Mission TripsBrazil Mission TripSeptember 2009 Mission Trip to Teresinas, Brazil Our Team to Brazil recently returned. What follows is a report from Team Member Helena Burgess.“Bon dia”, or “Oi” as we greet one another in Portuguese. For some us this was our fourth missionary journey, and for some their first one. It was evident God’s hand was upon it; the joy of returning and serving on the mission field is unspeakable. We met the rest of our team in Miami and immediately began to bond and reminisce about past mission trips. When we arrived in Teresinas after a 30+ hour journey, (to include, vehicle, plane, more planes and vans), it was worth it; we found the people of Brazil warm, friendly and open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we arrived at the work site, we prayed and asked God’s protection over our work in the ensuing days. We set up our lunch/fellowship area, then Chris, our foreman, set the plan in motion. Larry, John, Norm and Kirk begin setting roof materials in place to offer rest of us protection from the sun. Next, we all formed a brick brigade, placing bricks at each “work station”; then placing massa boards in place; (saved on our backs when reaching for a trowel full of massa/mortar) to butter the bricks. Next, we plumbed the walls with a makeshift line to ensure walls would be straight; massa was applied, pressing bricks in place, row by row. By then, the locals were coming out to watch. Word was out the Americans were in town to build them a church. The Brazilians just do not understand why we would leave our comfortable homes in the US and come and out and work in the hot Brazilian sun, building them a church from the ground up. The work went quickly and smoothly. Then, an evangelizing team with Jim and Natalie Dilli, Brant Marston and Samantha Reibly (all from First) took soccer balls and shared their hearts with the locals about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were welcomed into their homes where smiles, handshakes and the love of Jesus Christ were shared. Invitations were also extended to attend the church dedication on Thursday night. All through this, throngs of children, of all ages, followed them. A visit was made to the local school, complete with a magician named Bob. Larry was the Team Impact strongman, bending nails and rolling up a frying pan. Kids were amazed. Leonard handed out tracts written in Portuguese. Children stared in amazement at his blue eyes; which they had never seen before. Dedication night came; hymns were sung, Pastor Wayne preached “getting out of your boat”….it resonated with many of us. Dave was the interpreter. Pastor Eustacio, the church pastor, preached to the congregation. At last the time to leave was close at hand. Crowds of children gathered around our vans, some with tears in their eyes. After the dedication, it was shared with us that two little girls came forward and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Was it all worth it? You bet! We would have done it all again, if just for one soul to be saved! Consider what you can do to serve the Lord - be it in Brazil or in your own hometown. Serving Him, Obrigada (thank you), Helena’ Burgess Mission to South Dakota w/Martha SnowdenThe following is from one of our church members, Martha Snowden, who participated in a mission trip to South Dakota where she worked with American Indian women. There are many serious problems that exist on the Pine Ridge Reservation in Manderson, S.D. Some people might view alcoholism as a problem (90% of men are alcoholic). Some might view the fact that many couples are living together without benefit of marriage as a problem. Others might see the poverty as a problem. I believe that all of these things are not “the problem”, but the result of “the problem” which is that many believe that their life has little meaning and value. There are few jobs available and when the ability to provide for your family is taken away so is your pride. Add to that the fact that there seems to be little ongoing permanent support and discipleship for the Christians there so that they can help grow other Christians.
The town of Manderson does not have many places large enough to hold groups of people so we were scattered. We had between 20- 35 women in our group each morning. We began the morning with breakfast. That was followed by a short “fun” time in which we played games and spent time visiting with the women. Prizes were given out to winners. These prizes were much needed items that the women could use personally, in their homes, or share with others who were in need. We spent a good part of our time while in Manderson ensuring that basic needs were met because of the poverty that exists there. We had a prayer time followed by a brief devotional and then finished our morning with a craft activity that was enjoyable and also provided something useful for them. In the afternoon, we held a sewing class for those who wanted to come. Even with all they face, many of these women had such a positive attitude.
I would like to finish by sharing a few personal observations. I felt that I was blessed to be working alongside not only other Baptists but also Methodists, Episcopalians, Catholics, and members of the Assembly of God. There was no difference between us because we all had the same goal and that was to share Jesus and offer the hope that he brings. I was very impressed with the way that this group showed the Lakota who Jesus was by their own actions. I was also blessed by the Lakota. They made us feel so welcome and loved.
I have a twin sister. The women tend to be somewhat quiet but opened up to us and were interested in knowing us. I suppose this was because it is unusual to see two women our age who look alike. On the last day one lady said to me that she wished that my sister and I would not leave. We are already making plans to return next June.
Mission Possible Mission Possible consists of mission-minded adults, youth, and families at First Baptist Church who desire to actively be involved in Mission Projects throughout the year. To sign-up for future projects, contact Ranette Halverson at rhalverson@fbcwf.org. Everyone is invited to be an active participant or to serve as a prayer partner! For more information contact Cindy Cotton 940.322.3163 or fill out the Missions Outreach Form below to receive information on upcoming events.
First Baptist Church collected over 1,000 shoeboxes last year as part of the Operation Christmas Child Collection in North Texas. Our church served as the central collection point for this area where a total of 5,435 total shoeboxes were amassed. These shoeboxes were filled not only with toys and candy but with love extending from our area to children in this world making their Christmas a whole lot brighter. We praise God for the faithful participation of His people in this important ministry. Make plans now to be a part of this awesome ministry this coming November.