Something bigger than ourselves: Givingthanks in the Dominican Republic
Reflections by Dr. Thomas Millard, Tommy Millard, and Andrew Conrad
An interview with Thomas G. Millard, MD, and his son, Tommy Millard. Dr. Millard specializes in emergency medicine for University Health Lakewood Medical Center, and serves on the board for the Dominican Republic Medical Partnership (DRMP). Both are pictured above on the Givingthanks trip to the Dominican Republic in 2025.
Dr. Tom, what inspired you to get involved with medical mission trips?
Dr. Millard: I wanted to use my medical training to help others. I have done volunteer work in the United States, but knew there were needs outside of the U.S. where assistance programs are not as readily available. I also wanted to get my children involved in medical mission trips to broaden their backgrounds and emphasize the need to give back.
You have participated on four Givingthanks trips (2022-2025). What are the most common maladies impacting batey residents?
Dr. Millard: Overuse issues such as chronic back injuries, and skin and eye problems. General health knowledge is lacking particularly in regard to nutrition, reproductive health, and sexually transmitted diseases.
What could help improve the health and well-being of batey residents the most?
Dr. Millard: Most issues we see are a result of the harsh working conditions in the sugarcane fields. Overuse and exposure problems are common. Modified working hours, additional resources for skin protection, nutrition, hydration, and physical therapy would substantially improve their quality of life.
Over the past four years, have you noticed an improvement or decline in residents’ overall health?
Dr. Millard: Chronic problems like diabetes and hypertension have shown improvement thanks to the number of residents enrolled in Light a Candle Foundation’s management programs. Increased education has helped patients’ sexual health, particularly for the girls and women we see.
Have you noticed any demographic changes?
Dr. Millard: It seems that we have seen younger workers and more children in the clinic.
What do you find most rewarding about your trips to the D.R.?
Dr. Millard: Helping those who do not have available medical resources and working with enthusiastic volunteers—and seeing how they gain appreciation for the need to help others—further reinforces my belief that we have a responsibility to share our talents and resources. Even the smallest of gestures is appreciated.
Tommy, what are your favorite and least favorite parts of the Givingthanks trips?
Tommy: My favorite part is the community—forming connections with both the people we help and those working alongside me. I love getting to play with the kids and measuring blood pressure. Although there were minor inconveniences, there was nothing we couldn’t laugh about later.
What life lessons have you learned?
Tommy: It’s not about me. All pride is thrown to the wind on these trips. I’ve realized that a lot of day-to-day worries just aren’t important. I’ve become aware of how many gifts God has given me.
Have you noticed any changes in the bateyes on the three trips you’ve taken?
Tommy: There’s a greater number of people in the bateyes coming in for help, which is amazing.
If you were trying to encourage someone to go on a medical mission trip, what would you say?
Tommy: There are no words to describe how impactful this trip is, but the closest I can get is to say that the work is one of the most pure forms of service. Even though you may not be able to speak the language or provide a miracle cure, you can still help. The experience will draw you, and others, closer to the Lord.
Village Church member Andrew Conrad shares his reflections on participating in the Givingthanks trip.
Traveling to the Dominican Republic with Village Church has been an incredible blessing to my family. One of the greatest gifts of the Givingthanks trip is that it welcomes all ages. Being able to serve alongside my kids back-to-back years—watching them experience a new culture and connect with the beautiful people we meet—are memories I will always treasure.
Wonderful friendships have been formed in the villages surrounded by sugarcane fields. We bonded not only with others from church, but also with the amazing Light A Candle team, who greet us every morning with smiles and hugs.
The days in the mobile clinics are filled with so many meaningful moments. Teens work shoulder-to-shoulder with doctors, offering medical care to families who welcome us with grace. Evenings are spent in fellowship—reflecting on the day, sharing stories, or simply relaxing at the beach.
It’s the small moments that stay with you: an elderly man beaming after a fresh haircut, a young girl getting her hair washed and styled, a grateful mother seeing her child examined by a doctor.
And there are the joyful occasions: cheering at a Dominican baseball game (pictured), singing karaoke on the bus, celebrating a birthday, laughing (and crying) together after long days of service. These memories weave themselves into your heart and stay there. This trip has been an unforgettable reminder of what it means to serve, to connect, and to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
The Village youth ministry just returned from their annual trip to the DR this March—highlights from this trip are pictured above. Our next all-ages service trip is coming in Nov. 2026, and there is still time to join the trip if you’re interested. Visit the Givingthanks web page to learn more.