Final Day of Service in Cielo, Dominican Republic – Day 6
It’s hard to believe our time in Cielo is coming to an end. Reflecting on this incredible week, we are in awe of how God has worked through our team. Today marked our final day of service, and it was filled with reminders of why we came—to serve, love, and grow in Christ.
One of the day’s highlights came when Nay, the principal of Mission Emanuel’s school, shared with some of our leaders that our group was one of the most spiritually sensitive they’ve worked with. This compliment reflects not only the hearts of everyone on this trip but also the hearts of all those back home who prayed for and supported us. It’s a testament to the way Faith Christian School shapes the character of its students. Our mission trip leadership team is incredibly proud and impressed by the students’ hearts and growth. They are truly remarkable kids who deeply understand Christ’s love.
We began the day with a tour of Cielo’s first private Christian school, which laid the foundation for the entire Mission Emanuel project. We had the privilege of meeting Javier and Rosario, the founding couple who, over 30 years ago, had the heart and vision to educate children and offer them a hope-filled future. Before this school, many children here only completed eighth grade before joining the workforce. Today, thanks to sponsors, more students are graduating high school and even attending university.
We were inspired by the stories of former students who were once sponsored and are now giving back to their community, like the doctor who serves in the clinic—a graduate of Mission Emanuel’s school and a former sponsored child. These testimonies highlight the lasting impact of this ministry, and several students and their families, have now chosen to sponsor children. We encourage others to consider supporting these students in need.
Later, we toured Mission Emanuel’s facilities, including their water treatment plant, medical clinic, and newly operational on-site lab. The lab will enable same-day testing, significantly improving their ability to care for patients. Seeing the depth and scope of their ministry was truly inspiring.
The Mission Emanuel staff often emphasized that while many ministries aim to go a mile wide and an inch deep, their mission focuses on community transformation by going an inch wide and a mile deep. This intentional approach enables them to address the specific needs of the community—providing services that not only foster spiritual growth in Christ but also improve lives by meeting physical needs, offering better health care, and creating opportunities for a more sustainable future.
For those unfamiliar with Mission Emanuel’s history, it began in 1991 when a group of Americans connected with Dominicans in Cielo to address local needs. Starting with basic infrastructure improvements like streets and roads, their vision grew into a thriving ministry encompassing education, healthcare, clean water, and spiritual discipleship. You can read more about their remarkable history {here}.
One of the most profound lessons we’ve learned is how the presence of mission groups like ours has inspired the kids in Cielo to serve their community. We repeatedly heard them say, “If people from America come here to serve our community, why wouldn’t I serve, too?” This is a powerful reminder of the ripple effect of serving others.
As we prepare to return home, we are challenged to carry this lesson with us. It may not always be as obvious to see those in need in our own communities as it is here, but we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we are. Whether it’s our neighbors, schools, or broader communities, we want to model the servant-hearted love of Christ in tangible ways.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement throughout this trip. We have been blessed beyond measure by this experience and look forward to sharing more with you upon our return.
Hear more about the history behind Mission Emanuel HERE