It has been some time since we have written. Those who follow us on Facebook saw many pictures and blessings shared along the way. For those of you who do not follow us, here is a very brief summary of our four summer short-term mission trips. Only in eternity will you know the impact of these short term mission trips!
On May 30th, I flew to Brasil and prepared for the first summer team coming from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Va.); Charlotte Eagles Soccer team (Charlotte, NC) and Chicago Eagles soccer team (Chicago, Ill.) This team was headed up by Rick McKinley with Missionary Athletics International Ministries. I was the team pastor for this group. There were 35 people on this team. We were able to be in Rio de Janeiro during some of the world cup soccer games and other cities. There were many opportunities to minister during those days. God did amazing things in and through this team! Many seeds of the Gospel planted during these days and many came to Christ as well!
From Rio I flew to the city of Manaus June 21, in the heart of the Amazon, to meet the second summer team. This team came from several churches, headed up by Pastor Eddie McDonald from Hurt, Va. God allowed us the opportunity to be back on the Amazon River once again. What an amazing area of the world, such a beautiful spot to reflect on God’s creation. This team was able to be involved in "door to door" visita-tion via boat; church services; mime skits; outdoor meetings; music and evangelism. There were 12 people on this team who joined about 15 Brazilians who helped minister with us. They all had many new experienc-es, one of which was sleeping in hammocks and living on a boat. Pastor Eddie was greatly impacted by this mission trip! They are already planning on returning.
The two weeks between teams 2 and 3, gave me time to fly to Fortaleza, work on upcoming teams, visit my parents for a couple of days, and get some much needed rest as well as do paper work for the teams. Also during this time we hosted our 9th Futvolei tournament, (a mixture of soccer and volley ball) with four teams of two players each. The games were hosted at the home and court of a man who has come to Christ through the sports ministry. Now he uses the gift he has of the sport and his new found faith to spread the Gospel. Also various other ministry opportunities took place.
On July 21st I flew back to Manaus to get ready for team 3. The July team was headed up by Pastor Bill Cole-man from Roanoke, Va. Pastor Bill had been to Brazil one other time but this was his first trip to the Amazon area. This team was comprised of 3 or 4 different churches.
The team arrived on July 24th and left on August 1st. There were 12 in this team and with 20 Brazilians we had a large group that was able to minister on the Amazon river. Sleeping in hammocks for 7 nights, on a moving boat, was an experience they will never forget, but God blessed and everyone survived happily. The ministries were similar to Team 3, some in different areas of the river and some new. One thing different on this mission trip was that we had a Brazilian dentist, Dr. Everal-do Pereira and 3 assistants working with us. This was the first missions’ trip to Brasil for many of them and they are planning on returning, Lord willing next year. From there I flew back to Fortaleza, Ceara.
On August 6th, Melissa and I flew to the state of Sergipe, where we stayed with a wonderful Brazilian fami-ly. Pastor Raimundo Pinto and his family were a true blessing in ways they never imagined. Both of his younger daughters (Gabi and Danielly) were part of Team 4 as translators and a nurse.
Part of team 4, from Hyland Heights Baptist in Lynchburg, Va. arrived on August 7th and we loaded up the bus for a 5 hour drive further interior to the town of Jeremoabo, Bahia. This makes our 8th trip to Jeremo-abo and surrounding areas, and it is one of Melissa’s favorite parts of the country. Team 4 was able to min-ister in a local village (1 hour out of town); with street meetings; mime skits; music; evangelism; church ser-vices at the local church; and a full day of "social events" (Wordless bracelet ministry; free reading glasses; nurses with blood pressure checks and diabetes screening; dental care (local dentists pulling teeth); balloon animals; crafts for the kids; pictures of the kids; etc.).
On August 19th we finally arrived back in the US.
As well as the extra folks already named, I was able to have help from Mr. Robert Lankford, a former mis-sionary with Baptist Mid Missions in the Amazon area. It was great to have his help as well as make a new friendship.
I must say I have never had such a summer. Lives were impacted in Brazil as well as on the teams. So many heard the Gospel; so many seeds were planted in hearts; Believers and pastors were encouraged; Daily we had opportunities to witness. To God be the glory!
We praise God for all the individuals who put their faith in Christ. Please pray for each of them.
Thank you so very much for the part you have in our lives, and in the lives of so many who have been im-pacted, both those on the field and those who go. Thank you for giving so we can "go"! God is Faithful! His Servants, Joel & Melissa Johnson Email : joelmelissa79@gmail.com or wordlessministries@gmail.com
P.S.
Our support level is right at 65%. Would you pray about partnering with us? We are filling the gap doing some side paint jobs when possible.
