Apr 23, 2025 From the CEO/President’s Desk: “My First QHM Mission Trip”  

As I returned from my first mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Quiet Hour Ministries (QHM), I reflected on the phrase, “Come as strangers, leave as family.” Sixteen of us—from the United States, Canada, and Bolivia—arrived as individuals, not yet knowing one another. But from the very beginning, it was clear that God was doing something special among us.   

That tone of unity and intentionality was set on day one. After the first group of us landed, our team leader encouraged us to return to the airport to welcome the remaining four team members arriving later. We stood there, excited, and ready, and as each person walked through the airport doors, their surprised and joyful faces lit up at the sight of a welcoming party. That small, meaningful act broke the ice instantly. It made clear: we’re in this together and stronger when we lift each other up.   

That spirit of unity deepened even further as we visited each of the five sites where our teams would be preaching and ministering to children. Before we left each site, we stopped, placed the team members who were ministering at the site in the center, and laid hands on them, asking God for His blessing, protection, and guidance. By the time the last “Amen” was spoken, tears were usually running down many of our faces. Hymns rose spontaneously as the Spirit moved among us—we hadn’t even started our public work yet, and God was already changing hearts.   

I joined this mission trip for several reasons. As President/CEO of Quiet Hour Ministries, I wanted a firsthand understanding of how our trips operate and impact our volunteers and the community we serve. But on a more personal level, I also knew there would be storms—spiritual storms—and I wanted to see how God would show up in the midst of them.   

And storms did come.   

On the first Friday night, just as our evangelistic meetings were about to begin in Ciudad Juan Bosch, a literal storm hit, knocking out power across the entire community. We prayed as we rode the bus from site to site, dropping off our teams. One site: no lights. Next site: still dark. But by the time we dropped off the last team, God moved—the electricity came back on, and the meetings began.   

Storms continued throughout the week, so much so that we even joked about removing “There Shall Be Showers of Blessings” from our morning worship. Yet every evening, the skies cleared, and Jesus was shared freely.   

And not all storms were weather-related.   

On the final Friday night—the call for baptisms—a technical storm arrived. My projector and iPad, which had perfectly worked all week, suddenly refused to connect. No visuals. No slides. Just the message and the Spirit. Still, the meeting went on. And still, decisions were made for Jesus.   

That’s the beauty—and double blessing—of a mission trip guided by God. We go to be a blessing, but in return, we are transformed.   

We came home with unforgettable memories and hearts more open to Christ’s presence and leading.   

As Abraham Joshua Heschel once said, “You’re either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or heading into a storm.” But wherever you are, remember Jesus does care. He is in the boat with you. And even now, He speaks to the storm in your life, “Peace, be still.”   

I look forward to future mission trips—the storms, the prayers, the laughter, the late-night hymns, the sacred connections, and the lives changed by His grace. I invite you to join us. Let’s go together. Let’s win more souls for His Kingdom and create eternal friendships.   

Click here to view our Santo Domingo mission trip photo gallery!