A final note from David Perry, ABCHomes executive director

Someone, in reference to missão Florianopolis, Brazil said, “I love everything about this!”  What a great story, taking children from the Arkansas Baptist Home for Children (ABHC) to serve in children’s homes (as well as daycares, schools, and churches), working with a missionary who grew up in the ABHC and was instrumental in starting the Brazilian children’s homes.  Did you catch all of that?  What is not to love about it?

 As I reflect upon this mission trip I think about hungry children at school in the favela eating perhaps their only meal that day.  These children came from shanty houses partially hidden by rickety fences that line the filthy streets.  I remember seeing our youth (and adults) embraced in tight hugs from these same children.  I think about a muddy soccer field used by our recreation team to introduce American football and baseball to local teens.   I see two rows of 5-year-olds greeting members of our team in song at a church daycare center.  I recall baby cribs and children’s beds lined up in the orphanage, as well as walls beautifully painted, Bible stories told, and worship experienced.   I also think of cultural experiences, strange foods, and language barriers.    

We are proud of our team.   The youth were always punctual and in place, so much so that we finally thought it was a good idea to assign them adults to watch over as we navigated airports on our return trip.   These youth loved on Brazilian children, worked hard and handled the inevitable last minute changes that seem to be a part of all mission trips.   Our adult members were tireless in their efforts, enthusiastic and encouraging.   Thanks goes to Charles Flynn who spent countless hours in planning and coordination, Dave and Tina Bostian who called upon all of their former Brazilian missionary experiences to help us in so many ways, and donors who gave designated gifts to make this trip possible. 

As we neared the end of our experience we were invited to the home of our missionaries, Ron and Alana Greenwich, for a share-time.  Reflective and important comments were voiced by the team members.  “Life changing” seemed to be the theme expressed by the youth team members.  That is what mission trips do.  They change lives.  Missionary Ron, from his unique perspective of coming from a difficult home situation (just as our youth have) to the ABHC as a twelve-year-old boy, passionately encouraged our youth to make wise decisions and to realize that they can succeed in God’s plan for them. 

Wouldn’t it be something if that years from now another group of Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home youth and staff are sharing about their mission trip experiences in the home of their host missionary and that missionary is one of the Baptist Home youth from  missão Florianopolis, Brazil?

 

 

Home sweet home

Following about 30 hours of travel and lay-overs, the mission team members made it back to Little Rock and Monticello, safe and sound. (Members Charles and Lana Flynn are enjoying a few more weeks of vacation in Brazil)

During the entire travel time, team members persistently reminisced about their positive and enjoyable experiences in Brazil. Many said the trip was “a once and lifetime” experience.

“I will never forget this trip,” said Jake, 18. “It was awesome.

Erica said she won’t soon forget ministering to the children. “Excited that I had a part in sharing the love of God with them!”

The last day in Brasil

Mission team members began the Lord’s Day touring breath-taking, scenic beaches in the southern area of Florianopolis. (Brazilian Baptists in the area worship on Sunday evenings)

While touring the beaches, many team members searched for sea shells, splashed in the cold waters and photographed the beautiful scenery. Others shopped for gifts at quaint, area beach stores.

For lunch, team members dined at a popular beach restaurant, over-looking a beautiful sandy beach and numerous fishing boat docked nearby.

Later that evening, team members led worship at First Baptist Church of Florlianopolis. One team member shared her testimony, while four others signed a Portuguese song in sign language. Dave Bostian preached an inspiring message.

Brasil 2012

Team members enjoyed a morning of shopping for souvenirs and gifts at a local, popular outdoor market in Florianopolis. (Some may have trouble packing all their purchases:)

Following the shopping spree, team members were treated to a scenic tour of the countryside, about 20 miles outside of Florianopolis. They visited a banana plantation and had lunch at a countrystore-type restaurant that featured platter after platter of steak, potato salad, sausage, and fruit salad, among other Brazilian foods.

The afternoon was spent visiting a second group home. Team members befriended, loved on and played games with the children and youth. Bubbles were a big hit among the residents. Two team members taught one school age boy the words to “Jesus Loves Me” in English.

After a brief rest time, team members gathered for dinner and a group share-time at the home of Ron and Alana Greenwich, who are IMB missionaries. Ron, a former ABCHomes resident, encouraged the ABCHomes kids to seek God in all that they do as they return home. ABCHomes students, many in tears, shared their favorite experiences of the week.  Many residents said the trip was “life changing.”

 

Mission update

A steady rain hindered team members from finishing a paint job in the worship center of a Brazilian Baptist church in Florianopolis Friday. Moisture from the rain caused the fresh paint to bubble. Team members hope to finish the job this weekend.

Next door, other team members led three backyard-Bible-type events at the church’s large daycare center. Stories of Zacchaeus and Jesus’ love for children were a big hit among the 4 and 5-year olds. Team members soaked up the children’s enthusiasm to learn and listen the stories.

ABCHomes executive director David Perry pretended to be Jesus in the Bible story where His disciples discouraged parents in bringing the children to Jesus. When Jesus called the little ones to Him, the BBC club children bombarded Perry with hugs.

After a much-needed afternoon rest, team members returned to the daycare for a meeting of ABCHomes executives and Brazilian group home executives. ABCHomes leaders shared information on the history, fundraising, licensing requirements and daily operations of ABCHomes. Brazilian Baptist leaders eagerly asked many questions about the Arkansas Baptist agency. Following the ABCHomes report, a Brazilian group home leader shared of their ministry to needy and abandoned children and told of their group home for drug addicted adults.

