Saturday, March 15

Our time in Santo Domingo ended with a night of worship, joy, and transformation. In total, during the two nights, 50,000 people came out for all the festivities, eager for the final celebration. Music from Jameson Ramírez, Dream Team DR, and Kike Pavón energized the crowd, setting the stage for a night of faith and hope in Jesus.

An unexpected downpour briefly halted the program, but the people stood firm. In a powerful moment, Ingrid Rosario led worship with just a piano, voices rising in praise despite the rain. Nothing could hinder God’s presence.

Mayor Dio Astacio then honored Andrew Palau with the key to the city, symbolizing Santo Domingo’s openness to the Gospel. Andrew shared a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of family and God’s love. As hands lifted in response, Festival Friends once again moved throughout the crowd, praying with those who made a decision for Christ.

The night ended in celebration, with performances by Ingrid Rosario, DJPV, Kike Pavón, and Redimi2. Yet, the greatest celebration was in heaven—for every soul that found new life in Jesus. Though the festival concluded, its impact will continue for years to come.

Earlier in the day on Saturday, more than 6,500 children enjoyed a variety of activities at the children’s festival which included inflatable games, face painting, clowns, a baseball station, and live music. Beyond the fun, every child also had the opportunity to hear the Word of God, making the day both meaningful and memorable.

Just steps away, the health fair provided essential care for those in need. More than 60 healthcare professionals offered medical and dental services, while others provided haircuts, clothing, psychological support, and hot meals. In total, 4,500 people benefited from these services, experiencing both practical help and the love of Christ in action.

To ensure accessibility, 113 buses transported families from across the region, allowing thousands to experience the full event. It was a powerful day of celebration, service, and faith—one that will leave a lasting impact on countless lives.

Friday, March 14

Festival Palau: Santo Domingo began with a vibrant celebration, despite initial concerns about the weather. Forecasts predicted a 90% chance of rain, but prayers were answered as the evening unfolded under a calm, moonlit sky. Slowly but surely, families, young people, and children gathered for a festival filled with faith, music, and joy.

The event opened with an electrifying atmosphere as Dominican artist Jameson Ramírez’s performance ignited the crowd, setting the tone for a night of worship and celebration. Spanish musician Kike Pavón then took the stage, joined by the enthusiastic audience who waved their hands and sang along, their excitement building with each passing moment.

The evening took a worshipful turn as Ingrid Rosario and her band led the crowd in a time of praise, preparing hearts to receive the message from Andrew.

As he took the stage, he shared his personal testimony of transformation through Christ, recounting his struggles of aimless living before surrendering his life to Jesus. He emphasized that no one is meant to be alone, and through faith in Christ, people can experience true belonging as children of God. His message resonated deeply, and when the invitation was given, many raised their hands in surrender, choosing to follow Christ. Festival Friends moved through the crowd, praying with those who made commitments, bringing encouragement and support.

The celebration continued with a high-energy performance from Brazilian artist DJPV, whose music and light show reignited the crowd’s joy. Later, Dominican rapper Redimi2 took the stage, delivering a powerful performance that had the audience on their feet. Fireworks and dazzling lights marked the festival’s finale, celebrating the new life found in Jesus Christ.

The festival was more than just an event—it was a night of transformation, worship, and celebration. Entire families rejoiced under the warm night sky, grateful for the message of hope and renewal that resonated throughout the gathering.

Thursday, March 13

In an atmosphere of celebration and anticipation, women from all walks of life gathered for "Stories of Hope." It was a special evening designed to inspire, uplift, and share the transforming power of faith. With hearts open and spirits expectant, the audience listened as Wendy shared her deeply personal journey of redemption and hope.

The evening began with a powerful time of worship led by Eilyn Paulina, whose praises filled the room, preparing hearts for the message to come. Pastor Norely Ponciano warmly welcomed the attendees before hosts Erika Oviedo and Johnny Pérez took the stage to announce the upcoming festival. Excitement grew as they shared details about the festival, the Children's Festival, and the Solidarity Day, all designed to impact lives across the city.

Then came the highlight of the night—Wendy’s testimony. Her story is one marked by deep sorrow and incredible redemption. She spoke openly about the pain of losing three pregnancies and the profound grief that followed. But in her darkest moments, she discovered the unshakable love of God, who turned her mourning into joy. Though she later gave birth to two children, she felt called to trust God’s plan beyond her own understanding.

Wendy shared how God revealed His heart to her through adoption. Everything changed when she and Andrew met a little girl who had been abandoned. With no name, no family, and no one to call her own, this child found a home in the Palau family, experiencing the love and security of a family for the first time. Today, her life is a living testimony to God’s grace and redeeming love.

“I am no longer a woman of pain,” Wendy declared, her words resonating deeply with the audience. She reminded every woman present that God's purpose is not for them to live in suffering but to experience His healing, love, and restoration.

As the night came to a close, hearts were stirred, and lives were changed. Wendy’s testimony served as a beacon of hope, proving that even through life’s greatest trials, God’s love never fails. The journey from brokenness to wholeness is possible, and through faith, every woman can walk in the fullness of God’s redemption.

