Emily Craig

We had such an awesome time! I’ve never experienced so many people come to the Lord in one place at one time. The Lord worked through all of us in a mighty way.

Also, one of the last days we went to this amazing restaurant – Ponteio – an all you an eat buffet and they bring huge sticks of meat around. I ate a chicken heart and absolutely loved it. It is probably my new favorite meat. Oh and, Forrest, David, Josie, and I shared our desserts. We had this amazing papaya crème. Umm – delicious!

Matt Fern

An experience that I’ll never forget: that is such an understatement. The beauty in the landscape, the people, and even the air you breathe is wonderful. I am so glad I got to come on this trip, share God’s Word, and meet new people. Thank you & God bless

Mary Nolen

This trip really showed me how God is the same God in the US and in Brazil and the rest of the world. It also made me realize the influence and responsibility that America has to the world. There were many awesome times of worship with the Brazilians, and many fun giggling moments with the girls!

Thanks to everybody that came on the Short-term trips this summer!!

Trip Wrap Up

The second American group left on Monday. We asked several of the teens and leaders to write a little about their experiences.

Wow! What a great time of ministry. Between the Youth Conference, English Camp, Basketball Camp, and construction, we are tired, but the Lord is good. He was with us every step of the way. It is so encouraging and exciting to be around and under the guidance and leadership of people such as Tele, Ricardo, Paul, and Hubert. The presence of the Holy Spirit is so evident in their lives and it is contagious. We are encouraged to go back to our community with no other purpose than to serve the Lord.
Royce & Shari Bryan

“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender & compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving on another, and working together with one mind and one purpose.” (Philippians 2:1-2) I feel this goal was achieved during our time in Brazil. I fumble to put into words the memories made, and the emotions stirred on this trip. I will deeply miss the landscape, the food, but most of all the relationships established and the friendships created with the beautiful people of this country. He has filled me with an inexpressible joy, and I will never be the same again.
Because He Lives,
Carina Stahl

Saying Goodbye was really hard with time. We had made such great friends and had interacted with so many people that saying goodbye was very wet and very hard.
Megan Stiffler

God has used this opportunity to “open the eyes of my heart.” I now have a closer relationship with my God and my friends. I‘ve also created new relationships with Brazilians and people that came with us. I feel like God is right next to me. This trip will stay with me for the rest of my life. I pray that everyone can experience what I have.
Josh Fern

This trip was the most educational and most fun trip I have ever been on. When I left Indiana, I was filled with joy, but leaving Brazil I am filled with sadness. The reason being is I have made good friends.
Anonymous

Post by Pastor Hubert Nolen

(Originally written on 7-17-06)

Hi! Oi!

Wow! We have been here for 10 days and our Lord has been doing some wonderful work through the team, but the best work He is doing is in our hearts.

As I reflect back on our time here there are so many moments that have served my heart well! On Tuesday night after everyone arrived from the States we gathered for a time of prayer and worship! In a couple of hours we poured from our hearts praise and worship! It was a God moment that touched all of us and prepared us to be used! Over the last three days I have been blessed seeing God use these youth – they have taught seminars, given testimonies, did mime, and led in worship! The things I have seen would make any pastor or parent proud.

Last Thursday I was so honored to do a Pastor’s Conference for the pastors, leaders, and some of their wives, of the Community Churches here. These men and women spent the day with open hearts waiting to see how to better serve in their churches. I love to tell stories about what God has done at BRCC over the last 23 years! I am so blessed to be a Pastor at BRCC and to be able to serve such a wonderful group of Christ-followers, and to talk about the wonderful things God has done. There hearts were challenged to believe God to do in them what He has done for us! IT is not secret I have a soft spot in my heart for these honorable servants! It is my prayer that something I shared would help them to stay faithful in the difficult moments of ministry.

