Morgan Champion and myself had a very different trip in Brazil. Nothing was as we expected. Having begun a trade in the coffee business as part of my missionary journey, we met many new people and were able to travel to Santos Brasil, one of the largest ports in the world. I had my plans for the trip, but God had his. I ended up spending several days with an outstanding barista who allowed me to stay out this house in Curitiba, Brazil. In São Paulo, Morgan and I preached, ministered, and spent valuable time with the youth and ministers.

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When Morgan and I first arrived in Sao Paulo, we were surprised to meet several other missionaries staying in the favelas with us from Portugal and South Africa. These people had an impact on our lives as we did on theirs. Morgan was forced to step out of her comfort zone with some of the other missionaries as well as the locals. She did a great job ministering and communicating to others, even though she does not speak Portuguese very well. We preached and ministered at various churches, including Casa de Jesus (our sister church) and Remedidos under Pastor Jadis and also spent some time ministering in the favelas.

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Some of the most memorable times for me were the times with the youth of the church of Casa de Jesus. I really love those young adults and teens. They have become like family to me. I see them struggling to hold strong amidst the chaos and temptations around them, and they are doing a good job. It is a privilege to be able to be in their lives and encourage them as they encourage me.

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The connections that Morgan and I made in Brazil were very deep. We made new friends as well as as business acquaintances who had a heart for missions and helping out the impoverished communities of Brazil. If Morgan and I learned anything from this trip, it was - sit back and trust and watch God work. He was always surprising us, and we were so happy to see Him working in our lives and using us to touch the lives us those living in São Paulo and Curitiba, Brazil.

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