Missions Trips 2013
Almost every year we have been in Brazil we have hosted at least one church missions team. This year we hosted two.
The first team was from Open Bible Baptist Church in Orange City, Florida, led by Pastor Paul Youmans. They were followed–almost immediately–by a group from Grace Baptist Church in Batavia, NY, led by Pastor Mark Hurlbut.
Both teams were energetic, enthusiastic, and above all, flexible. They had a significant impact on our young people, helped us make headway in various ministries (including camp, which will be reported on in more detail later), and were a blessing to our family.
Below are some pictures of their visit.*
The group from Open Bible Baptist, standing next to the famous “Three Fisherman” sculpture.
On the beach with the Brazilian youth group, testimonies and Q&A.
Kayla gets mobbed by Brazilian schoolgirls. My telling them she was Justin Bieber’s cousin may have contributed to her popularity…
The Open Bible team, machetes in hand, go after the weeds at the camp.
With students at the federal university.
The Grace Baptist team, in a formal shot at Alcântara
The Grace team, in a somewhat less formal pose.
The Grace girls get into the culture.
The missionary gets into the culture.
Josh and a new friend.
Pastor Hurlbut published a few articles on their church blog as a result of their time with us, including a general overall view, a philosophy of missions trips (parts 1 and 2), and a first-hand report of his visit to the Ebenezer Congregation. All of these articles are worth the time it takes to read them.
*Some pictures are from the Facebook pages of individual participants of the team.