A LOOK BACK AT THE MEDICAL CLINIC

Post by Dr. Charles Taylor

Our recent trip to Brazil for a medical mission was truly a blessing! Once more I was able to stand back and watch as God made everything work out. Our first three days were spent at a school in Lagoa de I’taenga where Pastor Ricardo and a bold band of believers are already planting the seeds of a new church by holding weekly small group Bible Studies. The medical clinics started of with a bit of a challenge to our faith: Our crates with $1200 worth of Tylenol and adult and children’s vitamins were confiscated at Customs in Fortaleza. This type of setback is common when attempting medical mission work, and reminds us to trust completely in God’s provision. We are in Brazil to carry out God’s plan, not our own, so confiscated crates are His problem, not ours. Once again, we learned the lesson: God provides and accomplishes His will with or without our big plans (and sometimes in spite of our plans!).

During the clinic we averaged 200 patients per day. The chief problems we treated were intestinal parasites, skin conditions (fungus, scabies, lice), high blood pressure, arthritis, anemia, allergies, respiratory infections, and ear infections in children. Even though our conditions were primitive, the people we saw were extremely grateful, and in fact, many of them were downright incredulous when told that they could pick up their medicines next door in the pharmacy. (“But I don’t have any money.”) Seeing the smile on these families’ faces as they walked backed from the pharmacy was priceless. They would wave to me, smiling for the first time. They just hadn’t believed when I was talking to them that I was really there only to love them.

Another very pleasant aspect of this clinic was working with a wonderful group of young people who worked tirelessly to keep the clinic flowing smoothly: obtaining vital signs and weights, directing patients to the next station, and in their spare time, mixing with the crowds and sharing Jesus’ love with them, giving the Brazilian young people a chance to practice their English. Daria (an LPN) and Hannah (a pre-med student at Taylor U. Picture to the Right) spent most of their time in the clinic with me, learning the very different approach to mission clinic medicine. By the last day, they both were able to evaluate patients and recommend treatment! I pray they’ll both be serving Jesus on the mission field in the future!

The last day of clinic was a real challenge for all of us: The Big Dump. That’s the name of the community. 43 families living in unspeakable poverty and squalor. Flies so thick you dared not keep your mouth open for long. But you dared not breathe through your nose for the stench. Needless to say, the sense of truly giving as Christ gave to us was much greater at the end of that clinic day. These folks had never seen a doctor or received any medical care whatsoever. There were no old folks at the dump: we treated almost no arthritis, mostly worms, infections, scabies, and lice. In a sense it seemed like a waste of time, since they would return to the same conditions that caused their problems in the first place. Situations such as these are beyond our understanding, but the people were treated to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, both in word and action, and appreciated it greatly.

What God will do with our efforts at Lagoa de I’taenga and the Big Dump is not yet known, but I can say confidently that we who went will never be the same. The opportunity to experience God’s strength in our weakness is no greater than on the mission field. Here in the States I have the illusion that I am in control and make things happen through advanced training and technology. On the mission field that silly illusion is stripped away, sometimes very uncomfortably, but always with great satisfaction in the end.

A great THANK YOU! To all who joined me in NE Brazil this July, and especially to the men and women of God who are doing His work year around in this fertile mission field. Our love and prayers are with you.

BABY TIME 2

Christopher Mark Jones Moraes

was born on 7/16
and arrived safely at Alcance Brazil today (7/18)


Heather was weak from giving birth so Paul Romoser and Mike Mills brought her upstairs
in a queenly fashion

Post By Kay Craig

Our first week is finished and boy! What a time we had!! As the Brazilian delegates began arriving a sense of excitement began to stir in me. This was the first day of the Youth Conference. All the days of preparing and praying was about to reveal itself.

Asking the U.S. students if they were ready I was met with a nervous “I don’t think so. I think it’ll be a mess!” But the Holy Spirit was faithful to not leave them and everyone felt His presence take a hold of them. The Seminars were well received. We found that the issues the Brazilians were interested in are the same ones we face and deal with also. “How does God view the Homosexual” was well attended. Worlds apart and yet so alike. Hopefully something that was shared will be a nugget these young delegates can take home and use.