In a meaningful gathering at the National Police Auditorium, 221 cadets came together for a night of encouragement and inspiration. Andrew and Wendy shared a message of faith and purpose, while singer Germán Barceló accompanied them and uplifted the room with his music.

Andrew spoke candidly about his personal journey, reflecting on both his struggles and the life-changing hope he found in Christ. He reminded the cadets of his father, Luis Palau’s, visit to the country in the 1970s and urged them to embrace the most important decision of their lives—responding to God’s call with maturity and faith.

The young cadets listened intently, moved by his honesty and encouragement. His words resonated deeply, reminding them that an abundant life is a gift from God, and true transformation is possible for everyone.

Before parting, Andrew and the team expressed their gratitude for the cadets’ commitment to serving their nation. As the evening closed, he extended a heartfelt invitation to the upcoming Palau Festival at Faro a Colón, a celebration of faith and hope for the entire community.

Wednesday, March 12

Entrepreneurs and professionals gathered for a powerful evening of faith and encouragement on Wednesday evening. Among the distinguished guests were Mayor Dio Astacio and Milciades Franjul, a key liaison between the evangelical church and the Dominican government. The event provided a unique opportunity for business leaders to connect, reflect, and be inspired by messages rooted in faith and purpose.

Wilson Smith, the renowned Nike designer behind the iconic Air More Uptempo sneakers, shared how his work transcended sports and became a cultural symbol. He encouraged attendees to recognize their God-given uniqueness and embrace the impact they are meant to have. His message set the stage for Andrew, who used a powerful analogy to illustrate the significance of faith, comparing a person’s life to a sports shoe—without Christ, it lacks true purpose: "A shoe on its own is insignificant, but when worn by an athlete, it gains meaning and purpose. Similarly, a person finds their true purpose only when they invite Jesus into their life."

The evening was further enriched by a moving musical performance from Germán Barceló, whose heartfelt songs resonated deeply with the audience. As the night progressed, Andrew extended a call to faith, inviting attendees to pray and make a personal commitment to Christ. Many responded, marking their decisions on cards placed at each table, signifying a life-changing moment.

Following the message, Andrew and Wendy took time to connect personally with attendees, offering words of encouragement and prayer. The evening concluded with a profound sense of gratitude and unity, leaving many inspired and strengthened in their faith. More than just a dinner, it was a transformative experience filled with hope and renewal.

Wendy has a remarkable gift for listening with sensitivity and sharing her testimony in a way that is both simple and deeply impactful. On Wednesday, she visited five different schools to speak to middle and high school girls. At the Mayaje Educational Center, 150 senior students from five different schools gathered to hear her speak. As she began to share, the young women’s expressions gradually changed, and their interest grew.

When Wendy spoke about her journey to faith in Jesus Christ and how He transformed her life, the atmosphere shifted. These teenagers, standing at a crossroads in life, were captivated. They were in the midst of making crucial decisions—about their identities, their futures, and their careers. Wendy’s story resonated with them, encouraging them to seek God’s guidance as they navigated these defining moments.

As she concluded, she led them in prayer and invited those who had prayed sincerely to acknowledge their decision. She counted to three, asking them to share their commitment with the person beside them. Two young women immediately stood, tears streaming down their faces, visibly moved by God’s presence. Their response was just the beginning—soon, many others followed, experiencing the life-changing power of Christ.

After the meeting, the young women surrounded Wendy, eager to speak with her, take photos, and share their hearts. That morning, many of them encountered Jesus for the first time. God was surely in this outreach as her visit left an eternal impact on these young women’s lives.

Tuesday, March 11

It was an unforgettable day of hope and transformation in Santo Domingo as the team ministered to those in Najayo Prison! Andrew and Wendy shared the life-changing message of Jesus with more than a thousand inmates, filling the prison with joy, worship, and renewed faith.

The day began with anticipation as nearly 1,000 inmates gathered in the courtyard, eager for the event to start. When rain moved the gathering indoors, around 650 men packed the dining hall, where they were moved by the inspiring music of Germán Barceló. His heartfelt songs of spiritual freedom resonated deeply, setting the stage for the powerful messages to come.

Meanwhile, Wendy met with 400 women, where she was welcomed with open hearts. Under a tent, as rain softly fell around them, she shared her personal testimony and a message of hope. Many, for the first time, grasped their worth in God’s eyes, receiving healing and restoration.

Andrew spoke to the men about true freedom—one found only in Jesus. He shared his journey of faith, leading to a moment of decision as nearly all present chose to commit their lives to Christ. Later, he was led to meet with another group of 100 men, delivering the same powerful message of grace and redemption.

The impact was undeniable. Tears turned into smiles, prayers filled the air, and hearts were forever changed. As a special act of love, the Palau Association provided a delicious meal for the inmates, further reinforcing the tangible expression of God’s care.

Each inmate received a book by Andrew or Wendy, along with a New Testament to guide them in their newfound faith. Wendy also took time to pray for the prison guards, blessing them and their families with encouragement and God’s Word.