Brazilian hospitality has been welcomed by the Southerners. At every church/day care gathering, a spread of Brazilian food has been offered to the mission team. During the meeting mentioned above, mission team members had the opportunity to taste “Brazilian cockroaches,” joked a translator. The tasty items were actually large pine nuts.

The day culminated with a youth pizza event at a local storefront church. Team members enjoyed a time of worship and fun with about 20 area teens. Activities included ping-pong, silly games and the “Chicken dance.”

Outside the meeting a group of area children gathered to peak into the event. As team members noticed the youngsters, they took ventured outside and offered the kids balloon animals. They were a big hit!

Stay tuned for more updates.

A visit to a group home

Isadora, Alexander and Maria stole the hearts of team members today. The three infants are residents of a children’s home where team members are leading backyard-Bible club-type and recreation events, as well as painting a bedroom and dining area of the children’s home.

While several team members painted the two rooms, others rocked and cuddled the three babies. Isadora is 2-months-old and lives at the home with three sisters. Alexander is 9-months, while Maria is only 6 weeks old. Each will likely be adopted.

“I don’t want to say good-bye to the babies,” said team member Erica. “I wish I could keep her (Isadora).” Others would have liked to bring her and the others home as well!

Our teenage team members have enjoyed befriending several Brazilian youth. Despite the language barrier, the teens have found it easy to take part in sporting activities and gab about the latest fads in their respective countries.

Insight from team member Brandon

June 19, 2012

Today was the day that we went to the group home and painted. We only got the primer on today, and the kids from the church helped us. We also taught them some English and they taught us some of their language. It was funny because the way that they pronounced words and because of the way we pronounced words. Tonight we are going to the Shopping Center to eat McDonald’s at 7:00. I can’t wait till tomorrow so we can finish up painting. Well see you all on Tuesday night. Chow!

Second day in the favela

Smiles, greetings, hugs and more hugs erupted when the mission team returned to the favela for another day of backyard Bible Clubs and a sports-type clinic.

For the second day, part of the team led the children, through an interpreter, in Bible stories, crafts and activities. Others simply loved on and befriended the kids. Some of the children tried to impress the team by quoting a few English words they had remembered from the previous day.

Pointing to Luis, 8, Team Member Lashanda said, “Wow, he remembered a few words in English. That is great.”

The sports team again led the teens in games of soccer and American football, this time outdoors. The team also introduced the teens to American baseball. “The teens really picked up on how to hit the ball, but we couldn’t quite translate to them the rules of running the bases,” said team member Dave Bostian, adding that at times, “more than one player would end up on the same base … While they didn’t completely understand, we all had a good time!”

Each sports clinic participant received a Slip DiscFrisbees, which included the GOOD NEWS of God’s love on the underside decal.

On a note-so-good-note, four team members came down with stomach problems. After a day of rest, most are feeling much better.

The day culminated with a visit to a local pizzeria. Team members enjoyed various pizza selections but seemed to most like the desert pies. These included chocolate, white chocolate, banana pudding and ice cream pizzas. “Some on is going to have to roll me out of the restaurant,” jokingly said Krissy after indulging in the tasty pizza. 

Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow.

 

Ministering in the favela

While a light rain continued today, team members took a trek to Florianopolis’ favela, the generally used term for a shanty town in Brazil.

Team members led backyard-Bible club (BBC) type events for school age children, as well as sporting type activities for teens.

During one morning BBC, kids learned that Jesus is a friend of children and that He wants to be their friend too.

As part of an activity on friendship, kids were given two pieces of candy and asked to share one with a friend in their class. Immediately, nearly all the kids found a new “American” friend and offered their treats.

When on boy said he had no friends, several team members came to his side. He was then all smiles!!

A hit among the kids were balloon animals distributed by team members.

The afternoon BBC focused on the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Kids learned  that Jesus was with the trio in happy and sad times, just as He is with them all the time.

During craft time, kids made friendship cards which noted, “Jesus Love You.”

Rain and muddy conditions kept the teen recreational games inside. Activities included indoor soccer, wiffle ball and various games.

Perhaps the biggest impact among four team members was a ride through the favela. “I’m never going to complain about anything,” said Krissy as she viewed the shanty town. “We are so blessed.”

Day 2

A little rain didn’t dampen the efforts of the Brazil Mission team as they spent their first full day in Brazil touring Florianopolis.

First stop on the tour was a scenic view of the tourist city. Team members enjoyed the trek to a mountain spot frequented by tourists.

A visit to the beach was next on the tour. While some team members viewed the Atlantic Ocean from the shore line, others ventured into the surf. Still others ventured onto nearby large rocks to get a better view of the vast ocean.

Next on the tour was lunch at an open air beach restaurant. Several seafood and chicken dishes were a hit among the team members. Some members tasted mullet for the first time. 🙂 After lunch, some team members toured area beach shopping stores, while others took a stroll on the beach.

After dinner at a local pizza restaurant. the team helped lead worship services at a Baptist Church, started about four years ago by IMB missionaries Ron and Alana Greenwich. (Evening worship services are typical meeting times for Brazilian churches)

Erica shared her testimony, and Lashanda, Cynthia and Caitlyn performed a sign language demonstration to a Brazilian song. Preaching the evening message was Dave Bostian, recreation director at the Baptist Home in Monticello and former missionary to Brazil.

Following the services, ABCHomes residents visited and hung out with a group of Brazilian teen church members. Despite language differences, the ABCHomes residents hit it off with fellow Brazilian teens and many shared Facebook information and email addresses.

Stay tuned tomorrow for mission projects updates!