Our Story
Every individual seeks a purpose in life, a calling that brings joy and fulfillment. For John and his wife, that purpose was discovered in the heart of the Dominican Republic, specifically in a small community known as Batey 7. Here, amidst the stark realities of poverty, hope flourishes. Each day, mothers prepare meals, fathers toil in the sugar cane fields, and children play, yet the challenges they face are immense. The land is barren, the water is contaminated, and many families live in makeshift homes.
Despite these hardships, the spirit of the community remains unbroken. Mission teams from around the world bring supplies and support for medical, dental, educational, and water projects. John and his wife first visited Batey 7 24 years ago as part of a medical mission team, and their lives were forever changed. They returned multiple times, each visit revealing God's plan for their involvement in this community.
Through years of service, they learned the importance of patience and obedience, as God opened and closed doors in their journey. Eventually, they established BIG HOPE Bearden Ministries, partnering with the Iglesia Evangelica Dominicana church in Barahona. Their mission is to provide essential medical and surgical care to the people of Batey 7 and surrounding areas, embodying the teachings of Christ by serving those in need.