Follow along with our Brazil team!
March 7-17, 2025
Friday, March 7
Travel day!
Pray for safe travel as the team leaves this afternoon.
We arrived at the boat in Manaus around 4:00am local time, traveling the final stretch by John boats. No one fell in—though we had a close call!
Our flights went smoothly, though four of us were on standby. Thankfully, the Lord worked it out, and we all made it together and on time.
God’s timing was also perfect—we missed a two-hour blackout in Manaus. Immigration was extremely slow due to computer issues, but it gave us time to adjust to the humidity and lack of air conditioning.
Once aboard, we were welcomed with a light snack before heading straight to bed.
Welcome to Brazil!
We arrived at the boat in Manaus around 4:00am local time, traveling the final stretch by John boats. No one fell in—though we had a close call!
Our flights went smoothly, though four of us were on standby. Thankfully, the Lord worked it out, and we all made it together and on time.
God’s timing was also perfect—we missed a two-hour blackout in Manaus. Immigration was extremely slow due to computer issues, but it gave us time to adjust to the humidity and lack of air conditioning.
Once aboard, we were welcomed with a light snack before heading straight to bed.
Welcome to Brazil!
Saturday, March 8
Today, we are in Manaus, waiting for the boat to load up with supplies before we head out.
We finally pulled out of Manaus at 1:00pm today, heading upriver. As we left the city, we enjoyed some amazing sights, including a Viking River Cruise ship set to depart tomorrow and a massive suspension bridge.
Now, it’s just water, jungle, and the occasional boat taxi passing our slow-moving boat. We’ve had plenty of rest today, along with some fun card games.
Looking forward to reaching the village tomorrow!
Watch a quick video from Pastor Will
We finally pulled out of Manaus at 1:00pm today, heading upriver. As we left the city, we enjoyed some amazing sights, including a Viking River Cruise ship set to depart tomorrow and a massive suspension bridge.
Now, it’s just water, jungle, and the occasional boat taxi passing our slow-moving boat. We’ve had plenty of rest today, along with some fun card games.
Looking forward to reaching the village tomorrow!
Watch a quick video from Pastor Will
Sunday, March 9
We're here! We arrived about 7:00am this morning. About to eat breakfast, have a briefing, and head out into the village.
The people have spotted us and already messaged Gabe on Instagram saying "you're here!"
****
What a wonderful first day in the village! We began with a worship service in the village "New Hope"—the same one our team visited last August. Makayla helped lead music, and Jerome shared a message. It was a beautiful time of worship and reconnecting with familiar faces.
In the afternoon, we took some time to rest before heading back to the village to spend the afternoon playing dominos with the adults and games with the kids—including soccer! The kids and adults connected with us right away, asking about the August team and wanting to see old photos of their visit.
After dinner, we ended the night with another service where Pastor Will preached, and Mac shared his testimony.
Tomorrow, we’ll split into teams and visit two other nearby villages, inviting them to the evening service while a third team works with the kids in New Hope.
It’s been an amazing start to our time here!
The people have spotted us and already messaged Gabe on Instagram saying "you're here!"
****
What a wonderful first day in the village! We began with a worship service in the village "New Hope"—the same one our team visited last August. Makayla helped lead music, and Jerome shared a message. It was a beautiful time of worship and reconnecting with familiar faces.
In the afternoon, we took some time to rest before heading back to the village to spend the afternoon playing dominos with the adults and games with the kids—including soccer! The kids and adults connected with us right away, asking about the August team and wanting to see old photos of their visit.
After dinner, we ended the night with another service where Pastor Will preached, and Mac shared his testimony.
Tomorrow, we’ll split into teams and visit two other nearby villages, inviting them to the evening service while a third team works with the kids in New Hope.
It’s been an amazing start to our time here!
Monday, March 10
Bom dia!
This morning, we split into teams and visited the villages of New Hope and Dry Wood. In New Hope, one team taught the children about prayer from Matthew 6, while the other team went house to house sharing. In Dry Wood, the ladies connected with the women and children, while the men spent time talking with the local men.
After lunch and a siesta, the whole team returned to the same villages to connect and share about Jesus.
In the evening, we celebrated Brenda’s 19th birthday with the team!
This morning, we split into teams and visited the villages of New Hope and Dry Wood. In New Hope, one team taught the children about prayer from Matthew 6, while the other team went house to house sharing. In Dry Wood, the ladies connected with the women and children, while the men spent time talking with the local men.
After lunch and a siesta, the whole team returned to the same villages to connect and share about Jesus.
In the evening, we celebrated Brenda’s 19th birthday with the team!
Tuesday, March 11
Boa tarde!
This morning started off a bit wet as all the teams headed to New Hope. Some went to visit houses, while one team stayed at the community center to connect with the teens and a few adults. We had expected more kids to come, but the Lord had other plans. Chris Outlaw spent time coloring and sharing with some adults, while Julianna and Gabe shared with the teens and played games.
By the end of our time, all the teams had gathered, and we had an impromptu worship service, while others colored, some shared over dominos, and more were involved in bracelet-making—all at the community center.
Please pray for tonight as we have a service with Chris Walding preaching.
