It is with mixed emotions of sadness and joy that we say “see you later” to Randa Frye, Connect Caribbean Mission’s co-founder and Mission Coordinator. On Friday, May 17, 2024, Randa took her last breath here on Earth but instantaneously took a new breath in Heaven where she met her Savior face-to-face. Yes, we mourn & miss her, but we also smile because we will meet again, and she is so incredibly filled with joy at this moment.

Randa’s impact on the Puerto Plata region of the Dominican Republic is difficult to measure. From CCM’s inception in 1998, Randa was highly involved as she and Pastor Ernie (her late husband of 57 years) envisioned the Gospel reaching thousands of children and their potential flourishing. She organized and administrated both Connect Church’s and many other churches’ trips, including leading her cherished Women’s Trips. She loved decorating the Mission House and had a true gift of making spaces beautiful.

Randa was a steady, behind-the-scenes person who sponsored several Dominican children and gave generously to keep CCM’s vision moving forward. The Dominican Team became her second family who she nurtured, loved and led with a prayerful and biblically grounded heart. A woman of prayer, Randa, was at peace in her last days surrounded by her family as they all reminisced, laughed and prayed together. And so, we do not grieve as the world does. We smile thinking of Randa’s beautiful face in this very moment, although perhaps with a few tears in our eyes.