Survey Trip

Hey Friends! 

This summer has been a full one, and one that has kept me busy! I have hardly had time to sit and write my thoughts about it all. I have been running all over the planet and I am only getting started. I still have several new places to visit before this year is over. 

   Currently I am on my survey trip and am in Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil. The Lord has been so good and has blessed my trip so much already. I have had the opportunity to visit three different Deaf ministries here in Brazil and visit with 6 missionary families. It has been such a refreshing trip for me. I needed the break from deputation and have thoroughly enjoyed my time away so far. 

   There has been so much here for me to think about in regards to my upcoming move and future ministry to the Deaf. Deaf ministry is a unique ministry and has so many nuances that many who are not involved may not be aware of. It has been a blessing to me to sit with many of these experienced missionaries and pick their brains about Deaf ministry here in Brazil. 

    The main purpose of this trip for me is to visit the Deaf ministries here and get to know the missionaries working on this side of the country as well as pray about my first term on the field. I have several opportunities to pray about as well as several decisions still to make. It is my prayer that the Lord would use this trip to guide my steps and and make His will known. Please help me pray for wisdom and discernment as I press forward towards my goal of moving to the mission field.

    Since arriving in Brazil three weeks ago, I have had several ministry opportunities. I was invited to teach children's Sunday school. It was my first time to teach in Portuguese! God was good and it went well, thank you those of you who prayed for me on that Sunday. I have also had the opportunity to witness to a couple of my Uber drivers as I come and go. I have not had the opportunity to lead anyone to the Lord yet, but have been praying for and seeking the opportunity. Last Saturday I attended a Ladies Retreat. There were 18 churches present and there were about 350 ladies in attendance. I have also had the opportunity to attend a Deaf Bible institute. What a neat experience to see the Deaf being taught the Word of God on their level! God is doing a work here in Brazil, and as insignificant as I am, He is going to allow me to take part! I am so excited to get here and serve.

   One of the things that has stuck out to me as I have been here is the need for more laborers. Brazil is such a large, needy country and as many missionaries and laborers as they have, they need so many more. I have heard in all of the churches I have visited thus far, people praying fervently for their country and for God to move.              

    Last week we went and saw the Catholic cathedral Aparecida. Aparecida is the 2nd largest Catholic Church in the world. It was heartbreaking to be there and see the bondage the people here live in. The church can do nothing for them, offer them no hope. Yet, many live their whole lives attending mass and praying to the saint. The need is so great amongst the hearing and the Deaf. Please pray for laborers in this great mission field and pray about if God may have missions in mind for your life. 

   Please continue to pray for my trip and that God would make His will known to me, as well as for safety for me and for Ray who is parked in NYC. Thank you for reading and for keeping up with us! 

-Beca (+Ray)