My favorite parts were all the interaction… Worshiping together, playing games, eating, and getting to know each other. The U.S. students did a great job stepping outside their comfort zones. They struck up friendships using mime and their smiles. They also made efforts to learn key words and phrases. They spread themselves out among the delegates and sat with them in the seminars, mealtimes, and game times. Of course the Brazilians were just as hospitable and open to out friendships. The laughter and chattering of conversation was sweet.

The Youth Conference kept up at a hurried pace. The U.S. students got up early and stayed up late so they could spend as much time as possible with their new friends.

On Sunday evening it was our turn to go to their churches. We had the pleasure of seeing our friends again. They welcomed us with joy and warmth. With much laughter the familiar pattern of communicating through pantomime started all over again. It was great to see them all over again. Worshiping with them in their churches reminded me how heaven will be. Even if we never see them here on earth I know we will see them again.

What hope! So Exciting!

Post by Peter Taylor

I have been in Brazil since July 1^st, I was a part of the medical group, and now I am a part of the Youth Conference and the construction of Tele’s house. The First days after the arrival of the 2^nd group of Americans on the 10^th were very busy and jam packed with stuff we had to do. It has made me realize how much I need to not rely on my own strength, but on Gods. The first two sessions of the Youth Conference have been completed and the Seminars that we had prepared have gone great. I am looking forward to the next two days and the sessions we have prepared for them. Go God!

Youth during the evening session
Forrest and Peter helping with the night game

BE YOUNG BE BOLD

The Youth Conference Started today.
The 26 High Schoolers from Brookville Rd Community Church are teaching sessions such as:

Christian Worldview
Quiet Time(How is your prayer life)
What is my Purpose?
Worship
Holiness
It's Your Turn to Be Bold and Courageous
Walking in the Dust of the Rabbi (Jesus says come Follow Me)
Reliability of the Bible
How Does God View the Homosexual?
Creation
Dropping Your Guard on Moral Purity (Story of Samson)
Every Man's Battle
Captivating

All This plus General Sessions with Pastor Paul Romoser and Pastor Hubert Nolen,
Games, Local Outreaches, and more.
The Conference will last until Sunday July 16th.
There will be Youth from all the Community Churches here in Brazil attending this conference so please be praying for God to be moving among them.

Post by Stephanie Hubbard

I have been so blessed by this opportunity. Coming from Northwest Kansas it was by God’s hand alone that I was led here.

Each day I spend here I fall a little more in love with Brasil and its people. It almost makes me wish I didn’t have to go back for awhile but I’m not ready for that, just yet!

My first few days here were spent with the medical group. The best part was getting to meet the people. You could never have guessed that these people were lacking in anything. In a way they aren’t. To them it is just how life is and always has been. These are a people that waste nothing and find joy in everything.

These last couple days we have been preparing for the youth conference. I have never met a group of teenagers that are so on fire for God. I have been blessed by meeting them and getting
to know them. You see the love that they have for God in everything that they do.

Once the Youth Conference is finished it is on for English Camp. This is what I am looking forward to the most. It will involve the younger kids which is my main interest since I am an Early Childhood Education Major. At K-State by the way….Go Wildcats!

My time here is definitely one of those defining moments in my life. I have grown so much while I have been here. I am only hope that the lives of those I met were as blessed by me as I was by them.

The Short-term Missions group as arrived safely in Brazil

Friday they start the Youth Conference then Monday is the week of the English camp.
For now they are busy preparing and doing some construction.

Community Church of Acacias

The Community Church of Central Carpina

has moved to
Alcance Brazil
(The Seminary)
and had their very first meeting this last Sunday as



Community Church of Acacias
(Acacias is the fruit that is prevalent on the property)

Pastor Hubert Nolen Preached in James 2
for the first service of CCA

Please be praying for this move and the continual growth of this church.

Rachel Winzeler sang with the Band in Portuguese

Written Wednesday, July 5th

Post by Lacey Fisk

Praise God! I have now officially been in Brazil five days and I have had an experience I will not soon forget. I came with the intention of blessing others in God’s name and yet feel as if I am the one who God has poured His blessing upon.

