In June of 2017, St John’s Lutheran Church of Sweet Air, MD sent a team of 20 volunteers to San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic as part of an annual mission trip. This is the 15th year the team has gone, providing medical exams, prescription medications, reading glasses and sun glasses. This is the 2nd year we included prescription eyeglasses in the mission.

Over the course of 6 days we held 10 medical clinics in 6 different locations. Three team members screened and tested hundreds of patients providing prescription eyeglasses for about 100 individuals. Some of the communities we serve include sugar cane plantations known as bateyes. The isolated location of the bateyes coupled with extreme poverty make life difficult, leaving most people with no eye care or access to glasses. We witnessed many Hallelujah Moments as some people could see clearly perhaps for the first time in their lives. It was a joy and privilege to provide this service.

We are grateful for all the time and effort that Holland has put in this ministry to help make it a successful trip and look forward to returning next year.