The Gift of Presence

Sunday, January 11, 2026 - [click here to support the continuing work at MOHI]  

Today's update is from Renée, Taran, and Jonathan

← Back to Blog Archive

There are moments in ministry when words fall short—when what lingers most deeply is not what was accomplished, but how love was expressed. As we continue walking into this new year together, I’ve found myself reflecting on how often God meets people not through grand gestures, but through simple, faithful presence. Scripture reminds us, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). We see this lived out daily—quietly, powerfully—through the lives of those who show up with open hands and willing hearts.

Recently, Jonathan spent time with the Chair City Church Young Adult Team in the Dominican Republic, and his reflections so beautifully capture what it looks like when faith is embodied rather than explained. His words have stayed with me, and I’m grateful to share them with you here:

On my return to the Dominican Republic, I had the opportunity to work alongside a group of CCC missionaries from Massachusetts as they spent time in Luperón and the surrounding villages. For a week, we shared meals, ministry, and long days of visiting families and communities facing deep hardship. While my work often places me alongside people motivated by service and justice, I don’t frequently find myself embedded with groups that explicitly identify as Christian missionaries. That difference, rather than creating distance, became an unexpected gift. I found myself learning a great deal from these young people—mostly in their twenties—who so naturally embodied humility, presence, and a sincere desire to serve others without condition. One day in particular stands out. We divided our group of twelve into three smaller teams and partnered with local pastors to visit families living in especially difficult circumstances. These were not quick or tidy visits; they were holy interruptions into people’s lives—moments of listening, witnessing, and sitting with pain. One family we visited was a group of Haitian refugees who have lived in the Dominican Republic for some time without documentation. Their vulnerability was palpable. Undocumented and marginalized, they live under the constant threat of aggressive immigration raids and face abuse from authorities and locals alike. Their home was crowded, fragile, and heavy with stress, the kind of place where survival often takes precedence over everything else. In that household was an 11-year-old boy named Mackley, one of about seven people sharing the space. It was immediately clear that Mackley had a significant developmental disability or cognitive deficit, and it appeared that he was not cared for in the same way as the other children—likely not out of malice, but because poverty and exhaustion force impossible choices. His physical condition was heartbreaking. From head to toe, he showed signs of what appeared to be fungal and parasitic infections, and he seemed to be in constant discomfort, if not outright agony. Of all the needs in that home, it was Mackley who quietly drew the focus of the group. What I witnessed next is something I won’t soon forget. One of the young missionaries—an American in their early twenties—knelt down, gently laid hands on Mackley, and prayed for him. There was no performance, no self-consciousness, no hesitation. Just authenticity, sincerity, belief, and compassion poured out in that moment. Regardless of one’s theology or expectations of healing, it was profoundly moving to witness such unguarded love and faith expressed so freely. For me, it was a reminder that service is not always about fixing what is broken, but about being afully present with those who suffer—and allowing ourselves to be changed by what we see.

I’m so thankful for Jonathan—not only for his words, but for the many ways he continues to walk alongside us. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating closely with him, including helping connect one of our partners with him to address a very serious medical situation for a young man she sponsored as a child. By God’s grace, arrangements for the heart surgery James desperately needs have been made in the U.S.—a life-saving procedure to replace two failing valves with mechanical ones that should last him the rest of his life. The surgery itself is being provided free of charge, which is extraordinary. There are still significant costs related to travel, housing, and personal care during his recovery, and we are thrilled to see so many people giving what they have to help him. Thank you!

This posture of presence is something we also see so clearly through our mission teams. Our second team of the year is currently serving in the Dominican Republic, and once again, we’re reminded why showing up matters.

These trips shape both those who come and the communities we serve—creating genuine relationships, shared stories, and sacred moments across cultures. At the end of the week, several CCC team members shared reflections that were both beautiful and heartbreaking. Some spoke of children they had hoped to see again, only to learn that families had been deported or forced to relocate. The grief of those losses is real. And yet, alongside the sorrow, there was clarity: being present still matters. Children who were still there ran up, remembered names, joined in play and storytelling. Even the simplest moments—laughing, listening, being seen—carry lasting weight. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18), and sometimes His nearness is made tangible through willing hands and open hearts.

Every day, because of faithful partnership, Mission of Hope International feeds more than 1,200 people—babies, children, families—across Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We provide education for over 800 students, walk alongside families, and offer care that speaks to both physical and spiritual needs.

Through our partnership with Bless Back Worldwide, we are seeing continued impact through the medical and dental clinics and lab in Haiti, as well as through the Community Healthcare Promoter program in the Dominican Republic—equipping local leaders to bring education, prevention, and hope directly into their communities. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

On a more personal note, one of my highlights from last year—beyond welcoming my fourth grandchild—was being part of our very first international women’s retreat, Sun Sea & Sisterhood. As we prepare for our second retreat, I am amazed to discover that 80% of last year’s women are returning, with many new sisters joining as well. That alone speaks volumes. The worship, prayer, teaching, laughter, and deep connection make this gathering incredibly special. If you’re able to join us, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so—you will not regret it. Click here to learn more and register now, before it's too late!

As I reflect on all of this, my heart overflows with gratitude. None of these stories stands alone. None of this work happens in isolation. We can only do what we do because of you—our partners, supporters, prayer warriors, churches, and friends who faithfully walk this journey with us. You give, you pray, you come, you share, you believe. Together, we are living out the truth of “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Romans 10:15). Thank you for being part of this story. We are deeply grateful—and so expectant for all that God will continue to do, together.