One of the most common questions we, as Racers, receive is “How can you possibly make a difference in just one month?” I often wrestle with this same question. But as I meet people all over the world and hear their stories, I see the impact that has been made. One of the most powerful and encouraging stories I have heard on the field is about a women named Nercida Dominguez.
During month two of our Race, our whole squad lived in the mountains of Lajas de Yaroa and worked with an organization called HOPE Dominican Republic. The beginnings of HOPE Dominican Republic began long long ago.
When she was 9 years old, missionaries knocked on the door of Nercida’s home. They shared the gospel, the love of Christ and led a little girl to the Lord. Since that day, Nercida has touched the lives of countless people and transformed the community of Moka, literally. What strikes me the most is that all it took was one encounter. We often think that for people to see God move it has to be through some huge and miraculous thing. But in reality, all it takes is one moment. Those missionaries never got to see the fruit of that encounter, but I did. I feel so fortunate to have seen how one small encounter changed the lives of many and continues to do so every day.
My teammate, Saylah, and I put together a video about Nercidas story. Watch below:
