Passport to Purpose: My First SAGES SWiM Adventure

I was privileged to be part of the SWiM team in February 2025 that went to Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, where we met Bro. and Sis.  Shirley – local UPCI missionary. (On the chance you’re not aware, SWiM stands for Sages Working in Missions.)

 Advertised cost of the trip includes transportation from the Departure airport (in this case it was Miami), and all costs once you arrive at the destination: accommodation, food – so much food, excursions.  It does NOT cover any shopping for gifts you’re taking home.

On this first SAGES mission trip were 9 people; 2 married couples, the rest traveling on their own.

 We went to some of the local churches on days they weren’t in service, just to pray for the Pastor and congregation. In some instances, the Pastor was there, so we could talk to him. We went on prayer walks through areas of the town; sometimes Bro. & Sis Shirley would mention specific requests for prayer, other times, it was general prayer. Sometimes residents of the neighborhood would allow us to pray directly for them.

One day, we went shopping to buy food and gifts for a girl’s home; the next day we went to (Santiago, I think, it was a couple hour drive) to deliver the items and were able to pray for and visit with the girls.

We worked at Headquarters Church /Bible school in Santo Domingo on a small maintenance project

During the week some men in the group had to privilege of preaching in local churches, with Bro. Shirley interpreting.

Final Sunday at church pastored by National Pastor Bro. Vicente. The ladies from the church provided a meal for the team.

The accommodations were quite nice. (I served on a medical mission several times, can’t always say the accommodations were nice). Our hotel served breakfast, so we ate there most if not all mornings. Lunches and dinners were at various places in Santo Domingo, unless we were on the road elsewhere. The food was also good and very plentiful.

A couple excursions allowed to see and do some of the touristy things as well. It was a very enjoyable trip.

In my opinion, everyone should leave the US at least once in their life and see how people live in other areas  - and not just go to touristy places.