This was more than a visit—it was a moment of transformation. And this is just beginning—already, lives are being changed, hope is rising, and the message of Jesus is bringing freedom where it’s needed most! We can’t wait to see how God moves in the days to come.

In the evening, nearly 500 women gathered at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santo Domingo for a memorable evening filled with music, heartfelt stories, and a message of hope. Hosted by Erika Oviedo and Johnny Pérez, the event featured captivating performances by musical guests Germán Barceló and Eilyn Paulina (a Dominican artist), creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere.

A highlight of the night was Wendy Palau’s powerful testimony, where she shared her personal journey of faith, loss, and transformation. She spoke about how she met her husband and the impact the God they now serve as a couple had on her life. She recounted the arrival of her children, the loss of pregnancies, and the adoption of her daughter, sharing a journey of personal and spiritual transformation that she invited each woman to experience as her own. Many women were moved to tears as she invited them to experience the love and healing of Jesus Christ. The empathy was palpable, and several responded in faith, filling out cards for follow-up and receiving the devotional book Know Me to guide them in their relationship with God.

As the night concluded with dessert and a heartfelt farewell prayer, the true highlight was the eternal impact made in the lives of many women.

Monday, March 10

On Monday morning, Andrew spoke at Universidad Nacional Evangélica (National Evangelical University) to an audience of 83 professors and leaders. He was warmly welcomed by Dr. Rafael Reyes Almonte, the university’s rector, and Alfredo Osser Veras, dean of the Theology Faculty.

Seizing the moment, Andrew shared about Jesus’ sacrifice, emphasizing His unconditional love and how it sustains us through every challenge, lifting us up and propelling us forward. Later, he met with a smaller group of about 35 students, where he shared a brief testimony and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their academic journey.

“We have great memories of people in this country. We have heard many testimonies of people who met Jesus through my father sharing the Good News. Today we met authorities from the National Evangelical University who are the fruit of these efforts and are today leaders.”

— Andrew Palau

During Monday evening, more than 1,000 pastors and leaders gathered for a special event focused on inspiring and strengthening those in ministry. Pastor Johnny Pérez from Uruguay led the program, introducing the speakers and musical guest Germán Barceló, while also outlining the key activities planned for the week.

Andrew and Wendy took turns addressing the audience, weaving together personal testimonies and Scripture to encourage marriages, uplift ministry leaders, and express their anticipation for what God would do in Santo Domingo in the coming days. Wendy spoke directly to a large group of husbands and wives about the importance of peace and unity in marriage. She reminded them that the very message they are called to share with the world must first be lived out in their personal lives—the way of Jesus. Her words resonated deeply, drawing a wave of applause and cheers of agreement from the crowd.

During the first musical segment, Germán Barceló performed Batalla Perdida, a powerful song about his journey of marital reconciliation. The song features the voices of the late Luis Palau alongside Andrew, delivering a moving message of transformation. “We pray that tonight you will be deeply encouraged,” Andrew shared.

The evening also included a special time of prayer. Pastor Lorenzo Motta King, President of the Festival’s Executive Committee, and his wife, Estela Peña, prayed over Andrew and Wendy, while Samuel and Patricia Guzmán lifted up the pastoral couples in prayer, asking for blessings over their marriages, families, ministries, and congregations.

Andrew then challenged the pastors to pray for their families and their children—to intercede for the next generation and bring them back to Jesus, just as he had experienced in his own testimony. The response was powerful. Hundreds of parents stood in the gap, lifting their voices in passionate prayer over their children and the families of the Dominican Republic. “We pray for the deep healing of the human heart in Santo Domingo,” Andrew declared.

The night concluded in a spirit of unity, encouragement, and shared purpose. With hearts full of expectation, the leaders looked ahead to the weekend, believing for a great harvest of lives transformed by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sunday, March 9

Wendy and I just arrived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and we need your prayers! This week is packed with incredible opportunities to share the Gospel, reaching people from all walks of life.

From university students to prisoners, government leaders to business professionals, women to police cadets, we are sharing the Good News with care and compassion. God desires that everyone come to know Him, which is why we always prioritize reaching every sector of society.

As some background, the number of evangelical Christians is dropping dramatically in the Dominican Republic. Passion among believers is dwindling. With the rise of apathy, along with the presence of occult practices within society, those who are standing strong in their faith are concerned about what will come for future generations.

With our encouragement and support, more than 1,000 churches have a renewed sense of purpose to come together in unity for the Gospel—a vision that hasn’t been pursued collectively in almost a decade.

Please pray for every man, woman, and child who will hear the Gospel—especially those coming to the festival on March 14-15. Pray that hearts will be open and lives will be transformed by the love of Jesus!

We’ll be sharing updates throughout the week here and on social media—stay connected and follow along on Instagram or Facebook.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer as we reach the people of Santo Domingo. We couldn’t do this without you!

Your partner in ministry,

Andrew Palau (on behalf of Wendy and the team)

Reigniting the fire of evangelism in the Dominican Republic!

our week in Santo domingo: