Each morning and some afternoons we were allowed into the local schools where each team member shared a word about his faith and purpose for being in Brazil. The Gospel was clearly and openly presented in English, Spanish, and Portuguese! In one school the teachers even asked us to share the meaning of Easter. For most Brazilians Easter means chocolate candies, rabbits, and eggs. How unique to be able to tell the rest of the story of a Risen Savior!

During the evenings there were youth conferences/rallies, marriage encounters, evangelistic services, and lots of fellowship. Sundays brought us together for discipleship classes and worship in multiple languages where we saw scores of people respond to the messages. Some were saved, and many were challenged to draw closer to the Lord. The young people were so dynamic in their commitment, and we were all impressed by their strong involvement in leadership positions in the churches. One of the best parts about the trip was the chance to stay in Brazilian homes. Our two cultures came together, and the Holy Spirit did the communicating as hearts were drawn together through Christian love. During free time we were able to see other parts of the city and visit in neighborhood homes.

Below are a few more thoughts from some of the team members to give you a flavor of the experience. God willing, maybe you will join with us later to travel to distant places to enjoy the blessings of hands-on missions.

Alma Blankenship of Quaker saw God answer the many prayers that had gone up since long before the actual trip to Florianópolis. She found our Brazilian hosts warm and welcoming, and the Campeche church family was helpful and encouraging. Flexibility was important as we asked for divine appointments and then were called on to make adjustments to meet the needs in fresh and exciting ways.

Nan Flowers of Thaxton noted that “as we were finishing on the last day of VBS, I experienced what seemed symbolic of the whole venture. I placed puzzles in the hands of one of the local workers and told her how they were a gift for the church. With eyes shining she signed back ‘for my church?’ Answer ‘yes!’ She hugged me and her face expressed great joy. The puzzles were the Bible story pictures from the VBS lessons. They had been carefully crafted into puzzles by Polly Manson of Thaxton Baptist Church. After traveling 6000 miles they were shared daily by children. Now they are in the Igreja Batista do Campeche (Campeche Baptist Church) to continue God’s work.”

Joe Flowers adds that “people in SBA churches were unselfish in supplying much needed items for crafts and VBS. They were packed and taken to Brazil and shared. Everything we did was received warmly and in a Christ-like spirit. The Brazilian people were unselfish in their gifts of lodging, food, and personal testimonies.”

Larry Ross of Mount Zion “was most impressed with the spirit of the people in the Campeche Baptist Church. They were most gracious and receptive. I believe that spirit enabled God to use both the church and us to accomplish His purpose for our trip.

“I was glad to get an e-mail from one of the missionaries telling of how one girl from school went home and asked her parents if they believed in Jesus. She asked them if they knew God. Her mother responded affirmatively but the father said ‘no.’ This saddened the girl. The missionary indicated that this testimony affirms that the children heard what we were saying.

“Another thing that impressed me was the joy one lady expressed when her friend got saved. This happened the last day of VBS when we gave the invitation. About 10-12 children raised their hands to indicate a desire to pray to receive Christ. About 3-4 adults did the same. One particular lady wanted to talk more after the school. We explained the Gospel further and she prayed the sinner's prayer. The next morning she was in church. I will never forget the joy on her friend's face. That same lady presented me with a painting on Monday morning as we were leaving as a means of expressing her thankfulness. That painting will always have special significance to me.”

Thank you SBA for standing with us through your prayers and financial support. We will long benefit from this investment in missions. If you would like for one of the team members to come and share in your church, please call the Association office.