This spring, a team of Life Pacific University students traveled to Arecibo, Puerto Rico, to serve alongside missionaries Daniel and Yolanda Rivera at Dream Center Esperanza, a ministry plant of the Dream Center LA. Partnering with local churches and the broader Foursquare family, the team stepped into a powerful time of service, spiritual renewal, and personal transformation.
Over the course of their mission, students engaged in various outreach efforts including city clean-up projects, packing and distributing lunches and groceries, ministering door-to-door, and praying with community members. Their efforts met both physical and spiritual needs in the community—bringing hope, healing, and the love of Jesus in tangible ways.
“Our ministry easily impacted hundreds. I believe at least 500 were fed, if not more,” shared Ray Furr, LPU student and team leader. “We saw physical healings, salvations, and spiritual breakthroughs not only in those we ministered to—but within our team as well.”
Throughout their time in Puerto Rico, the team:
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Carried out at least five city service projects, including a community clean-up in government housing areas.
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Hosted outdoor church and worship services.
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Evangelized through food distribution using a mobile hotdog cart.
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Partnered with the Foursquare Hispanic District’s Empowered Tour event.
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Served the homeless and elderly by distributing food and clothing.
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Witnessed two physical healings, three personal healings on the team, and at least six salvations and re-dedications.
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Saw two people baptized in the Holy Spirit—one before departing, and one during the trip.
Ray Furr shared: “God peeled back some of the callousness in my heart and showed me a new love for people. He broke down my pride and taught me to love unconditionally. That has been my testimony.”Ava Moen, who speaks Spanish, recounted how she struggled with confidence in using the language in a new context.“The Lord gave me the words I needed as I translated for a teammate during prayer. My faith grew in the moment, and I knew God was with me.”Anthony Brunske reflected on a moment during a Sunday church service held in a government housing community: “God was moving powerfully. During worship, a skit, and through testimonies, people wept and encountered Jesus. It was one of the clearest moments where I saw God’s presence at work.”Ysa Puente described a divine appointment: “We invited a young nurse to join our outdoor service just before her shift. She had been praying that day for confirmation that God saw her. Our prayer and encouragement fulfilled what God told her would happen—she left strengthened in faith.”
“He used me to pray and speak life into others—my faith was strengthened seeing my peers so radical for Jesus.”“God taught me humility and reminded me that ministry is about servanthood, not the spotlight.”“He softened my heart and showed me the love of His kingdom.”
