We’ve hit the ground running! The trip has been amazing so far, and our team has done so much good in the day and a half that we’ve been here. Actually, our work really began on Wednesday. We had a team packing party to squeeze all of the donations (given by CPC members) into suitcases. There was SO much given and it was a difficult task to pack it all. We ended up with 31 suitcases of donations.
Here is a picture from the packing party:

Sorting clothes at the packing party.
We headed to the LEX airport on Friday afternoon, connected in Dallas, and arrived in Brazil early Saturday morning. All the travels went pretty smoothly, very few hiccups. We were greeted by excited missionaries as soon as we cleared customs and we’ve been at work ever since! We’ve taken a few group photos since our arrival – check them out below:

At the airport in Lexington.

Our team at IBABI (the church: Igreja Batista Biblica) in Jacarei).
Saturday evening, the youth from IBABI came out to the Haven of Hope property for a bonfire and fellowship. Many people shared their testimonies – both Brazilians and Americans – with translators. We worshiped together and hung out late into the evening. Here is a picture from the bonfire:

IBABI youth and Center Point team together at the bonfire.
This morning, we had the opportunity to serve a poverty-stricken neighborhood that is close to the church. The church provided food for the people and we gave out clothes, shoes, and dental care items. Our team also had the chance to perform some music and dramas for the people. A number of folks trusted in Christ! Here is a photo of our “King of Hearts” team doing their drama:

King of Hearts team performing outside at the church.
We covet your prayer support! The trip has gone great, but we know that God has MUCH more in store here. We’ll have another update for you soon.
15 Comments
Praying for you all! Sure wish we were down “south” RIGHT NOW serving with this AMAZING TEAM! Give Russ and Diane our love!
Mike & Rebecca
You guys rock! Keep up the good work, and praise God for what He’s done so far!!!
YAY!! I WAS SO EXCITED TO GET THE BRAZIL UPDATE! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL! GOD BLESS!
DEAR BRIAN AND ASHLEY,
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! I LOVE YOU BOTH VERY MUCH!
ALWAYS, MOM
I am praying for each of you. Thank you for being obedient to God. Sally Steele
Wow! It looks like you all are having a wonderful time while doing God’s work. I am so proud of all of you. Keep sharing God’s word and love. We love you all and miss you. We will keep you in our prayers.
These pictures are great! Thanks so much for the update. You’re all in my prayers, and I wish I could be with you.
Love,
Joan
I am so happy for you guys and even happier for the Kingdom to be spread!!! We LOVE you all and miss you all, you are in our minds, hearts, and most importantly in our prayers!!!
p.s. Zach Dodd and Larry Thompson were great on Sunday. and everything went smooth as silk!!!
Soooo excited to see all the wonderful things you all are doing in Christ’s power to advance His kingdom. We are praying for changed lives for eternity and for all of you to be incredibly blessed. Love you all!
Hey bro! So proud of the work you guys are doing for God and His church. We are in prayer for you and your team. Tell Russ and Diane the Crum’s say hello!
hi kelli and freddy….so proud of you both and all that everyone there is doing to spread God’s word…praying that God uses you to his own purpose there….the kids say hi and we love you…. mom
Praying for the team,looks like everything is going great,So good to see the pictures.Cant wait to see more. Love and prayers. Penny Gilpin
Thanks Todd, our church is praying for you all. Need another update!!! Kiss Brian and Ashley for me!
I am praying for you all…especially for your health and safety.
Many blessings!
Shelia
P.S. Ashley Holbrook Oldham…I LOVE YOU!!! How Fun is This!!!!
You guys are awesome! Hannah and I are praying for you.