Spring Break in Brazil: A Mission Trip Recap

For many students at SEBTS, spring break is a much anticipated week of rest from the demands of school. Spring break took on a different meaning for myself and nine fellow students as we joined Dr. Daub on a mission trip to Brazil! Our journey was filled with both blessings and challenges. It was also my first glimpse into the incredible ways the Lord is at work in His global church.

Our adventure to Brazil began on the evening of March 9th, when I met my fellow classmates at the RDU airport. After a long 10-hour flight through the night, we finally touched down in São Paulo, where we were warmly greeted by two Brazilian missionaries. Their vibrant spirit instantly made us feel welcomed. Our translator radiated joy and played a crucial role in helping us communicate with the locals; she was one of the few missionaries who spoke both English and Portuguese fluently. Once we collected our luggage, we made our way out of the airport, where we were introduced to Everton, our bus driver for the week.

We spent the first few days serving alongside several incredible ministries, starting with, a refugee ministry. This area was once a resort but is now used to support families in crisis. While there, we helped clean the dining hall, served meals, shared testimonies, and prayed for missionaries.

After spending time serving the refugees, we were able to participate in their evening gathering service, where one of the students in our group shared the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13) with the refugees I was able to sing “Living Hope” with my fellow classmates towards the end of the service. The translator helped communicate what this song meant to those that did not know English. We later had dinner with a refugee couple and the husband asked us many questions and we responded with the words of Jesus and his teachings. We were able to share how Christ has transformed our lives and our ways of thinking. Olivia, one of the girls on our trip spent that dinner reasoning with a group of young men to consider Jesus and who he claims to beThey politely declined.

Next, we worked with a ministry particularly known for its work with people facing various forms of vulnerability, including those dealing with addiction, homelessness, and social exclusion. When the missionaries learned I was studying Worship Ministry, they invited me to sing along with them throughout different points of the service. Throughout the day, we served meals and essential resources to those in need. We then ventured into the streets with the missionaries to invite others to come and enjoy a warm meal. As we walked, their songs of praise echoed through the streets, and their infectious joy for Jesus was so evident. Despite the language barrier, I was encouraged by the sense of unity I felt with the believers in Brazil as we served and worshiped together.

The first portion of the service involved meeting the needs of the homeless. But after this, our time was dedicated to listening to the preaching of God’s word and worshiping together. We then spent time praying for these people, sharing with them that Jesus has the power not only to heal but also to save them.

Despite all the incredible work we witnessed that week, my favorite moment came on Thursday evening. After driving us to various ministries, sharing meals, and communicating with the Portuguese-speaking missionaries, our bus driver, Everton, surprised us by announcing that he had decided to give his life to Jesus. Moved to tears by the love he saw in the ministries  and the Gospel message shared by the Brazilian missionaries, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. We celebrated his decision by singing “Happy Birthday” to him on the bus ride home, marking the beginning of his new life in Christ. This heartfelt moment served as a powerful reminder to all of us that the harvest truly is ripe!

As we wrapped up our journey and headed back to the airport, I realized this mission trip was more than just a class credit; it was a meaningful journey where God’s presence was with us in every moment. Everton’s decision to embrace faith was so encouraging and a clear reminder that anyone can be transformed through Christ’s love.

I leave Brazil with cherished memories and a renewed sense of joy in Christ! I  am incredibly thankful for my time in Brazil, and I want to encourage every student reading this to consider going on a mission trip with Southeastern. Embracing the opportunity to witness Jesus worshiped and proclaimed in a different culture was remarkable. My experience engaging with the global church enriched my faith and deepened my love for the body of Christ as a whole. It reminded me that I am part of a large and beautiful spiritual family through Christ.

It showed me firsthand how the Church shines brightly in the darkest of places. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to see how Jesus is being exalted around the world, and I hope other students can experience this as well.

Jesus is being exalted in Brazil, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to deepen my love for the global church!