GFC Global Outreach
Casas Por Cristo
Casey Sager’s Story
In October of this year, my sister-in-law, Juanita, and I had the opportunity to embark on our first international mission trip to the Dominican Republic. To say that it was perspective-changing is an understatement. I have always wanted “to go” on a mission trip, but until now, I never pursued any opportunities. After a Sunday sermon while I was in North Carolina, Juanita said that she was going on a short-term mission trip to build a house in the Dominican Republic. She asked me to go with her. Being the “fear of missing out” type, I quickly said,” Yes!” Then I began to question if “us ladies” would really get to construct a house on an island in the Caribbean? I prayed for God’s confirmation over the next week, and the details began to fall into place. I started to ask my family and friends for financial support to fund the trip and build a house for this family of six, whom I had never met. We volunteered with a group of about 20 people from Northridge Church in Asheboro, NC, for Casas Por Cristo.
Construction was the most challenging manual labor that I’ve completed. It was 95° to 100° every day. I have taught hot yoga for years and have never sweated that profusely. In just three days, we built a house. From framing and pouring the concrete foundation to nailing tongue-and-groove siding, inserting louver windows, and installing a metal roof, the team accomplished its goal. As we built this home, we became immersed in the neighborhood and community. Even though there was a language barrier, God’s language of love united us all. The neighbors watched the construction. The feral dogs looked for food scraps. The children played in the street barefoot. We sought out moments of reprieve and hydration in the shade of the trees. I picked a ripe guava from the neighbor’s fragrant tree and savored every bite. The ladies from the church and mission team prepared us flavorful Dominican food every day.
Our group shared a like-minded mission, purpose, and goal. Our team’s age ranged from 11 to 67 years. Our team, working with Casas, prayed, ate, slept, worshiped, laughed, and played together for one precious week of our lives. We were all uncomfortable at times and had to adapt quickly to a new culture, taking really short showers. We all deeply experienced what it means to be the body of Christ.
When the house was complete, the local pastor, our Casas team, the neighbors, and extended family members came together to dedicate the home to the Dominican family of six. The event was joyful and exuberant! Pastor Humberto delivered a Gospel message over a loudspeaker for the entire neighborhood to hear the Good News. Juanita got to hand the keys of the new home to the family’s grandmother. What a beautiful reminder that God created us, loves us, and meets our needs. We are asked and allowed to participate in His good works. The hope of Jesus was shared, and hopefully, many hearts were changed. The family was humbly grateful for their earthly home, which they now called their own.
