Unveiling Our Purpose: The 1:12 Project

NOVUS' Inaugural Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic

Embarking on a transformative journey rooted in faith and sports, NOVUS proudly unveils its inaugural mission trip to the Dominican Republic through the 1:12 Project. Inspired by James 1:12, our mission is to uplift those who persevere under trial and share the promise of a life filled with purpose and passion.

“It has always been a dream to use the NOVUS platform to make a global impact,” said Garrett Bernardo, co-founder of NOVUS. “I had the opportunity to lead a mission trip to Banica 8 years ago and that experience planted a seed in my heart to not only be grateful everyday but to realize how much you learn about yourself through serving others.”

Teaming up with Formative Adventures, NOVUS orchestrated a Baseball Sports Camp in Banica, Dominican Republic. With a dedicated chaplain by our side, we embarked on a profound encounter with Christ, using the universal language of sports as our vessel.

Nestled in the remote village of Banica, our journey unfolded over four awe-inspiring days. Witnessing the resilience of the local community, we held baseball camps for aspiring athletes aged 8 to 20. Yet, our impact transcended the diamond, as hundreds of villagers joined in the joyous spirit of camaraderie and hope.

“The moment that is forever seared in my mind was when the old pickup truck, carrying the 12 of us in the truck bed descended into the valley. Against the backdrop of majestic mountains, a baseball field stretched before us, flooded with children.” said Dan Jason, Director of NIL & Logistics at NOVUS. “ When we hopped out, a sea of children started running to us with huge smiles—high fives were flying. In that instant, I knew this was going to be a special time.”

Each day presented an opportunity to connect with underprivileged youth, witnessing their unwavering love for the game amidst challenging circumstances. Their resilience and talent served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of sports and faith.

“What you don’t realize is that God shows up time and time again—in the bright eyes of children on a ball field, the friendly waves of the elderly as you pass by, and the camaraderie shared with local adult ballplayers during an impromptu game that drew a crowd as if it were Game 7 of the World Series,” said Dan Jason.

As we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture of Banica, we were deeply moved by the profound joy and gratitude of the locals. Their zest for life and unwavering perseverance left a lasting mark on our hearts, igniting a renewed sense of purpose within our team.

“I hope one day NOVUS will be known around the world as the brand that empowered individuals, families, communities and countries,” said Garrett Bernardo. “I want everyone to know that their dreams are possible and when you do what you love, believe in yourself, and never give up, those dreams can come true.”

At NOVUS, we believe in the power of living a life fueled by passion, conviction, and perseverance. Our mission trip to the Dominican Republic served as a testament to this ethos, reaffirming our commitment to inspiring others to discover their purpose and claim their crown.

“This trip was the manifestation of everything we have built our brand on and hope to continue to embody as we chase our dreams,” said Garrett Bernardo. “All the lessons and memories packed into the short time we spent on this trip will last a lifetime.”

As we reflect on this life-changing experience, we are filled with gratitude and hope for the future. This is just the beginning of our journey with the 1:12 Project, and we are eager to continue spreading light and love to communities around the world.