06/04/2026
Our team recently returned to the Dominican Republic to reconnect with the men we met last year in Las Brisas del Este. Originally, we planned a men’s retreat, but after being unable to secure a campsite, we pivoted to a men’s conference focused on discipleship, worship, testimonies, and biblical manhood.
Joined by Mike Menster, Tim Yearout, Pastor Neftali, Pastor Ernan, and Pastor Ivan, we spent the first two days helping complete a painting project at the school before hosting a Friday night barbecue outreach for the neighborhood men.
By the end of the night, 47 men attended. Worship filled the school, conversations flowed, dominoes were played, and many of the men remembered us from the previous year. I had the opportunity to share about prayer, our relationship with Christ, and how the ACTS prayer template transformed my own prayer life. We distributed Spanish versions of the guide and spent time praying together.
The barbecue was meant to prepare hearts for the next day’s men’s conference.
However, early the next morning we received heartbreaking news that Estarley De Oleo, a 28-year-old math teacher and the only son of Kika, the school’s cook, had passed away unexpectedly overnight. He left behind a 3-year-old son. Just hours earlier, I had hugged him goodbye and given him a “Men of Faith” hat.
After prayer and conversations with local pastors, we made the difficult decision to cancel the conference and instead spend time mourning with the family and community. The streets filled with grieving neighbors and more than 200 people gathered for the funeral service.
Yet even in the sorrow, God was working. Relationships built over the last year allowed us to simply be present, love people well, and serve during a moment of deep pain. Even the leftover food from the barbecue the night before was used to feed grieving family members and visitors throughout the day.
This trip reminded us that ministry is not just about events. It is about loving people through both celebration and suffering.
Although the conference was postponed, the mission is not over. We are already making plans to return next month and continue the work God has started among the men of Las Brisas del Este.
-Jose Garcel