GO Ministries

Hello everyone,

My name is Austin Moss, and I'm excited to share an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need outside of the United States. In August 2024, I will be joining Go Ministries on a service trip to Santiago, Dominican Republic along with 12 other Americans. Our mission is to support and serve the local community by providing essential shelter, food, water, and medical attention for a week. Most importantly, we aim to show that people care about their well-being by dedicating our time and energy to serve them without expecting anything in return. This act is powerful and truly changes the hearts of these beautiful people who often struggle to find food, water, and the hope for a better life. The area faces extreme poverty, with many families living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. It's heartbreaking, but it feels great knowing the hope and assistance that we can bring to them.

My personal experience on previous trips profoundly impacted me. I realized the importance of stepping outside my American, self-centered mindset and truly understanding the struggles of others. Witnessing firsthand the lack of basic living needs—something even the homeless in America often have—opened my eyes to the hurt and pain these communities endure daily. It was a humbling experience to see the gratitude and joy from the locals when we poured just a few concrete floors for their shanties and painted their rusted metal sheeting walls. We also brightened up a church interior, which, despite being just a larger shanty with tin roofs and sticks for walls, serves as a vital community gathering place.

These moments revealed the incredible spirits and hearts of the people, despite never having had the opportunities for work or education that many of us take for granted. This experience inspired me to start this GoFundMe campaign. I want to continue supporting these amazing people and help improve their living conditions. All the funds donated will go 100% to Go Ministries, ensuring that your contributions directly impact the families and children who need it most. Those interested in learning more about the charity and its mission can visit Go Ministries' website here .

For those who donate $100 or more, I'll provide personal daily updates during the trip, sharing what we've accomplished each day, along with photos and videos. For anyone who donates $500 or more, I will provide a 1 hour of FREE personal coaching session. Please include your phone number or email if you would like the updates. I have already personally covered the cost of my trip so 100% of these funds are going to help Go Ministries continue being able to outreach into the community and serve. Let's come together to positively impact and bring light to these communities in need. Thank you for your support!

On Saturday, May 6th, we will close out the 2022-2023 academic year with our first ever Western Michigan University Kalamazoo Prom[ise] Celebratory Gala. Sponsored by the WMU Office of Multicultural Services for Students and co-sponsored by the Kalamazoo Promise Scholars of WMU registered student organization, we hope to make this an annual event at no cost to attendees.

This event is designed to celebrate the accomplishments of Kalamazoo Promise Scholars at Western Michigan *and* help to raise money for GO Ministries (https://gomin.org/), an international community-based organization that empowers local leaders to renew communities and restore creation through mutual transformation.

In the Spring 2023, 14 WMU Kalamazoo Promise Scholars worked with GO MINISTRIES on a service project during the COM 3050: Intercultural Communication & Ethnography in the Dominican Republic study abroad program. Seeing the difference that the organization was making up close and personal (e.g., their GO Kids, GO Medical, and GO sports programs), WMU Kalamazoo Promise scholars were committed to supporting their efforts beyond a short community service project.

So, if you are a Kalamazoo Promise Scholar or guest attending the 2023 Gala, we encourage you to make a donation to GO MINISTRIES! Further, if you are a friend and/or supporter of Kalamazoo Promise Scholars at WMU, we also would love your support. Each year, study abroad participants spend their last day in the Dominican Republic with GO MINISTRIES—and partnering with them as they committ to serving ALL in the Santiago community is always the most meaningful part of the experience. Please help us assist them in assisting others!