Faces of FFP: On a Mission

Chris Goodyear (center) and the FFP mission team in La Victoria.

"I didn't go on a mission trip expecting my life to be changed, but that's exactly what happened!"

Chris Goodyear didn't go on a mission trip because he felt "called" or was looking for a life-changing experience. He went because his daughter was going and the trip leader, Frank Speranza from Long Valley Presbyterian Church (LVPC), needed more male chaperones.

"I figured my job would be to watch over the kids and keep them out of trouble. As a long-time soccer coach I was very qualified for that task!"

During pre-trip meetings Chris started to get a feeling this trip might be different than he expected. "For starters, we were going to be building a church--and I hadn't even attended church in decades! And when past trip members shared their stories about oneness and community I didn't understand what they were talking about."

It wouldn't take long to find out. "I was blown away by what I saw at the airport in Santo Domingo. The members of La Victoria church (LVPC's partner community) gr
eeted us with banners and singing. Americans and Dominicans ran to hug each other as friends were reunited. To witness this connection ... well, right there it was, 'Wow!'"

"On our first day at the work site I experienced a whole range of feelings ... expectation, exhilaration, excitement, humility and fatigue. The community was much poorer than I expected with unpaved roads, no running water and houses made from scraps. As we worked hand in hand with our Dominican friends to put in the floor of the church, I started to see for myself what community looks like ... how everyone joins together to help each other ... and how 'play' between children is a universal language."

"I'm a naturally cynical person, especially when it comes to organized religion, but at our first worship in La Victoria I witnessed genuine outpouring of faith--unlike anything I'd ever experienced. In the unabashed sharing of love for God I felt within myself gratitude and joy. And I felt God banging on the door of my heart saying, 'Let me in!'"

"As we spent ten days working, playing and worshipping together, I watched two very different groups of people join together in oneness, bound by a common goal and shared faith in God. And I was now part of this group."

"This experience was a turning point in my life. I learned so much from the Dominicans. I saw what working hand in hand looks like. And I realized that God hadn't deserted me. He had been there all along waiting for me to turn back toward Him. When I returned home I joined LVPC and am now an active member. This year I plan to return to La Victoria for my third mission trip!"

"I didn't go on an FFP mission trip expecting my life to be changed ... but evidently God had other plans!"

From Ashes to Glory

Going on a Foundation for Peace mission trip is a life-changing experience, but sometimes God opens doors for opportunities to serve that cause us to stand in awe at His provision and love.

Last summer the mission team from Long Valley Presbyterian Church went to La Victoria to continue building a church. Community and church members Kenia, Fernando and their five children were excited to reconnect with their American friends.

As the walls of the church rose, members of the community, including Kenia’s family, worked hand in hand with the LVPC team. Dominicans and Americans were one big, happy family.

On Thursday tragedy struck.

Kenia and Fernando’s house caught on fire. The group saw smoke and ran to the house. Powerless to stop the fire, they watched the house and all its contents burn to the ground.

Says Meghan Sullivan, “It had been raining all day and we think a power line sparked over the house and caught the gas tank on fire. Normally the kids would’ve been in the house, but they were helping at the worksite—even the three-year-old who’d been napping in the house 30 minutes before the fire started. I don’t want to think about what would have happened to the kids if we weren’t there. Our entire team was really shaken and upset.”

After the fire—the remains of Kenia and Fernando's house

The group quit working for the day and reflected on the tragedy. They quickly agreed on what needed to be done. “That same day our group of 24 committed enough money to rebuild Kenia and Fernando’s house. Since they are part of our family we invited them to stay with us for the rest of the week. Every day they had showers and meals. And they were surrounded by the love of family,” says Meghan.

On Friday, the day after the fire, rebuilding started. The group cleared debris and prepared the site for reconstruction. They bought the family shoes and a few days’ worth of clothes. The church community in La Victoria also rallied together and got bags of clothes for each family member.

Within a few days a new house started taking shape!

As if this wasn’t enough tragedy, Kenia and Fernando were supposed to be married on Saturday but their papers were destroyed in the fire. “So we threw them a wedding! We worked with the church to arrange decorations, flowers, tuxes and a wedding gown. We even had a reception! For a wedding gift our group gave them a new stove, gas tank and some kitchen items. A few members also sent them on a one night honeymoon!” recounts Meghan.

Wedding day! Kenia, Fernando and their children: Kevin, Derlis, Denzel, Keidel and Enmanuel.

The happy couple!

What seemed like a tragedy on Thursday was such an overwhelming joy by Monday. It was certainly not the trip they expected, but everyone from LVPC will never forget the experience and the tremendous joy that comes from giving. 

Today Kenia and her family live in their new home. Her eyes fill with tears of gratitude as she recounts the blessings from her Dominican and American families – and a loving God who is her Great Provider.

Kenia with sons Denzel and Keidel, and FFP staff members Alenny and Maura, stand in front of their new house 

God is good. All the time.