels so different and its an experience that I didn’t think I’d ever have. I appreciate it and I’m just really excited for what God is doing and what he is going to do.”
Liz (June 2026) - Full Gospel Interdenominational Church
“I’m extremely grateful to have come here. It was a beautiful experience. I loved being with the kids and playing games with them, having fun, teaching a VBS lesson to them. It was a blessing to do that. I’m grateful for everything I have.”
Natalie (July 2026) - Fear Into Faith Ministries
“I am having an amazing time. This has been a life changing trip. I hadn’t done a mission trip before, this was my first time. It has been such a beautiful experience. It exceeded my expectations. We got to go into the villages and play with kids. It was so moving for me to see the impact we had with simple love and kindness. I would do this again and again and again. If you’re someone who has never done this before…I can assure you that you will have a life changing experience.”
Rebecca (July 2026) - Fear Into Faith Ministries
“I feel really blessed to be here. It has been a life changing experience being in the village. We got to visit a local today in his home. It was a blessing to go and meet him because he doesn’t get a lot of visitors. He doesn’t have any family, he is all by himself. It was really beautiful because he was content with his life because he has God. He still believes God is good and that he’s where he’s suppose to be. It is really inspiring. We take a lot of things for granted. I was really blessed to be in his presence.”
Jordan Long (January 2026) - Faith Christian Church
“It has been an amazing week. I have been able to be part of doing medical check-ups on children, feeding the babies, interacting with the children, doing skits, doing crafts and stuff like that; Seeing them laugh, seeing them be able to really come out of their shell a little bit after everything that they’ve been through. It’s been a life changing experience. For anyone who hasn’t been able to make it yet, I encourage you to come down with MOHI because it will change your life.”
Justan (January 2026) - Faith Christian Church
“We came here, I don’t know what we expected when we were here. It has been such a big blessing to come here. I know if you come down here, you will be blessed as well, just to be able to be with the people. Mission of Hope is an awesome organization. Everything that you give to them goes towards the people. It makes a real big difference in the people’s lives.”
Virginia (February 2026) - New England Chapel
“My trip has been amazing. This has been the most amazing experience. I used to be of the opinion that if you couldn’t help everyone, so why start with one. Now I honestly believe that anyone can help; start with one, and it just grows from there. MOHI is a top-rate organization. Well Run. Lex and Renee have dedicated their lives to helping others. It is heartwarming and blows me away.”
Kaitlyn (January 2026) - Chair City Church
“Thank you so much for the most incredible and unforgettable trip. We feel so grateful and blessed. Thank you for showing us this beautiful culture and its people. This was the best experience of our lives.”
Camila (January 2026) - Chair City Church
“The Lord has done a great thing within this house and through MOHI within this community…Thank you for being his hands and feet and remaining obedient. A changed life changes lives. We appreciate you Pastor Lex and Renee so much. I arrived in the DR one way and am leaving completely transformed.”
Isaac (July 2026) - Bless Back Worldwide and Moments of Hope Church
“I appreciated how welcoming the MOHI team was. They let us jump right in and made us feel at home.”
Kimber (January 2026) - Bless Back Worldwide
“Thank you for your love, kindness, and hospitality. The opportunity to spend time with you is always one of joy. To watch you live out God’s mission every day inspires me to do the same.”
Alexia (July 2026) - Chair City Church
“We are here to help the people. We are helping them. We are giving them food.
What they need is food. Because they don’t have any food. And we have to give them some.”
Heather (February 2026) - New England Chapel
“First time here in the DR. I would say that the friendliness and the openness of the kids to want to be around us is exactly how it was described, which is wonderful. They just want to be loved and show love. I am loving it. I’m loving seeing a different part of the world. It is an awesome feeling to be here.”
Brittany (July 2026) - Chair City Church
Hello Doctor Carmen,
Currently I am in the Dominican Republic with my family and Alexis' family as part of a Family Mission Trip.
With the help of Google translate a little girl in La Grua (that's the same age as my eldest son Leo age 9) and him had some deep, heavy, and intellectual conversation. (The feelings and uncertainty around deportation, etc)
They had continuous back and forth conversation about life, etc. One thing that was miraculous was the little girl sharing that even though there are challenges there is good as well. The little girl then went into telling my son a story about how she had hurt her arm and this wonderful woman helped fix it. I then realized that this must be the little girl during Sun, Sea & Sisterhood with the broken arm.
I looked back in my photos and shared with her a photo of herself in a sling. She brightened right up exclaiming that was her! She was so grateful for the help, and care.
Just a small example of all the wonderful work that yourself, Bless Back and MOHI all accomplished together.
I am so proud of how both of the children were so respectful and authentic. Also, so proud of my son for sharing the light of Jesus through his action and words.
It truly was an impactful moment. Brought me right back to that day, I wanted to share.
I pray all is well with you!
With deep gratitude and love,
Brittany
Your Story Could Be Next
As you read these testimonies, one thing becomes clear: no two HOPE Encounters are exactly alike.
Some people return home inspired by the faith of someone they met in a village.
Others are deeply moved by the joy of the children.
Some discover a new passion for serving others.
Many simply leave with a greater appreciation for what God is doing around the world—and a deeper understanding of His love for every person.
While every story is unique, they all have one thing in common:
God uses ordinary people who are willing to say "yes."
Whether you're considering joining us as an individual, bringing your family, or leading a church or ministry team, we would love to help you experience what so many others have described as life-changing.
Perhaps next year, your story will be one that encourages someone else to take that first step.
We hope you'll join us.
