Full Circle in the Dominican Republic | Service, Baseball & Empower Baseball

Full Circle in the Dominican Republic by Brandon Byers

July 9–16, I had the privilege of returning to the Dominican Republic — a place that shaped my life in ways I’m still discovering. I served here in the Santo Domingo West LDS Mission from 1999 to 2001, and I’ve carried with me ever since the warmth of the people and the lesson that true joy comes from service.

This trip had several purposes — to deliver baseball gear and first aid supplies, to reconnect with my mission roots, to give my son Austin (18) a taste of meaningful service before he heads out on his own LDS mission, and to scout for future Empower Baseball projects. Alongside my friend Brian Straley, we traveled from Santo Domingo to Herrera, Barahona, Los Patos, Vicente Noble, Juan Dolio, and San Pedro de Macorís.

We brought three large bags packed with bats, balls, gloves, cleats, pants, and three sets of catcher’s gear — and still, it wasn’t enough for the need we saw. We delivered this gear to our team in Barahona, where the excitement on the kids’ faces said more than words ever could. In Vicente Noble, with the help of the sister missionaries, we delivered simple first aid kits from our Heal It Forward foundation — our nonprofit dedicated to getting first aid supplies into the hands of those who need them most. We went door to door in a humble neighborhood, meeting families face-to-face and leaving supplies that will make a real difference.