The people of Brazil are beautiful, inside and out. I have never realized that by doing something as simple as taking a pulse or weight would spark such love and thanksgiving from the heart of a stranger. But then it hit me. God sent me here not only to provide care, but to share my love with my brothers and sisters, not strangers.

God has opened my eyes to another culture – His creation – that he loves just as much as He does me.

It’s amazing to think back and see the journey that I have made in my life. By God’s grace I grew up in a Christian family and knew the Lord at an early age. I have been God’s hands several times, leading my friends to Christ. But something was missing. I didn’t think of God as a friend and our relationship was lacking. Upon this realization, I re-committed my life to Him and asked Him to use me in any way he chose. And now I’m here on my first mission trip, I am content in knowing that I have a purpose and that I am becoming more like Christ. I am where I’m supposed to be. I continue to pray for the people of Brazil and that God would continue to bless them and be with them. I am leaving Sunday morning but I know I’ll be back. I’ve had an amazing time and thank God for the opportunity.

BABY TIME

Rebeca Luiz Silva

7.6 lbs
Born on 7-7-06 at 11am
Congratulations Pastor Ricardo and Kattia

post by Daria Macy

Our first couple of days at the clinic have been significant days of kingdom work. Over 360 people were seen. Our first day the guard [of the school where we were] turned people away but it was as if God was easing us “first timers” into things.

The second day, busier than the first, left me with faces that continued to go through my mind as I tried to rest, the two small boys with despair ridden faces brought in by their 16 year old sister; the woman who lived on $6.00 a month that worried about being able to buy firewood to boil water in order to wash her linens & then blessed us by saying, “It’s a gift from God that you are here,”; and the woman whom we didn’t have medicine to put in her hand but showed love as we were privileged to pray for her physical healing.

The “team” itself is inspiring and encouraging watching each whether its shaking a hand, landing a smile, driving a combie [a VW van] to & from the clinic, interpreting, handing out medicine, or seeing patients… It all goes back to Him, and each day I want more of Him & less of me.

Seli Deo Gloria!

Post by Edna Chestnut

I thank God for providing everything I needed to be able to come on this mission trip. (Philip 4:13 I can do anything through Him who gives me strength.) The support letter I sent out provided the funding for my trip! My husband is disabled so I needed care for him. His sister retired last summer so he is staying with her while I am here.

Our trip down here was good. We changed planes in Miami and again in Fortaleza with two stops in between. Each time the plane took off they fed us. So we definitely did not go hungry. We went through customs at Fortaleza and they kept four of our crates that had the Tylenol and vitamins in them. They thought we might resell them. We thought Dr. Taylor could pick them up when he came through on Sunday, but they took him through customs at Belem instead. So we’re still working on getting the crates.

Gabe was the first face I recognized in Recife. He, Tele, and a few local men picked us up at the airport.

The evening we arrived was the semi-final game of soccer in the World Cup between Brazil and France. Everyone was watching the game on TV.

Before the game, Tele took us to the Café/print shop in Carpina for dinner. The Coxinha [a fried meat and mashed potato snack] was very good.

The print shop will be printing the newsletter that we will take back to the US to mail to supporters.

The Alcance is Beautiful!

They let us sleep in on Sunday to recuperate from the trip! We took advantage of the pool around 10am. The water was chilly but very invigorating.

The food here has been delicious! Everyone back home told us the fruit and juices were good. They understated it! They are awesome!

Everyone has made us feel so welcome! I was a little concerned about the language barrier but that has gone very well.

Jeff and Lindsay took us on a tour of the Alcance, inside and out.

We had devotionals just before lunch. Most of us just laid around the rest of the afternoon.

We went to the Church at 7pm in Tracunhaem. It was so filled with the spirit! We couldn’t understand what the pastor was saying but we could feel the presence of the Lord. The children sang a beautiful song. It just really made me realize how blessed I am. What we take for granted in the US is a real luxury here.

God is sooo good!

-Edna Chestnut