April Stories
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Dental Care Meets Discipleship in Villa Hermosa
Trip Highlights
March was a powerful month of ministry as World Servants led two mission teams to Villa Hermosa, Dominican Republic. In partnership with Keelen Dental and Saint Vincent College, the trip was a beautiful reflection of the Gospel in action. While physical needs were met through compassionate dental care, hearts were touched through prayer and encouragement. The mission trip to Villa Hermosa is a shining example of what can happen when professional skills, student passion, and Christ-centered love come together in service.
Compassion through service: keelan dental
The team from Keelen Dental worked tirelessly to provide critical dental care to underserved members of the community. Over the course of the week, the team treated hundreds of patients, offering services that are often out of reach for families in Villa Hermosa. Their work included:
The level of care and empathy shown by the dental team was extraordinary. Children who had never seen a dentist before received gentle, thorough treatment, while adults who had endured long-standing dental pain were finally given relief. The dental clinic became a place not only for physical healing but for emotional encouragement and gospel-centered compassion.
- 400+ fluoride treatments and cleanings for children
- 50+ extractions for adults and children
- 30+ adult cleanings
The level of care and empathy shown by the dental team was extraordinary. Children who had never seen a dentist before received gentle, thorough treatment, while adults who had endured long-standing dental pain were finally given relief. The dental clinic became a place not only for physical healing but for emotional encouragement and gospel-centered compassion.
Growing Through Service: Community Connections
Home Visits
Every day, both teams ventured into the community to visit local families in their homes. These were precious moments—filled with stories, prayers, laughter, and tears. Volunteers listened, prayed and offered hope in the name of Jesus. Many team members were moved by the personal encounters within the community which made the mission come alive and fueled a desire to return next year to serve.
Sunday Worship
The trip concluded with a joyful, spirit-filled worship service at Iglesia de Dios Fuente de Luz (Church of God Source of Light), led by Pastor Santiago. Worshipping together with the local congregation was a powerful reminder that the body of Christ knows no borders. It was a time of unity, gratitude, and celebration of all that God had done throughout the week.
These mission trips to Villa Hermosa were a shining example of what can happen when professional skills, student passion, and Christ-centered love come together in service. We are beyond grateful for the teams - who gave their time, talents, and hearts and for Villa Hermosa community-who welcomed us with open arms.
In addition, we are deeply grateful to our supporters, partners, and participants who have made this trip possible. Your dedication, generosity, and heart for service continue to open doors for meaningful impact in Villa Hermosa. Because of you, lives were touched, needs were met, and the love of Christ was shared in powerful ways.
As we continue our mission throughout 2025, we invite you to stay connected, pray with us, and partner in future opportunities to serve. Together, let’s keep transforming lives and building hope—one mission at a time. Thank you for being part of the World Servants story!
Every day, both teams ventured into the community to visit local families in their homes. These were precious moments—filled with stories, prayers, laughter, and tears. Volunteers listened, prayed and offered hope in the name of Jesus. Many team members were moved by the personal encounters within the community which made the mission come alive and fueled a desire to return next year to serve.
Sunday Worship
The trip concluded with a joyful, spirit-filled worship service at Iglesia de Dios Fuente de Luz (Church of God Source of Light), led by Pastor Santiago. Worshipping together with the local congregation was a powerful reminder that the body of Christ knows no borders. It was a time of unity, gratitude, and celebration of all that God had done throughout the week.
These mission trips to Villa Hermosa were a shining example of what can happen when professional skills, student passion, and Christ-centered love come together in service. We are beyond grateful for the teams - who gave their time, talents, and hearts and for Villa Hermosa community-who welcomed us with open arms.
In addition, we are deeply grateful to our supporters, partners, and participants who have made this trip possible. Your dedication, generosity, and heart for service continue to open doors for meaningful impact in Villa Hermosa. Because of you, lives were touched, needs were met, and the love of Christ was shared in powerful ways.
As we continue our mission throughout 2025, we invite you to stay connected, pray with us, and partner in future opportunities to serve. Together, let’s keep transforming lives and building hope—one mission at a time. Thank you for being part of the World Servants story!
Learning Through Service: Saint Vincent College
Joining the dental team were students from Saint Vincent College, all studying in medical-related fields such as Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, and Nursing. For these students, this trip was more than just a volunteer opportunity—it was a hands-on learning experience that left a lasting impact on their faith and their future careers.
Throughout the week, the students:
One of the trip’s most powerful contributions was the dental screenings conducted for all 500 students at the Villa Hermosa School. This essential service ensured that every child received basic oral health care, many for the first time. In addition, to deepen their understanding of global healthcare, the students also toured two contrasting hospitals: the Good Samaritan Hospital, a well-resourced private hospital in Villa Hermosa, and a public hospital in La Romana, where conditions were much more limited. These visits provided invaluable insight into the disparities in medical care and the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers in under-resourced settings.
Throughout the week, the students:
- Assisted the dental team in procedures and patient care
- Toured a local Private hospital and the Public La Romana hospital.
- Led activities and spent time with the children of Villa Hermosa School
- Provided support and love through play, encouragement, and spiritual conversations
One of the trip’s most powerful contributions was the dental screenings conducted for all 500 students at the Villa Hermosa School. This essential service ensured that every child received basic oral health care, many for the first time. In addition, to deepen their understanding of global healthcare, the students also toured two contrasting hospitals: the Good Samaritan Hospital, a well-resourced private hospital in Villa Hermosa, and a public hospital in La Romana, where conditions were much more limited. These visits provided invaluable insight into the disparities in medical care and the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers in under-resourced settings.
