Christmas Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic
Every year, ASON International ushers in the Christmas season by sending a mission team to the Dominican Republic to help prepare and host the Child Sponsorship Christmas Party. This highly anticipated celebration brings joy to more than 200 sponsored children who look forward to it all year long. This season, Ellen and I were joined by five team members from Arizona, Minnesota, and Florida. Two were visiting the DR for the first time, while the other three had served there before. One of our first-time team members had been sponsoring a child for many years and finally had the chance to meet her in person—a moment that instantly deepened their bond and made the whole trip even more meaningful.
This was a five-day mission trip, and every day was packed with activity. Our team worked tirelessly to prepare more than 250 gift bags for the sponsored children and school staff. Large sacks of rice and beans were portioned into smaller containers, and each bag was packed with ingredients for a meaningful Christmas meal. Gifts were carefully sorted by age and gender to ensure every child received something appropriate. The process required accuracy, efficiency, and a whole lot of teamwork. For three straight days, everyone rolled up their sleeves with joy and determination—and we were grateful for every pair of hands that made it possible.
Since most of our work took place inside the church—which shares a building with the school—we toured the classrooms to greet the children, share the gospel, and spend time with them. Walking through the building was always a surprise; you never knew who you might run into. There were moments when a child would suddenly weave through a crowd just to throw their arms around us. Those spontaneous hugs are the kind of moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
When the day of the Christmas party finally came, the entire front of the church was filled with rows upon rows of gift bags. Slowly, the children began to stream in, settling into the pews with quiet excitement. The moment the event began, the room erupted in cheers that instantly put smiles on all our faces. One by one, each child’s name was called. They came forward, received their gift bag, and posed for their annual Christmas portrait—the photo that will soon become an updated fridge magnet sent to their sponsors. It’s a small gesture, but one that beautifully captures how each child is growing, year after year, under the nurturing care of the sponsorship program.
On our final day in Los Guaricanos, we joined the congregation for Sunday worship—an experience that is always deeply moving. Worshiping alongside the very people we spent the week serving filled our hearts with joy and gratitude, yet also with that familiar heaviness knowing we would soon be heading home. The worship was vibrant, powerful, and Spirit-filled. Some of us found ourselves wiping away tears as we stood together before God, united by a love that transcends language and geography.
Most sponsored children never have the chance to meet their sponsors face-to-face. For those who do, the experience is profound. They understand the sacrifice it takes to make such a journey, and they feel deeply honored by it. ASON exists to make these relationships possible—to create real, personal connections that go far beyond financial support and transform lives on both sides.
Mission trips are full of divine appointments. People open up about their walk with God in ways they rarely do at home. Vulnerability surfaces. Stories are shared. Healing begins. Friendships are formed that will stand the test of time. Although you never know exactly how a team will connect until you’re serving together in the field, God knows every detail—who needs to be there, what burdens they carry, and which seeds He intends to plant. And He brings forth fruit in His perfect timing.
As this year draws to a close and we prepare for 2026, we are filled with expectation for what God will do next. There will be many opportunities for you to join us on mission trips in the coming year. We invite you to explore our calendar, pray about where God may be leading you, and consider stepping into the field with us. We would be honored to have you join one of our teams and experience firsthand the joy, depth, and transformation that mission work brings.
