"G.O. Ministries seeks to empower passionate, local leaders serving inside their own cultures to Redeem people, Renew communities, Restore creation by developing dynamic International mutually transformational Partnerships."

Five years ago, when newly established Reunion Christian Church in Boston, Massachusetts first decided to send a team to serve with G.O. Ministries, Nate Oaks, a software engineer, volunteered to lead the trip. This July will mark his fifth year of leading teams on a short-term mission trip with G.O. Ministries.

"Reunion," Nate says, "believes, like G.O., that the most effective ministry is done within relationships." They align with G.O.'s conviction that partnering with nationals-getting to know them, supporting them and their ministries, and working alongside them-is the key to making the biggest impact. "The main reason Reunion keeps coming back to serve with G.O.," Nate adds, "is relationships." He identifies these significant relationships as being not only with the national pastors and construction team, for instance, but also with the G.O. staff. "Our teams appreciate the consistency of seeing the same people and deepening friendships with each trip." Reunion's teams are invested in relationships in the D.R. as illustrated by the fact that out of the 15 people who will come this summer, 11 of them are returnees.

Nate and his teams have served in the D.R. in numerous ways including setting up two-day medical clinics where medical professionals not only treat patients and provide medicine, but offer health education, as well. They've hosted a worship clinic for church staff and worked hours of construction in places like La Mosca and Hato del Yaque.

As a church, Reunion partners with Pastor Luis Vargas from La Mosca. During their weeklong trips to the D.R., work teams help to meet some of his personal and church needs. And their relationship with Luis is intentional, even from Boston. Reunion not only supports him financially, but communicates and encourages him regularly via Skype. Upon learning that Pastor Luis prays for Reunion, Nate and several others began to meet weekly to pray for Luis and his community-an inspiring picture of mutual transformation!

 Pastor Luis Vargas and his wife Reina 

Nate Oaks admits that being a team leader is a commitment, but it's well worth the effort. (A large part of G.O.'s commitment is to assist each leader, preparing them for all aspects of the trip.) The take away for every team member is significant. Many of Nate's team members, for example, are at an age where they are trying to discern what career path to follow. G.O. trips have spurred some of them to take on ministry roles or pursue service-oriented careers as a result of what they experienced while serving in the D.R.

Five years and counting, G.O. looks forward to continuing its partnership with Nate and Reunion Christian Church. Won't you join G.O. on a journey of your own?

Contact Jackie Perez for more information about bringing a team to the Dominican Republic or Haiti.