Children are a precious gift from God, so we must commit to caring for our own children along with those in our local community. And even beyond the kids of our local community, we should be caring for the kids of our global community. This is why Big Hope Bearden Ministries is dedicated to serving those in need and sharing the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. They are a Christian 501(c}(3} Tax-Exempt Nonprofit Organization working to positively impact poorer villages in the Dominican Republic and is guided by Donna Floyd-Bearden, who serves as the Executive Director, and her husband, John.
The Beardens started their ministry 25 years ago after going on their first mission trip to the Dominican Republic with a ministry group from Statesboro, Georgia following Hurricane George. This sparked the Beardens’ call to ministry, and knowing they had to make change, they took a giant leap of faith and started Big Hope Bearden Ministries. Big Hope stands for Believers In God Helping Others Pursue Eternity. That is their heart and purpose, and the Beardens have been actively pursuing that purpose and inviting others to join them ever since. As Donna says, "Love in action is the best way to share the Gospel and build relationships with the people that you serve."
While sharing the Gospel, Big Hope has set up a number of programs and services to assist the underprivileged. Years ago, Big Hope partnered with Dream Ministries of North Carolina to open a medical clinic in the poorer areas of the Dominican Republic. Until 2020, they operated the clinic providing much-needed medical care. After Covid-19 struck, the nation’s public health service stopped the work … but God had other plans!
In 2021, with the help of some dedicated physicians and surgeons, Big Hope was able to restart the clinic’s work. Today, Clínica Buen Samaritano is up and running, staffed with a full-time doctor, nurse, pharmacy assistant, night guard, and housekeeper, all treating patients and assisting the community three days a week. The results of this change speak for itself. For example, a one-year-old girl received an exam. It was determined that she needed life-saving surgery. Sponsored by Big Hope Bearden Ministries, she had the surgery and is now recovered, walking, talking, and able to grow up healthy.
Along with medical assistance, Big Hope offers educational programs for the children in the communities surrounding the clinic. They teach sanitation, clean water, and proper hygiene. To enforce those values, Big Hope has even built a water plant that offers clean filtered water for the locals to use. Furthermore, Big Hope, ultimately, dreams of multiple youth groups serving in the Dominican Republic, a stream of committed volunteers, summer interns who will invest their hearts, dedicated English teachers, and the construction of a compound with dormitories, a preschool, church, and clinic. In order to make these a reality, Big Hope needs your help. Donations are essential for any ministry, but Big Hope doesn't just want donations, they want and need volunteers like you. "We want them to see what God is doing down there with the ministry, and how it is helping other people to live better lives," Donna says.
Big Hope wants you to know that you can make a real difference in the world with your prayers, donations, and service on a mission trip. Donna believes that when you get involved, you will feel every emotion from heartache to excitement, and she knows that you’ll want to invite others to make a difference with you.
To stay up to date with activities and mission trips, visit the website bighopeministries.org or follow Big Hope at @bighopebeardenministries on Instagram and Facebook. If you would like to donate, please visit https://bighopeministries.org/giving/.