5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Going to Brazil This Summer
Service | by
Pastor David Parker
This Summer we’re preparing to take a team down to Brazil to aid and assist in mercy outreach and church planting efforts with Jay Bauman and Restore Brazil. We couldn’t be more excited that Jesus has given us this opportunity to continue deepening our partnership and support of a fellow friend and church planter in Rio de Janeiro! If you’re not familiar with what Jay is doing in Brazil, check out this video on Restore Brazil.
Over the last few weeks several folks have asked in some form or another, “Why go?” Great question! In short, loving our neighbor isn’t an abstract idea. The two greatest commandments God gave us were to love Him and love others (Matt 22:37-39). Not only do we want to do that here in our local context, but we want to go to the ends of the earth with the good news of the Gospel (Matt 28:19-20). That Jesus offers forgiveness of sin, and new life in Him, both now and forever!
Here’s 5 reasons why I would encourage you to consider joining us this summer:
1. Your view of God and His unfolding story will grow.
The church is so much bigger than what we see in our context. We can lose sight of the grandeur and beauty of Jesus, His plan, and the way He’s using His church to accomplish His purposes. Whether it’s across the country or around the world, often short-term ministry trips profoundly change our view of Him, and all that He is doing. God used an opportunity He gave me to serve the people of Haiti in 2001 that radically shifted the way I see the world, suffering, Jesus’ church, and just how big our God really is.
2. Learn how to be a better missionary at home.
Going into another context creates an opportunity for us to better learn what it looks like to live on mission. When we’re taken out of our comfort zones and dropped into another culture, we’re forced to interact with people in new ways.These experiences help us be more effective missionaries at home.
3. Partner with and encourage others in ministry.
Through the declaration and demonstration of the Gospel, we’ll have an opportunity to partner with local church planters and missionaries who are on the ground. We’ll be Preparing to go through language learning and team building; Preaching to the local churches and Sharing in small groups; Visiting the favelas (slums) around the city and Praying for the people; Serving the children of Rio by Teaching them the gospel in a Bible school setting, and whatever else God has in store for us!
4. See and be involved in what you’re supporting.
DCC not only gives to several local church planting efforts in the states, but we’re currently supporting planters in Brazil and Mexico. We want each of our members to be a part of what God is doing around the world. When we see the spread of the Kingdom, the work being done first hand, and the needs on the ground, it encourages us to more fully invest and give faithfully with joy.
5. Lastly, Short-term ministry is often where long-term mission starts.
Going on short term trips break down our fearful or romanticized views of missions. Suddenly missionary work becomes something that you COULD actually do. Going helps confirm or challenge “callings” on our lives, and invites others into that process with us. Entering another context can solidify and deepen the passion and drive to live on mission amongst the people of Seattle. It motivates us to want to see more people come to know, love and worship Jesus.
Praying that through this trip we would all walk away with a deeper love for Jesus, and the people He’s put around us.
– Pastor David
For more info on this trip or to apply, Click HERE.
**Application deadline is March 30th. Membership with DCC is required**
In case you are new to Downtown Cornerstone or Christianity or attending our Good Friday gathering – this quick note is for you.
