Brazil 2013
What a privilege it is to a part of the body of Christ. Last week I had the joy of being a part of a kingdom minded team who went to Brazil to build a church, do VBS and evangelism but most importantly the team had a mindset that said “Lord, we are here to serve you by serving the Brazilian people.” We had 15 from Olivet and 6 from the First Baptist Church of Claremore who made up the ministry team. Even though some of the team had never met until we met at the airport to leave, there was a bond because of our common faith in Christ and a desire to be used by Him. We truly grew to love each other and appreciate each giftedness to make our team stronger.
Over the past few years I have developed a conviction. I believe that short term mission teams can make a long term impact. During the week we built a chapel in 5 days, went into the schools and met around 1700 students, had a Vacation Bible School, and saw many come to Christ through street evangelism. The boost to the local Baptist church in Niteroi and the cooperative effort from other Brazilian believers coupled with full time missionaries can make a long term kingdom impact.
I do not claim to be an expert on short term international missions. (I have been to France once and Brazil three times) Let me share with you what I know about our time in Brazil over the past three years. On a personal level I have grown to have a heart for the people of Brazil, I have a greater heart for reaching the world with the Gospel and I am more engaged in personal evangelism at home than before I went to Brazil three years ago.
The first year we built a chapel in a town outside of Porto Alegre, named Gravatai. The people and the pastor were an incredible group of people, maybe 30 or so. This year we met the pastor and his wife in Porto Alegre and now their church has right at 60 baptized member. That one week of work made a lasting impact on the church.
Last year we built a chapel in the small community of Queluz. During that week we were able to do Vacation Bible School in their schools and were able to touch the lives of 1200 students. Many people came to Christ that week through street evangelism and a great number of them attended the dedication service that week. That week provided a real boost in the life-cycle of that church.
This year we were with a precious body of believers in the Niteroi community of Canoas a suburb of Porto Alegre. We were able to build a chapel, see 1700 students, do Vacation Bible School and see many come to Christ through street and home visitation. The church is now engaged in followed up assisted by missionaries from the IMB in Porto Alegre.
The truth is not only was the team in Brazil a part of what God is doing, but our church family at OBC is a vital part of what God is doing in Brazil. We have had people pray, people give (not only to help individuals go but our church gave to support the building projects) and people go. As a church family we are making an impact around the world for Jesus. The night of the dedication service of the new chapel, one of the most powerful times was when we sang “Shout To The Lord” in English while the Brazilians were singing it in Portuguese. As we were singing one of the team members looked at me and said “Scott, it just doesn’t get any better than this.” I agree, if heaven is better than that I cannot wait.
I am excited about the future opportunities we may have to connect with Brazil and the world to make a kingdom impact. It is a joy to be a part of a body of believers who is willing like Paul to do “whatever it takes” to connect with as many people as possible with the Gospel (I Cor. 9: 22-23). Let’s continue to share the life-changing message of the Gospel with all people.
Pastor Scott