Written by Hope Garcia, Back2Back D.R. Co-Director

When Hope and Cheque Garcia, Back2Back D.R. Co-Directors, first moved to the Dominican Republic, they lived near an area internationally known for sex trafficking. One day, while at the beach with friends, they stopped for snacks and met a man visiting from Canada. He struck up a conversation, openly sharing that he came every year “for the ladies.”

Cheque listened patiently as the man continued, confessing broken relationships and admitting that every time he returned home from the D.R., he felt empty. Cheque and Hugo gently shared Jesus with him, praying something would take root before they parted ways.

The next morning, Cheque woke to an email from the man: I couldn’t sleep at all last night. I finally decided to give my life to Jesus. I am leaving for Canada a changed man after meeting you.

“After that experience, God began a work in my heart,” Cheque shared. “I had let so much hatred build toward the ‘customers’ who come here to take advantage of vulnerable women. But God reminded me—His heart is for both the abused and the abuser. His love is strong enough to cover all of us.”

Without that encounter, one man may have continued in cycles of exploitation and emptiness. Instead, a life was transformed, and even Cheque’s own heart was reshaped by God’s reminder of grace.

This is the power of listening, loving, and sharing hope. Please join us in praying for both the vulnerable and those who exploit them—that God’s love would bring freedom, healing, and redemption to all.