The Lord is moving in Brazil—praise the Lord!
***
This evening, a man in the village gave his life to Christ, and the community is really opening up to us, allowing us to share and speak into their lives. We’re experiencing so many new things—from tasting fresh acai fruit juice to spotting a sloth in the wild. The people here are incredibly grateful and eager to talk about the Bible. Piranhas are being caught, stories are being shared, and unforgettable memories are being made.
This morning started off a bit wet as all the teams headed to New Hope. Some went to visit houses, while one team stayed at the community center to connect with the teens and a few adults. We had expected more kids to come, but the Lord had other plans. Chris Outlaw spent time coloring and sharing with some adults, while Julianna and Gabe shared with the teens and played games.
By the end of our time, all the teams had gathered, and we had an impromptu worship service, while others colored, some shared over dominos, and more were involved in bracelet-making—all at the community center.
Please pray for tonight as we have a service with Chris Walding preaching.
The Lord is moving in Brazil—praise the Lord!
***
This evening, a man in the village gave his life to Christ, and the community is really opening up to us, allowing us to share and speak into their lives. We’re experiencing so many new things—from tasting fresh acai fruit juice to spotting a sloth in the wild. The people here are incredibly grateful and eager to talk about the Bible. Piranhas are being caught, stories are being shared, and unforgettable memories are being made.
Wednesday, March 12
Good morning!
Two teams had great success in a new village, where they found one believer who praised the Lord for sending them. The third team returned to teach the kids, experiencing a day similar to yesterday. After siesta, the teams plan to go back and continue ministering, followed by a service at New Hope later on. Please pray that other villages will join us.
Tonight, Pastor Will preached, and one of our translators shared her testimony. At the end of the service, three men came forward, asking for prayer to be like the seed that fell on good soil.
Two teams had great success in a new village, where they found one believer who praised the Lord for sending them. The third team returned to teach the kids, experiencing a day similar to yesterday. After siesta, the teams plan to go back and continue ministering, followed by a service at New Hope later on. Please pray that other villages will join us.
Tonight, Pastor Will preached, and one of our translators shared her testimony. At the end of the service, three men came forward, asking for prayer to be like the seed that fell on good soil.
Thursday, March 13
Wow, what an incredible morning!
The student/kids team had an amazing opportunity to share about Christ and His death. Julianna (Nina) shared her testimony with three teenage girls, and all three gave their lives to Christ.
Meanwhile, down the river, another team shared about storing up treasures in heaven. The whole group has been invited back this afternoon for coffee and bingo—they insisted that everyone must play. We hope this will open doors to the Gospel.
God is moving in powerful ways!
****
Our time at Santa Maria was unforgettable. The community surprised Brenda with a birthday party, complete with a special cake featuring some of her favorite Brazilian things. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made her feel loved. We enjoyed sweet fellowship, and some of us even joined in for a game of soccer.
What made the visit even more special was hearing that we were the first missionary group to ever visit the village. They told us we are welcome to come back anytime, and it warmed our hearts to know that the door is open for future ministry. We are so grateful for the hospitality and the memories made.
****
This evening, we had another service and were greeted with warm smiles from the ladies, who asked where we had been earlier in the day—they missed us! They told us they wished our visit was longer than a week and that we should come for two instead. One of the ladies, who makes brooms, gifted each of the women a small, beautifully crafted broom head to take home. Even though we can’t speak their language, it’s clear they genuinely care about us and are grateful for our time there.
During the service, Chris Outlaw shared his testimony, and Pastor Eli preached. It was a meaningful time of worship, and we left feeling blessed by their kindness and hospitality.
The student/kids team had an amazing opportunity to share about Christ and His death. Julianna (Nina) shared her testimony with three teenage girls, and all three gave their lives to Christ.
Meanwhile, down the river, another team shared about storing up treasures in heaven. The whole group has been invited back this afternoon for coffee and bingo—they insisted that everyone must play. We hope this will open doors to the Gospel.
God is moving in powerful ways!
****
Our time at Santa Maria was unforgettable. The community surprised Brenda with a birthday party, complete with a special cake featuring some of her favorite Brazilian things. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made her feel loved. We enjoyed sweet fellowship, and some of us even joined in for a game of soccer.
What made the visit even more special was hearing that we were the first missionary group to ever visit the village. They told us we are welcome to come back anytime, and it warmed our hearts to know that the door is open for future ministry. We are so grateful for the hospitality and the memories made.
****
This evening, we had another service and were greeted with warm smiles from the ladies, who asked where we had been earlier in the day—they missed us! They told us they wished our visit was longer than a week and that we should come for two instead. One of the ladies, who makes brooms, gifted each of the women a small, beautifully crafted broom head to take home. Even though we can’t speak their language, it’s clear they genuinely care about us and are grateful for our time there.
During the service, Chris Outlaw shared his testimony, and Pastor Eli preached. It was a meaningful time of worship, and we left feeling blessed by their kindness and hospitality.
Friday, March 14
Good morning!
It’s a wet one today. All week we’ve managed to dodge quick showers, but today is different—the whole sky is filled with rain, and the river is rougher than usual. We can see lightning off in the distance, so we’re waiting for it to pass before taking our metal boats to shore.
