My First International Mission Project

I found an old DVD which contained video footage of my first internation mission trip 5 years ago to Fortaleza, Brazil. This was such an incredible experience for me. It completely opened my eyes to what God is doing in other countries to reach people with the Good News of Jesus. The best way I can describe this experience is that it was like living in the Book of Acts for 10 days. I have never been so keenly aware of the Spirit of God around me than I did during that week in Brazil.

I wish I could figure out how to upload the video to this blog for all of you to see. It shows children praying to recieve Jesus as Savior, various team members presenting the Gospel, as well as portions of a worship service where I had the opportunity to preach through a translator.

One of my favorite parts of this trip, which was also captured on the DVD, was when I was leading the congregation in a worship song with my guitar. I sang the song in english along with 3 Brazilian college students. While I sang it in english they sang it in Portuguse. The congregation was made up of our mission team as well as several other Americans who were missionaries in the area. The rest of the congregation was Brazilian. Each person sang the song in their own language...and all at the same time. It was a true harmony of voices raised to God in adoration and praise as we sang "over the mountains and the sea, your river runs with love for me...I could sing of your love forever..."

I will never forget that experience as long as I live. And I know I will see several of those people in heaven.