2009 Mission Trip Overview

Our group of 5 will join some other volunteers in Brazil to work with CMU ministry and build a church. For three of us, this will be our fourth year to go on a trip with CMU. We will be going to Teresina Brazil on September 4th and return on the 13th.
When we arrive, there is usually a concrete foundation and supports for a roof. During the week, we will brick all of the walls and put on a roof. In our spare time, we will go out into the community and invite families to attend the church dedication on our last night. This is also a time we can minister, pray, and fellowship with the Brazilians.
In past years, the dedication service has always been such an awesome time. The church is usually overflowing with many standing outside. During that time, the Word of God will be preached and some will make decisions that have eternal consequences. It has been such a privilege to be a part of what God is doing in Brazil and to help CMU with their mission.....

"to build churches to the glory of God where the gospel will be preached, lives will be changed, and people will be saved until Jesus comes."

Friday, September 11, 2009

Church Dedication

Thursday was the final day of building.  After beginning the morning with group prayer, some of the team members finished installing windows in the church while the rest of us went walking through the community.  We were able to talk with many Brazilians and invite them to the dedication service.  As we passed a soccer field, the Brazilians challenged the Americans to a friendly soccer game.  We had a great time playing with the kids.  The fellowship was great, but they are definitely better at this game than we were. 

The few houses that we went into were shocking in terms of living conditions; many do not have running water and electricity; what I found paticularly interesting was how excited they were to have Americans in their home.  They are very hospitable even though their living conditions are not comfortable.  We handed out most of the toys and those left over were given to the church to distribute as they minister to their community.  We then made our way back to the church and were excited to see its completion at noon!  God is good!  Mission complete! 



At 6:30pm, we returned to the church for the Dedication Service (let me tell you, it was a very rough and fast ride).  When we turned the corner and headed down the street, I could see the many kids standing in the road waiting for us!  The church lights were glowing and Christian music could be heard throughout the village!  My heart lept for joy for these people! The service went smoothly as planned and ended in many photographs, handshakes, and hugs.  The Brazilians were overwhelmed with thankfulness and appreciate all who have prayed for us and supported us throughout this trip. 

Thank you.


The hardest part was when the engine on the bus started and the door closed.  The children we befriended had surrounded the bus and were reaching up and calling out to us.  I was grasping for air to keep myself from crying....and then I remembered: We did what we came to do.  They needed the church, the team built it, and now we needed to leave it to them so they can reap the harvest. 

Praise God for this opportunity to serve Him in this way.  Again, our team thanks you for your prayers and donations. 

See you soon,
Wichita Falls CMU Team
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