Assisting a small Brazilian church, a team of New Mexicans shared the gospel, trained church members in evangelism and helped the congregation host a recent outreach event.
Four members from Calvary Baptist Church, Las Cruces, worked with International Mission Board missionaries in São Paulo, Brazil, for a week-long mission trip to the city of more than 20 million people.
The team spent an entire week working alongside an IMB worker and his network of local believers in the city.
The IMB worker was a member of Calvary and has maintained a long-term connection with church members since graduating from New Mexico State University and joining the IMB.
During the team’s week-long trip, Oct. 10–18, its members ministered with a church in an underdeveloped and underserved part of the city. The “favela” that the team worked in is home to more than 40,000 people who live below the poverty line.
Serving in the favela
The team joined alongside the small church to host a children’s day festival outreach event that drew new families to the church to hear the gospel.
Ladies from Calvary’s sewing ministry also sent several dozen handmade jump ropes with the team to share with children and adults who enjoyed them during the festival.
During the week, the team also visited homes of people with physical and spiritual needs to pray and share the good news with them.
Many people in São Paulo have heard the name of Jesus, according to the team. But, because of cultural influences, false religions and several other factors, the “Jesus” they are familiar with cannot save them.
When the team was not out in the favela sharing the gospel or praying with people, team members led an evangelism training time for the host church and led two evening services.
Calvary hopes to send a follow-up team to Brazil in March and is actively considering other missions opportunities.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Sean R. and originally published by the Baptist New Mexican.
