Senior liberal studies major Olivia Redmond ’25 and a team of Azusa Pacific University students spent one month serving in the Dominican Republic on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. Redmond witnessed God’s love through the children she and her team served, discovering the Lord’s handiwork. By remaining present and engaging in ministry with Kids Alive International, Redmond discovered a deep passion for her future calling as a teacher.
Why did you choose the Dominican Republic for your Global Engagement trip?
I knew we’d be working in classrooms in the Dominican Republic, so the strong connection to my major drew me in. I spent a lot of time in prayer when choosing which trip to apply for, and God placed the Dominican Republic on my heart for a bigger reason that I could see at the time.
How did you serve on the trip?
We served in classrooms, collaborating with the program Kids Alive International. They minister to children in need, many who have had to leave their home due to physical or emotional abuse and live at school in “arks,” inspired by Noah’s ark to symbolize that all are welcome. Our team partnered with Christian married couples who are called to be parental figures and symbols of love for these children. Our team traveled through four regions (the city, coast, mountains, and valleys), working with kids of all ages.
What were a few highlights of the trip?
Spending quality time with the children and adults in the Kids Alive program was so powerful because we experienced a vast amount of love. We often called the program a place of hugs because the kids would run up and give us hugs every single day. That’s such a beautiful symbol of God’s love, because these children don’t know us or our stories, yet they still choose to love us, which is a calling they’re fulfilling without even knowing it. There was joy in so many places throughout the Dominican Republic.
What was the dynamic like on your team?
It was incredible. There were six of us and we were all acquaintances, which allowed us to enjoy spending a month getting to know one another through the trip. We learned a lot about each other and spent time worshiping. One member, Oscar, brought his guitar and I can’t imagine the trip without the musical aspect. Singing worship songs was a powerful way we encountered the Lord.
How did you see God move on the trip?
He moved in countless ways. I was reminded of how holy God is by realizing that even when us APU students aren’t there, the work Kids Alive is doing continues to spread His goodness. One thing that stood out to me was witnessing how some children started ministering to their families that didn’t know Jesus. They took what they learned at school about Christ and prayer, and shared it at home, which is so beautiful.
How did you grow personally and spiritually?
I lost my dad four years ago, which is the biggest trial I’ve walked through, but after that I gained a new appreciation for life itself and how I want to live it. The children we served weren’t even aware that they were in difficult situations because they have nothing to compare their circumstances to. Seeing the joy they portray solely because of a relationship with Jesus was beyond inspiring. I’ve learned that joy is a choice and God gives us many opportunities to know and love Him.
Would you recommend Global Engagement trips to other students? What advice would you give them?
I absolutely would recommend these trips! Every experience we go through provides us with an opportunity to learn and grow. God can work through any Global Engagement trip to teach you something you might never have imagined. This trip opened my eyes because I now consider teaching in a third world country and returning to the Dominican Republic to continue serving.
Service is one of APU’s four cornerstones. What does service mean to you?
Service is super important to being a Christian. It can feel uncomfortable at times, especially when entering a culture you’re not familiar with yet, but God calls us to lean into the discomfort sometimes. That’s where growth happens. More opportunities to be vulnerable and deepen connections with others arise from service. It ultimately allows us to minister to others and love God, which is the purpose of life as a Christian.
All APU undergraduate students serve 120 hours over the course of four years. There
are many opportunities during the school year and during the summer to serve both
locally and globally. Learn more about Global Engagement trips here or by emailing [email protected] .