Brazil 1997

In July 1997, I traveled to South America, with fellow Christians, to carry the message of Jesus Christ to the people of Brazil. It was a WONDERFUL experience... one that I will never forget!

We left Columbus, Ohio on July 3, 1997 and flew to Atlanta, Georgia. Once we were there we were united with 30 other Americans. We boarded a Delta jet and had an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our first day in Brazil consisted of getting through customs and checking into a local hotel.

For lunch, we went to a local restaurant and feasted on a Brazilian Bar-b-que. This was quite different than our summer cook-outs. There were 26 different kinds of meat, which the waiters sliced off a sword. I was semi-adventurous, but after running out of known types of meat, I quit eating. We walked back to the hotel and my friends tried to consol me because I had left my brand new, unused camera in the taxi.

We went out for pizza in the evening and what an adventure that was... four Americans trying to order a basic pepperoni pizza with a Brazilian waitress. The only word she really understood was when one of my fellow church members called us "stupidos".

The next morning we boarded a bus and headed to our designated city and lodging. We spent the week in a Catholic Retreat Center about an hour outside of Rio. The rooms were extremely small and consisted of two twin beds, a sink and closet. The weather was warm and muggy, but at least we had screens in our windows.

The employees fixed a wonderful breakfast every morning. We usually had some hot water and were able to wash clothes out in the sink. It had been my selfish prayer that God would provide me with a bed, hot water and electricity for my first mission trip and He did!!

Pastor Brian, Leigh Anne and I were assigned to the same church for the week. After the opening ceremony, we were taken to our assigned church and met with their pastor and got to know our interpreters.

We had our first service on Sunday morning and then were sent to different homes for lunch. It was a little scary because, not only was I in a foreign country, but I didn't speak their language and I was asked to give my testimony in front of 250 people.

After lunch, we were brought back to the church and again sent out to different town squares for an open-air service. What a glorious experience, sharing my faith in a town square with an interpreter.

We have an awesome God. He knew I still needed reassurance and the next day He provided it. I went out to 3 homes the next morning with my interpreter and several church members and shared my faith and testimony.

In the very first home, I visited with an elderly gentleman and he asked Jesus Christ into his heart. I knew at that point in time that I was definitely doing what God wanted me to do. Not every visit went like this, but it was still an awesome experience to be able to share my faith and see their interest even though it wasn't time for them. I know the Lord still continues to work in their hearts and lives.

One thing I did learn was that, even though there was great poverty in this city, the unconditional love, open hospitality and warmth make these Christians quite rich. The people in this church reached out to us above and beyond the call of duty. Their love for the Lord shined through them on a daily basis. Theses are traits I hope the Lord will place within me.

On our last day in Brazil we went shopping at a local mall and got to eat Big Macs, fries and Coca-Cola!! We also went to Corcovado Mountain to see the 130 foot "Christ the Redeemer" statue.

I hope you enjoy the pictures and I'm glad I could share a small part of this Mission trip with you. Please continue to pray for me and our church. There are 10 of us who have committed to going to Russia at the end of June this year. We will be going with other Americans through International Crusades.