By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
SOROCABA, Brazil (LBM) – David Denton has issued a call to prayer ahead of a Louisiana Baptist-led annual summer mission trip to Brazil.
Among the most pressing needs are funding for construction of a chapel that the team will build and guidance as Denton, coordinator of the trip, and Gene Jenkins travel to Brazil to finalize logistics in mid-February. Jenkins is construction coordinator and the brother of Wayne Jenkins, former Louisiana Baptist evangelism and church growth director who passed away Nov. 13, 2018, after leading 34 mission trips to the country.
“This preview trip will not only enable us to take care of details like housing and transportation but will also provide opportunity for face to face conversations with our coordinator and local Brazilian pastors who will be participating in the work,” Denton told the Baptist Message. “I am praying that God will lead us to have meaningful conversations about kingdom cooperation. These Brazilian pastors have a big task as they seek to mobilize their people for this effort. Please pray for all these things as they are all essential for our trip.”
Last year, 56 participants led 1,835 Brazilians to the Lord. These new believers were turned over to local pastors for discipleship toward spiritual health and growth.
The team will leave for Brazil July 3 and return July 14 — or July 16, if volunteers elect to stay two more days for an excursion.
Most of the team’s work will take place in Sorocaba, which with a population of 645,000 ranks as the eighth largest city in the state of Sao Paulo.
The team will evangelize on the streets and through drama performances, medical/dental clinics and Vacation Bible Schools. Crews also will construct chapels for local congregations.
The cost of the trip is $2,400 for the basic trip and $2,900 for team members who choose to participate in the excursion. Costs include housing, meals, airfare, daily transportation, airport transfers, insurance, tips and team t-shirts.
Visas no longer are needed.
“Beyond the Walls needs pastors and lay people alike for the work in Sorocaba,” Denton said. “Our goal is to come alongside Brazilian churches to help them advance the kingdom in their geographical area. In the process God always teaches us something about Himself and His grace. Whether you’ve participated in international missions before or are contemplating your first venture consider going with us. It is an unforgettable and life changing experience.”
For more information on serving in Brazil, call 337.359.7689, or email denton@hbcni.org. The deadline to sign up is Feb. 10, and a $300 non-refundable deposit is due at that time.
