From July 26 to August 2, the Lord opened doors for a powerful movement of service, compassion, and evangelism in the towns of Imbert and La Isabela in Puerto Plata Province, Dominican Republic. The mission trip—organized by the New York Conference’s (NYC) Nxt Gen Movement, in collaboration with Adventist International Medical Missionaries (AIMM) and ADRA Southeastern Dominican Conference—was more than a trip; it was a living testimony of God’s love in action. Medical services, evangelistic outreach, and community improvement projects blessed more than 1,000 people physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Volunteers used their God-given skills to serve others as people visited the different ministry sites. “We came to give, but we left with more than we could have imagined—the joy of seeing God at work in real time,” said one volunteer.
SERVING THROUGH COLLABORATION AND COMMITMENT
The mission’s success grew from intentional planning, sacrificial service, and strong partnerships. Teams of pastors, medical professionals, and lay members worked alongside local leaders to ensure every need was met.
The medical team—composed of physicians, surgeons, dentists, optometrists, gynecologists, and health educators—provided consultations, treatments, and health guidance to hundreds daily. Patients received prescriptions, eyeglasses, dental care, and specialized attention, all offered, as one leader said, “free of charge and with the love of Christ.”
Volunteers also painted and renovated two churches in Imbert and the Adventist school in La Isabela. The churches received fresh exterior paint, and several classrooms at the school were refurbished. A new multipurpose room, completed during the trip, was named in honor of Claudio Gomez, executive secretary of the New York Conference, recognizing his leadership and passion for mission.
Clothing, food, hygiene kits, wheelchairs, and walkers were freely distributed—meeting urgent needs and reminding recipients that the church cares for the whole person. The connection between the churches and the communities they serve grew even stronger.
PEOPLE WHO ANSWERED THE CALL
Gomez led the mission on the ground with key partners Shervin and Jennifer Evans, AIMM co-presidents; Reynolds Rodriguez, Nxt Gen Movement director and NYC communication director; and ADRA Southeastern Dominican Conference leadership. Elias Zabala, Sr., Atlantic Union Conference treasurer, represented the union, whose presence affirmed the union’s commitment to missions.
New York Conference President Miguel Crespo spearheaded evangelistic efforts. He and NYC pastor Waren Muir led two separate evangelistic series for one week, supported by local church members and leaders who provided translation, music, and prayer teams to help prepare hearts to receive God’s Word.
“Four simultaneous evangelistic crusades shared the everlasting gospel with the communities of Imbert and La Isabela, and 43 people gave their hearts to God through baptism during the week,” said Lorenzo Peña, president of the Northern Dominican Conference. His remarks came during the “Sabbath of Victories” celebration at La Isabela’s public high school on Aug. 2.
Nearly 1,000 church members gathered to celebrate the closing ceremony before moving to the central church in La Isabela for an afternoon program that inaugurated the new multipurpose room.
A MULTI-FACETED IMPACT
The mission unfolded like a tapestry of simultaneous activities. While medical teams treated the sick, evangelists preached in public spaces. As paintbrushes brightened church walls, voices lifted in worship drew neighbors to hear about Jesus. While volunteers served food and distributed clothing, Bible workers prayed with families and shared literature. Surgeons performed free procedures in the local hospital, and children enjoyed a lively Vacation Bible School program.
By the end of the mission, lives had been changed forever—not only for the recipients of care but also for the volunteers themselves. Many testified that the experience deepened their faith, strengthened their commitment to service, and renewed their sense of Christ’s call to “go and make disciples.”
“In the province of Puerto Plata, the 2025 mission trip was more than a moment—it was a movement,” said Rodriguez. “More than 100 volunteers from the three partnering organizations participated, the majority from AIMM.”
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Nxt Gen Movement team, New York Conference
