What does Thanksgiving, a STAMP team and the Dominican Republic have in common?

Many of us may not realize the answer is, "The Turkey Trot." This annual Thanksgiving Day event grows out of our 2013 STAMP team to the DR. It's a beautiful example of how a short-terms missions trip can grow beyond the actual trip itself. As you read this, consider when you've finished something how God might be working in new ways to do more than you expected.

The Turkey Trot began as a fundraiser for the STAMP team six years ago as it headed to the community of Hato del Yaque in the Dominican Republic. “We spent our spring break holding basketball clinics, running a VBS, and serving lunch to kids in the community," explains Barb Nussbaum, a member of that 2013 STAMP team. "A local pastor, Pastor Elido, established a church and wanted to use it holistically to support the community.” explains Barb. After the trip, the team wanted to continue supporting Pastor Elido and this community in tangible ways. But how?

College Church missionary Kyle Bradley, the host for that spring break trip, asked the team to consider “continuing in mission” by raising funds for two full basketball courts behind the church. These courts would allow the church to become even more a gathering center in this community and attract kids to play sports and hear the message of the gospel.

The Turkey Trots in 2014 and 2015 raised funding for the basketball courts. “In 2015, Kyle approached us about installing lights, so the courts could be used day and night. As a result, kids in the community not only learn valuable sports skills, but also, and more importantly, hear the message of Jesus from national missionaries who serve as coaches," points out Barb. "And the lights on the courts? This helps keep kids out of trouble and in a safe community at the church in Hato del Yaque." Meanwhile, Turkey Trot funding has also helped clear a baseball/soccer field in the same community.

Members of that 2013 STAMP team still joyfully "continue in mission" with GO Ministries by hosting the annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot—now in its seventh year. Last Thanksgiving more than 250 runners participated in the 5K run/walk at St. James Farm.

"This Thanksgiving, all the money raised will be used to launch an initiative to provide small-scale employment and revenue through GO Ministries’ Kingdom Business area of ministry," Barb explains.

Sometimes it's easy to think that when a missions trip is over and your service ends, that's it. The end. The Turkey Trot, however, reminds us that kingdom service has the potential to grow and bear fruit long after your specific ministry ends. With that in mind, come run with us at St. James Farm on Thanksgiving morning!