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RESTORE was not formed in a boardroom or launched by a marketing campaign—it was Born in prayer. Built on obedience. Fueled by compassion.. For years, Pastors Andre and Monica Diaz sought the Lord with one question on their hearts: How can we serve beyond the local church. There was no clear roadmap at first, just a deep sense that something was being prepared beneath the surface.

 

In 2009, Monica took an unexpected short-term missions trip to Nicaragua that would leave a lasting mark on her life. It wasn’t just the culture or the landscape that moved her—it was the people, the stories, and the undeniable presence of God amid poverty and pain. From the moment she stepped off the plane, her heart broke for the people, the need, and the power of showing up. She knew then and there that missions would be part of her life. She returned with a heart ignited for missions. Andre, while supportive, wasn’t immediately convinced that this was their path. But God was writing a bigger story.

 

Then, in 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico. The destruction was vast. For many, it was a moment of crisis. For Andre, it was a divine interruption that became an assignment. With a background in trade skills and a natural gift for organizing teams, he assisted in early disaster relief efforts. Yet this trip felt unlike any before. Stepping into a disaster zone comes with more than physical labor—it requires emotional resilience, spiritual discernment, and deep compassion. The wreckage wasn’t just visible; it was spiritual.

 

On a rest day, Andre was moved to seek the Lord in prayer. What followed was a sacred encounter. Using his phone, taking dictation from the Holy Spirit about a different kind of missions model. He began to draft up a plan for disaster relief missions, one rooted in readiness, built on biblical compassion, and structured to mobilize quickly when disaster strikes. That moment became the blueprint. RESTORE was born soon after. Since its formation, RESTORE has responded to numerous disaster relief efforts, serving communities in the wake of hurricanes both in the U.S. and internationally. But this ministry has never been about simply providing relief, or even rebuilding homes—it’s about restoring hope.

 

As RESTORE continued to grow, so did the vision. God began to expand their hearts beyond crisis response. Andre and Monica were given a burden for those who suffer in silence: widows living in unsafe homes, orphans lacking support, and retired or disabled pastors who had once led faithfully but were now overlooked. This gave birth to Heart & Hands (formerly Project 1429), a ministry of RESTORE that serves these often-forgotten individuals with practical help and intentional honor. In addition, Andre and Monica began recognizing the need for spiritual rebuilding as well as physical, RESTORE also launched Altar & Axe—an expression focused on preaching, leadership development, team building, and pastoral care. Through this arm of the ministry, they travel to equip churches, empower leaders, and call people back to the altar.

 

RESTORE is not a one-time effort. It’s a long obedience in the same direction. It is the overflow of a conviction that the Church should be first to respond, last to leave, and most willing to serve—especially when no one is watching.

 

“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated…” – Isaiah 61:4

 

From disaster zones to forgotten homes, from church pulpits to broken foundations, RESTORE exists to show up, build up, and love well. Every project is approached with excellence, every person is seen with dignity, and every step is guided by prayer.

 

This is more than a mission. It’s a movement—and it's just getting started.

 

The work is holy. The impact is generational. The invitation is now.