Trip Description
Join us for an exciting mission trip to the Dominican Republic from August 7–15, 2026, where you'll serve alongside missionary Jamie Bello and her local ministry network. This trip provides a variety of hands-on outreach experiences designed to build relationships, meet practical needs, and share the love of Christ in creative and impactful ways. Whether you're passionate about youth ministry, sports, the arts, or community service, there will be meaningful opportunities for everyone to contribute. The trip kicks off with a university student retreat and continues with outreach throughout local neighborhoods and communities. Based on the size of our team, we may divide into smaller groups to carry out multiple ministry efforts simultaneously.
Ministry Opportunities During the Trip Include:
- Basketball camps (potentially in partnership with Give & Go – Coach Kim Kruger)
- Summerfest Day Camps with sports, arts, group games, and values-based sessions for teens and children
- Block parties and 3-on-3 basketball tournaments
- Neighborhood outreach through prayer walks and door-to-door service projects
- Kids Fun Fests in local parks or community spaces
- Backpack giveaways for local children and families
- University student retreat (August 7–8) – assist with logistics, workshops, or speaking (especially for youth pastors/leaders)
Missionary Partners
Jamie and Berly Bello (and their two sons, Logan and Ethan) serve as Assemblies of God World Missionaries in the Dominican Republic located in the Caribbean. They are also church planters, work with youth and university students (ages 12-24), and with leaders who work and invest in these students.
Registration
Registration will open October 13th and closes January 31st, 2025. Registration is on first-come, first-served so don't miss it! To register for the trip a $200-dollar non-refundable deposit must be paid via Brushfire.
Cost
Estimated Trip Cost: $2,350 (final cost determined once airfare is purchased)
- Deposit: $200 (non-refundable); due at registration for the trip
- Payments for the trip will be accepted in increments from February - May
- Payment Plan Schedule coming soon!
INCLUDED IN COST: Airfare (this is the most difficult to predict as we cannot buy tickets early), food and tips on meals (once on ground in the DR), lodging, transportation, international insurance (covers emergency evacuation, medical expenses, and more) and a donation to the Missionary Host.
NOT INCLUDED IN COST: Passport fees, souvenirs, meals and snacks bought on travel days.
Age Restrictions
Must be high school or an incoming freshman in college for the 2026-2027 school year.
Passport
- A valid passport is required for this trip. Passports must be valid 6 months beyond the last travel day (08/7/26). Passports must have at least 2 blank passport pages in the back for entry stamps.
- To obtain or renew a passport go to: www.travel.state.gov
Questions to Consider Before Registering
- Am I willing and able to attend the required meetings and participate in team exercises and lessons?
- Am I willing to put in the time and work of sending out support letters to raise funds, and then to send thank you cards to those donors?
- Am I willing to listen to the host missionary and respect the culture when it comes to proper etiquette, attire, and behavior for my safety and for the safety of others?
- Am I able to pack everything I need in a carry-on and backpack?
- There is the potential to contract lice, bed bugs, or other things in the country. Are you still willing to go if such things occur?
- Unexpected things happen such as illness, travel delays, schedule changes, being stuck in an airport, or sleeping in the airport, etc. Are you still willing to go if such things occur?
If you answered yes, then go ahead and register! If you responded no to any of these questions, please consider if you're ready to commit to this mission trip.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Abbie Brantley at abbieb@northwestministry.com