I was introduced to Students International through my youth pastor when I went on a short-term one-week mission trip to Jarabacoa. As a senior in high school at the time, this trip was more than just a mission trip for me. It was an answer to prayer. It was my first overseas mission trip and a unique opportunity to travel to a new country. I had to say “yes,” and was eager to go. While I did not know it at the time, this trip would change my life, and it was the opportunity God would use to allow me to participate even deeper in His calling for me into global missions. 

From working in the Microfinance site to experiencing the upbeat culture of the Dominican Republic, I immediately fell in love with the country and its people. I knew that I wanted to serve for the long term and go beyond the one-week experience. Considering I was also graduating from high school, I had a dilemma. With a calling for international missions, yet knowing the practical reality of having a college education, how could I serve and study at the same time? Then, I found my answer: The Global Bridge program.

Throughout my time in the Dominican Republic with Students International and Global Bridge, I have seen God work in so many ways. From overcoming fear and anxiety, to having a deeper trust in God, to exploring and learning a new culture, to learning a second language, I have grown in my faith, personal confidence, and various practical life skills. After completing the first and second years of Global Bridge, I am now serving as one of the summer interns here in Jarabacoa. 

One of my favorite things from this experience is how Students International allows participants to deeply engage in serving and experiencing the host culture. As a Cultural Studies major at Crown College, understanding culture is a deeply fascinating topic to me, and I have an active curiosity to understand the culture in which I find myself in. I have loved having the opportunity to build cross-cultural friendships and get to engage in this curiosity in the Dominican Republic. Whether that looks like sharing a devotional in one of our Microfinance meetings, being involved in a local church, or being adopted by my host families, I have had a deep sense of belonging here in the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, I have loved getting to show others the love of Christ, mentoring other short-term participants, and pointing others ultimately toward Jesus. It’s so awesome to see that our God transcends cultures, and He is at work in every corner of the world. I have found myself called to be a witness of the Gospel here in the Caribbean during this time.

I have seen God use me to be a part of the story He is writing here in Jarabacoa. I have helped people build financial independence, helped members of the community practically and spiritually, and have seen the transformative and redemptive work of the Holy Spirit in my site, myself, and the other participants who come to experience what Students International has to offer. 

I eagerly anticipate seeing what else God has for me in my life beyond my years in Global Bridge and this summer internship. I’m so thankful for the grace God has given me, and I would not trade my experience with Students International for the world. This opportunity has been an answer to so many prayers and the adventure of a lifetime. What an honor it has been to be able to participate in the Great Commission and get to play a part in the story of redemption God has been writing throughout eternity. I can only imagine what God will do next. 

In Christ, 

Greyson Neumayer