It’s been extremely hot, but today there’s a slight coolness in the air—enough to prompt the locals to put on jackets. This is our last full day in the villages, and we’re praying for the weather to calm so we can make the most of our time here.
The waves calmed down, and so did the rain, allowing us to make it over to New Hope. We were worried the villagers might be hiding out in their homes with the rain and mud, but they quickly found us at the community center. Some of us enjoyed playing dominos with them, while others taught them how to play slaps. One of the village ladies treated us to Brazil nuts and couldn’t help but laugh when we needed her to use a machete to crack them open for us. No missing fingers for us!
We also brought along gospel bead bracelets and used them to share the message with a few small groups—one of which was stuck in the village until the water calmed down. It was a great opportunity to connect and share the hope of the gospel.
The rain seems to have moved on, so this afternoon the other teams will go to Dry Wood and to Santa Maria. For now, it's resting on the boat, some fishing, and others about to take a swim.
We had a great afternoon as the teams visited all three villages, wrapping up with a service at New Hope. Chris Walding preached, and Makayla shared her testimony. It was amazing to see how much has changed since last Sunday—we’re no longer seen as outsiders but as friends. It’s clear that strong connections have been made, and tomorrow will be a hard day for all as we say our goodbyes.
It’s a wet one today. All week we’ve managed to dodge quick showers, but today is different—the whole sky is filled with rain, and the river is rougher than usual. We can see lightning off in the distance, so we’re waiting for it to pass before taking our metal boats to shore.
It’s been extremely hot, but today there’s a slight coolness in the air—enough to prompt the locals to put on jackets. This is our last full day in the villages, and we’re praying for the weather to calm so we can make the most of our time here.
The waves calmed down, and so did the rain, allowing us to make it over to New Hope. We were worried the villagers might be hiding out in their homes with the rain and mud, but they quickly found us at the community center. Some of us enjoyed playing dominos with them, while others taught them how to play slaps. One of the village ladies treated us to Brazil nuts and couldn’t help but laugh when we needed her to use a machete to crack them open for us. No missing fingers for us!
We also brought along gospel bead bracelets and used them to share the message with a few small groups—one of which was stuck in the village until the water calmed down. It was a great opportunity to connect and share the hope of the gospel.
The rain seems to have moved on, so this afternoon the other teams will go to Dry Wood and to Santa Maria. For now, it's resting on the boat, some fishing, and others about to take a swim.
We had a great afternoon as the teams visited all three villages, wrapping up with a service at New Hope. Chris Walding preached, and Makayla shared her testimony. It was amazing to see how much has changed since last Sunday—we’re no longer seen as outsiders but as friends. It’s clear that strong connections have been made, and tomorrow will be a hard day for all as we say our goodbyes.
Saturday, March 15
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:3-6
Ciao!
The day has finally arrived—it’s time to begin the long journey home. This morning, they prepared breakfast for us, and we closed our time together with a service. They shared how much they appreciated us and the message we brought, expressing their desire for God to be present in their village. They made it clear that we are welcome back anytime. At the end, we gathered together and covered them in prayer, asking God to continue working in their lives and community.
There were many tears on both sides as we said our goodbyes. It reminded me of how Paul must have felt every time he left a church community—full of love, gratitude, and a deep connection that made parting so difficult.
Now we’re headed downriver toward Manaus and likely won’t arrive until sometime in the night. Tomorrow will be a day to relax—shopping, eating, and finally getting some nice showers at a hotel. It’ll be a welcome break after an incredible but exhausting week!
Philippians 1:3-6
Ciao!
The day has finally arrived—it’s time to begin the long journey home. This morning, they prepared breakfast for us, and we closed our time together with a service. They shared how much they appreciated us and the message we brought, expressing their desire for God to be present in their village. They made it clear that we are welcome back anytime. At the end, we gathered together and covered them in prayer, asking God to continue working in their lives and community.
There were many tears on both sides as we said our goodbyes. It reminded me of how Paul must have felt every time he left a church community—full of love, gratitude, and a deep connection that made parting so difficult.
Now we’re headed downriver toward Manaus and likely won’t arrive until sometime in the night. Tomorrow will be a day to relax—shopping, eating, and finally getting some nice showers at a hotel. It’ll be a welcome break after an incredible but exhausting week!
Sunday, March 16
Good afternoon!
We made it to Manaus around midnight after about 12 hours traveling down the river. We had breakfast on the boat before heading out to shop at the grocery store and street market. Then we returned to the boat for one final lunch before making our way to the hotel to SHOWER and get some much-needed rest before dinner tonight. We’ll be leaving for the flight in the middle of the night.
Thank you everyone for praying for us! Continue to pray for the village and the work that will go on there.
We made it to Manaus around midnight after about 12 hours traveling down the river. We had breakfast on the boat before heading out to shop at the grocery store and street market. Then we returned to the boat for one final lunch before making our way to the hotel to SHOWER and get some much-needed rest before dinner tonight. We’ll be leaving for the flight in the middle of the night.
Thank you everyone for praying for us! Continue to pray for the village and the work that will go on there.
