Our Missionaries

Kendy Ramirez

Kendy was born and raised in La Romana, Dominican Republic, she grew up in a Christian home, but it was at the age of 15 years old that she accepted Christ into her heart.  Since then she has worked with the children at her church in the summer bible school and bible teachings every Sunday.

Kendy met and married her loving husband, Fredy Mendoza and together they both felt the calling to work with kids. In the summer of 2020, they began to work for Handfuls of Hope, and serve in the Sports Ministry program as Sports Ministry Logistic Coordinator. They have the opportunity to bless the lives of children through sports and to share the gospel.

Kendy is also involved in different areas of the ministry, she enjoys and feels passionate about serving the Lord. Her hobbies are listening to music, singing, and cooking.

Favorite verse: Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. Psalms 37:5

Contact Kendy
kcastro@handfulsofhope.org

Fredy Mendoza Castro

Fredy was born and raised in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic.  Although he did not grow up in a Christian home, God had mercy on him and at the age of 16, he accepted Christ as his savior. Ever since then he loves to share the gospel with others and talk about how his life has been transformed.

Fredy married his beloved and beautiful wife Kendy Ramirez and both of them serve full-time as missionaries for Handfuls of Hope. Fredy serves as the Director of Sports Ministry in Nizao, Baní. Fredy loves to do missions together with his wife and his desire is to continue being used as an instrument to glorify God through this ministry.

His hobbies are reading and writing.

Favorite verse: And if anyone prevails against one, two will resist him; and three-fold cord is not soon broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Contact Fredy
fcastro@handfulsofhope.org

Gerson Martinez and Camila Castro

“From Colombia to the world” is a popular Colombian phrase that reminds us of the desire to showcase everything made in Colombia to the entire world. And that is exactly what Gerson and Camila have done! Gerson Martinez, Camila Castro, and their children, Ethan and Christine, left their country in 2023 to plant a church in the Dominican Republic. They joined Handfuls of Hope in June 2024 and together as a family help in all areas of ministry serving the Lord. Both Gerson and Camila grew up in Christian families and were shown the Gospel at a young age.  Gerson’s parents were pastors and showed him a life in Christ through dedication and example. As for Camila, her parents taught and guided her to follow Jesus through their example and service to God. Camila was born into a family of pastors and missionaries with a hospitable and mission-driven heart. From a very young age, she was trained to serve the Lord. Throughout their lives, Gerson and Camila, after years of serving in their local churches and participating in several mission trips, experienced their personal conversion. In Martin Luther’s words: “My heart burned to know I was truly saved.” Since then, by the grace of Jesus Christ, they have been tirelessly sharing the gospel with everyone around them.

In their spare time, Gerson enjoys music, reading, and writing; Camila enjoys writing, painting, and eating; Ethan loves football, playing drums, running, and playing with dirt; and Christine loves painting, drawing, running, climbing on everything, and playing with dirt.

Gerson: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

Camila: “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Teresa Contrera de Gonzalez
Director of Education

Teresa Contrera de Gonzalez was born in Baní, in the Peravia province of the Dominican Republic. She serves as the Principal of the Esdras School, where she is passionate about investing in the next generation through education, faith, and strong character. Teresa has a deep love for children and families and is committed to creating an environment where students can grow academically and spiritually.

Teresa is married to her husband Bernardo and they have three children; Yanadi, Tony, and Luis. One of Teresa’s greatest joys is spending time with her family and watching them grow in their relationship with the Lord.

In 2012, Teresa made the life-changing decision to serve God. Although she experienced a season of walking away at the end of 2013, the Lord faithfully called her back, and in 2015 she reaffirmed her commitment to follow Him. Since returning, she has witnessed God’s transforming power in her own life and in her family, as her husband and children have also begun faithfully attending church.

During this season of faith, Teresa faced one of the most difficult moments of her life when her father suffered a tragic accident. Through persistent prayer and the support of her church community, she saw the mighty hand of God bring healing and restoration. This powerful experience strengthened her faith and deepened her gratitude, and she joyfully shares that only God could have performed such a miracle.

Today, Teresa continues to serve with humility and dedication, believing that God has called her to lead, encourage, and disciple both students and families for His glory.

Favorite verse: Psalm 121: 1-8 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel  will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Contact Teresa
tcontreras@handfulsofhope.org

Josias Ariel Velazquez Ramirez
Sponsorship Coordinator

Josias Ariel Velazquez Ramirez was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He serves as the Sponsorship Coordinator, where he is passionate about building meaningful connections between supporters and their sponsor children as well as creating opportunities for education, growth, and lasting hope in the lives of children and families.

Raised in the church, Josias has followed Christ from an early age. Over his 29 years as a believer and servant of Jesus, he has come to know the depth of God’s love—a love that surpasses all understanding. He shares that the Lord has forgiven his shortcomings, rescued him from poor decisions, and faithfully guided him throughout every season of life. Like every believer, he has faced difficult moments; yet through each one, he has witnessed the power and faithfulness of God, even in the darkest times. Today, he deeply understands the words of the Apostle Paul about light and momentary afflictions producing an eternal weight of glory. Josias joyfully declares that God is faithful and that he owes everything to Him.

In his free time, Josias enjoys playing softball and baseball, reading, connecting with others through social media, and watching movies and series. One of his favorite activities is spending time in prayer, which he considers the most important part of his daily life. He is not yet married and does not have children, and he is fully committed to serving wherever God leads.

Favorite verse: Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Contact Josias
jvelazquez@handfulsofhope.org

Benjamin Loyola Gomera
Representative of the Esdras School Sponsorship Program

Benjamin Loyola Gomera was born in Sabana Grande de Palenque in San Cristóbal Province, Dominican Republic. He currently serves as the Representative of the Esdras School Sponsorship Program, where he is passionate about creating opportunities for education, growth, and hope.

Raised in the church, Benjamin has followed Christ from a young age. Over his 25 years as a believer and servant of Jesus, he has experienced firsthand the transforming love and faithfulness of God. He shares that although he has walked through difficult seasons—as every believer does—he has witnessed the power of God most clearly in life’s darkest moments. The Lord has forgiven his faults, rescued him from poor decisions, and faithfully led him every step of the way. Benjamin often reflects on the words of the Apostle Paul, understanding deeply that light and momentary afflictions are producing an eternal weight of glory. He joyfully declares that God is faithful and that he owes everything to Him.

Benjamin enjoys reading the Bible, studying books of various genres, practicing music, watching movies and series, connecting through social media, and most importantly, spending time in prayer. He is not yet married and does not have children, and he remains committed to serving wherever the Lord calls him.

Favorite verses: Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Contact Benjamin
bgomera@handfulsofhope.org