In 1998, Tim Dortch, the founder of Hispaniola Mountain Ministries (HMM), embarked on his first mission trip to Haiti. A friend had discovered Tim’s ability to install solar panels and invited him to join a trip—but on that journey, God planted a deeper desire in Tim’s heart: to share the gospel in places others weren’t willing to go. After that initial trip, Tim returned to Haiti many times, and with each visit, his passion for serving the Haitian people grew stronger.

However, political unrest made it increasingly unsafe for Americans to travel to Haiti. During this challenging period, God opened a new door for ministry by expanding HMM’s reach to the Dominican Republic—the other side of the island of Hispaniola. Tim felt led to establish a ministry base in Barahona, Dominican Republic, to serve the people there while continuing to seek ways to help Haitians. Thus, Hispaniola Mountain Ministries was born, with a mission to serve the entire island.

By 2005, HMM was formally established as a non-profit organization, dedicated to ministering in the Dominican Republic while praying for opportunities to return to Haiti. God initiated numerous projects through HMM, and the ministry flourished in the Dominican Republic, building strong partnerships with local churches and communities.

On January 12, 2010, Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake. In the wake of the disaster, God revealed His purpose for HMM in a new way. The mission house in Barahona and the ministry’s existing connections into Haiti became essential for delivering much-needed supplies when others struggled to reach those in need. This pivotal moment solidified HMM’s calling to serve both nations, even amidst crisis.

In March 2014, Tim Dortch was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder that would, tragically, take his life just a few months later. While his passing was a profound loss for HMM, God was not finished using HMM to meet the needs of the people on the island of Hispaniola. That same year, Scott Wilson stepped into the role of Executive Director, helping to lead HMM into its next chapter. Under his leadership, the ministry has continued to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of the people it serves.

In 2019, HMM acquired the Polo Mission House in the Dominican Republic, providing a new base for mission teams and further strengthening ministry operations on the island. That same year, HMM launched its first pastor training—an initiative that has become the heartbeat of our ministry.

Pastor training is a part of what HMM continues to offer in all of its locations and stands at the very core of what they do.  By equipping local church leaders with sound biblical teaching and practical tools for ministry, HMM is investing in long-term transformation across the island and beyond. Their goal is to strengthen the local church so that communities are reached with the gospel from within.

Not only has HMM continued to expand its reach in both the Pedernales and Barahona areas. In early 2025, HMM stepped into new territory by launching ministry efforts in Santiago (Dominican Republic) as well as beginning new work in Cuba and Honduras.

Through mission teams, community projects, pastor training, and a heart for spreading the gospel, HMM remains committed to fulfilling God’s vision for the ministry. From its earliest days in Haiti to a thriving presence across the island and beyond, HMM continues to go where most won’t—bringing hope, help, and the good news of Jesus Christ.