MARION, Ind. - The Indiana Wesleyan University volleyball team embarked on a trip to Santiago, Dominican Republic in late July to run volleyball camps for local kids. Head coach Candace Moats described the trip in three words, "Love in Action". "I saw the IWU Volleyball players working towards a shared vision to put love in action," said Head Coach Candace Moats. "It was decided before the trip that our team wanted to be unified in sharing the Love of God to those they had an opportunity to meet."

With a balance of on-ground action and insightful reflections, the team's journey epitomized Love in Action, as the team poured into lives of many youth volleyball players in the Dominican Republic.

"We served the "Go sports" volleyball outreach in the "Go Ministries" organization.  Every day the players encouraged, supported, and loved on the Dominican kids while teaching them volleyball skills. At the same time we all received the love of the kids back. It was love in action both ways showing commitment and care towards each other" said Moats.

They helped GO Ministries expand its volleyball outreach, fostering an environment of encouragement and care for young Dominican athletes. Each day the team embraced their mission with an infectious energy. They poured their hearts into coaching, guiding, and nurturing the local youth players. As they interacted with the campers and coaches, they gained a broader perspective of the world around them. 

"Words cannot describe the hope, love, and joy serving in the Dominican Republic with GoSports has brought into my life," said junior Julia Price. "The power and goodness of God was extremely evident through all the girls, the staff, and everyone else we encountered on the trip."

The campers, hailing from diverse backgrounds and experiences, found themselves in a place where they were cherished and valued. Each player, regardless of their past, felt the same embrace of care and support. Beyond the confines of the volleyball court, the IWU team devised creative games and conversations to impart life lessons and strengthen the sense of community. They shared their own personal stories and testimonials, bridging the gap between cultures and life experiences.

"Our mission trip to the Dominican Republic was an incredible experience filled with an abundance of faith, friendship, volleyball, gratitude, and joy. We were given opportunities to work, coach, get to know the community and culture, and make memories that will last a lifetime," said junior Macy Staggs. "This trip not only made our team connection and chemistry stronger but also took our faith and perspective on living life like Jesus Christ to another level."
 

The trip instigated profound introspection among the team members. Devotional times led by GO Ministries allowed them to explore the transformation brought about by embracing Christ and how life unfolds before and after such a revelation. Powerful verses found resonance in their hearts, shaping their perspectives and fortifying their commitment to love in action. 

"Our trip was one that was full of joy, laughter, and spiritual growth. We had the opportunity to dive into another culture and build relationships with those who live a very different lifestyle than us,' said senior Cassie Gregory. "Throughout this trip, I personally saw my team grow in their faith as well as see the work of Jesus pour out through each one of them. It was an amazing experience that I am so grateful and blessed to be a part of."

They identified opportunities to continue serving, with a newfound awareness of needs beyond their own. Testimonies echoed the same: stepping outside their comfort zones had broadened their horizons, revealing the stark contrast between their own needs and those of others. With unwavering commitment, they vowed to harness God's love to bring hope toothers.They learned to be grateful for the blessings they had and to view life from a new perspective.

"The mission trip in the Dominican Republic was life changing, and it showed me how we can make an impact on local people by showing them God's love," said senior Martina Demarchi. "I loved being able to coach young women, discover another culture, and glorify God in everything we did!"

The team left the Dominican Republic with a culture of servant leadership, an unbreakable sense of community, and the realization that their purpose extended beyond themselves. The lessons learned in Santiago remind them that "Love in Action" can transcend borders, cultures, and challenges, leaving a mark on both the givers and the receivers.

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