Each year on September 27th, students across the Dominican Republic gather to celebrate National Bible Day, a tradition woven deeply into the nation’s identity. For one group of children in Back2Back’s education program, that celebration unexpectedly became an invitation to understand God’s story in a new and personal way.

Leah Martinez, Back2Back staff, was in the community with a group of students from the education program following their school day, and she asked how they celebrated Bible Day at school. The students joyfully shared that they won Bible verse memorization contests and learned how God created the world, about the forbidden fruit, and how it allowed sin into the world.

“They were very animated as they shared with me,” recalls Leah. “They were very invested and clearly paying attention, so I allowed a moment to naturally happen with them that I will never forget.”

Leah asked the students if any of them wished to receive Jesus into their hearts, and four young men responded with a resounding yes! She led them in prayer, inviting them to open their hearts and minds to the Father, allowing him to move and stir within them.

These are the moments that matter most – when children are open to hearing who God is and what He can do for His kids, safe adults can step in and share their own faith journeys with them. Together, one conversation, lesson, and moment at a time, vulnerable populations are coming to learn their God never leaves, forgets, or abandons them. This is a hope worth sharing.