Bringing a Team with me to Hong Kong

Hello! We’re Darvin, Brandon, and Joe — and over the past year, God has opened our hearts in ways none of u

s expected.

But the journey began with just one of us.

Earlier this year, Darvin had the opportunity to visit an amazing Christian rehabilitation community called Dawn Island — part of Operation Dawn, a ministry in Hong Kong that has been helping men overcome addiction and rebuild their lives for more than 60 years.

During that visit, Darvin taught simple guitar and piano lessons to the brothers on the island. But the music was only the doorway. What truly unfolded was laughter, worship, late-night conversations, and healing that flowed both directions. These men — beloved sons of God — welcomed him like family. They prayed together, shared stories, and even cried together. God used that time to open Darvin’s eyes to how deeply people long for dignity, hope, and restoration.

And through that experience, something became clear:

This wasn’t meant to be a one-time trip.

It was the beginning of something bigger.

A spark.

A bridge between a music school in Brooklyn and the world.

When Darvin returned home and shared what God had done, Brandon and Joe immediately felt God’s stirring too. Together, we began praying, dreaming, and asking how God might use our gifts — music, testimony, leadership, compassion — to continue the work God started on Dawn Island.

Now, what began as Darvin’s personal mission has become our shared calling.

In January 2026, the three of us will be returning together — to build deeper relationships, share the Gospel through music, and walk alongside the men on Dawn Island both practically and spiritually.

Why Music?

Because music breaks through where words cannot.

A man who won’t join a Bible study will still pick up a guitar.

Someone too ashamed to talk will sing.

Someone who thinks God has forgotten him may feel God’s presence again when he plays a worship chord progression.

Music disarms.

Music heals.

Music creates connection.

And through that connection, we share the Gospel — gently, naturally, powerfully.

Who We Are

Darvin – Founder, Music School Owner, Follower of Jesus

Darvin runs a music school in New York, and God has blessed him so he can bless others. His heart broke for the men on Dawn Island — men forgotten by society but never forgotten by God. His first visit changed him, and now he’s committed to bringing ongoing hope, music, and support to the brothers there.

Brandon – Pastor, Musician, Mentor, Youth Leader

Brandon is the Senior Pastor of the English Congregation at 59th Street Lutheran Church in Brooklyn. A musician, pianist, youth shepherd, and community builder, he brings wisdom, compassion, and deep spiritual grounding. On Dawn Island, Brandon will help lead music workshops, group discussions, prayer gatherings, and personal mentoring — creating spaces for honesty, healing, and dignity.

Joe – Former Drug Addict, Redeemed by Christ

Joe once lived the same life many of these men are trapped in — addiction, chaos, and the streets. Through Jesus, he is completely transformed: sober, strong, compassionate, and full of hope.

Today he serves faithfully at Brooklyn Tabernacle, greets and encourages newcomers, plays guitar, and travels on mission trips.

When the brothers hear Joe’s testimony, they listen — because he has walked their road. His presence speaks healing before he says a word.

Why This Matters

People ask:

“Why go all the way there?”

“Why help people you don’t even know?”

Because when we look at these men, we see our own need for grace.

If Jesus went after the one lost sheep, then so will we.

We’re not going to preach at them.

We’re going to sit with them, eat with them, cry with them, and remind them:

“Your story is not over.”

What Your Support Actually Does

Your support doesn’t just cover travel or supplies — it becomes real, life-giving ministry.

Music Lessons That Point to Jesus

We will be teaching guitar and piano, using music as a bridge to:

open hearts

build trust

bring joy

share the Gospel naturally and lovingly

Music softens hearts and creates space for men to hear about God’s love.

Through simple chords and songs, we will teach:

worship songs

songs of hope

songs that remind them God is near

A guitar lesson can become a moment of salvation.

A piano chord can become a conversation about grace.

Music becomes ministry.

As we prepare for this mission, we invite you to be part of what God is doing — not just on Dawn Island, but in the hearts He is shaping here in Brooklyn.

When you give, you are not just supporting a trip…

You are partnering in God’s work of healing, restoration, and hope.

You are helping build a bridge between two worlds, reminding men who feel forgotten that God still sees them, loves them, and has a future for them.

If God leads you, we would be honored to have you join us.

Together, we can bring light, purpose, and the love of Jesus to those who need it most.