A teen who went.....

...."model that Christ established when He....."

"I have been working with Joel and Melissa Johnson for the past three summers on short term missions’ trips. It has been a joy to work with them and to see their passion for the lost. Short term missions has definitely impacted my two daughters, my wife and myself. I believe that God is going to allow Joel to raise up an army of teenagers and young adults who will be able to accomplish so much more than he and his wife can do singlehandedly. I believe this is the model that Christ established when he poured his life into 12 disciples and then sent them out to evangelize the world."
Rev. Ace Foldesi

4 YEARS LATER!!!

Read what Nicole has to say regarding short term missions

"Going on a missions trip changed my whole perspective of Christianity. I realized that outreach was a lifestyle and not just a ministry event. Going on a missions trip was life changing for me, but I didn't realize how dramatically it had altered my confidence in Christ wanting to work through me. Years later as I look back at my testimony, and while I was saved at a very young age, I can honestly say that my life of truly beginning  to know God really started there on that short term mission trip experience!"      Victoria Nicole Smith
  
Ver o que a  Nicole diz 4 anos depois, Ela ainda sendo impactado pela viagem de missaoes.!!

“Ir a uma viagem de missões mudou toda a minha perspectiva do cristianismo. Eu percebi que era um estilo de vida e não apenas um evento ministerial. Ir a uma viagem missionária foi uma mudança de vida para mim, apesar de não ter percebido o quão dramaticamente isso tinha alterado a minha confiança em como Cristo trabalha através de mim. Anos mais tarde, quando eu olhar para trás, para o meu
testemunho, mesmo eu tendo sido salva em uma idade muito jovem, eu posso honestamente dizer que a minha experiência de conhecer a Deus, de verdade, realmente começou naquela viagem missionária de curto prazo!"                   

Victoria Nicole Smith

Joel speaks of the value of short term mission trips!

  What others have said of our ministry

and of what we are doing on our discipleship Short Term Missions Trips:

"I just recently went on a mission trip to Brazil with Joel Johnson/Wordless Ministries. I cannot put in to words how valuable this ministry is to the people of Brazil. The lives that Joel and Melissa have touched, the relationships they have formed, and souls they have led to the Lord using the Wordless bracelets/soccerballs is countless! The Wordless bracelets and soccerball are such quick, easy, effective tools for sharing the gospel. I am so thankful to have gotten the chance to use these tools in Brazil because I feel like I am so much more prepared to share the gospel now. The money any church gives to support Wordless Ministries and/or Joel and Melissa Johnson, is having a tremendous impact not only on lives in Brazil, but in the lives of people ,like me, who were fortunate enough to go on a short-term mission trip. I would definitely recommend a short term mission trip to fellow believers.

I would like to express how important I think short-term mission trips are. First of all, you need to gain an appreciation of another culture, how they live, etc. because we take so much for granted. Also, the prayers you have prayed and the money you have given to missions all these years, you now have faces and stories that just awaken your heart when you think about what all is going on in other countries and how you have had a tiny part in changing lives from hundreds of miles away!! Plus, worshipping God together with people you have never met before and you don't even speak the same language, yet you just feel the power of the Holy Spirit moving....that is indescribable and makes God seem like he is literally in your midst!!!

Furthermore, I have an appreciation for missions that I never had before! I see how much time, effort, and sacrifice it takes for each and every missionary and how important it is for us to financially support and pray for the ministries of our missionaries!! You will never again think twice about giving your money to such a worthy, life changing cause!!!!"

Blessings, Tracey Davis

You Can Reach Others on Mission Trips

Are you afraid to speak with others about the Gospel?



Learn more about how simple bracelets and soccer balls open doors

to share God's Word with others

inspite of language barriers and personal fears.

Testimonies - Part 2

More testimonies of folks who have gone on a missions trip with Joel and Melissa through Wordless Ministries...

 

Read on:



Hi Joel, " As I mentioned to you, it is so hard to come home after a mission trip because a part of me wants to stay in Brazil. The blessing is that partnering with you makes me feel as though a part of me is still there and that we are playing a part in God’s kingdom work."

God Bless, Lori

Hi Joel& Melissa,

 "It has been a privilege for Tim & I to have a small part in partnering with you as you both answer God's call on your lives to minister in Brasil! Your passion for God, the people of Brasil and sharing the Gospel are a blessing and encouragement to us! It has been exciting to see how God is using your experience and contacts from years of ministry, to springboard into the Wordless Ministry. May God continue to bless and multiply your efforts as you take new teams again in 2013! May those who participate catch a glimpse of God's work in the hearts of the people of Brasil, and may their own hearts be touched and changed by the experience!
Abracos to both of you!!"

Martha & Tim

"I wasn't a Christian for 6 months the first time we went in 2004. I went to play games with the kids to help serve and realized they looked at me like I was a Christian and should know the things of God. When I returned I started getting up at 4:40 am and studying for an hour every morning and plugging in to men's Bible studies. The next year we went back and I was on the evangelism team and prayed for the first time with almost 20 different people to accept Christ throughout that trip. The reason I believe coming back from a missions trip changes people’s lives is because they finally feel or experience God using them to impact lives and that is what this life is all about. Living for Him and to finally experience joy and the feeling of knowing you’re not worthy but that He truly loves us and uses anyway to reach others and bring glory to Himself. I have since been to New Orleans, Africa, Dominican Republic, and China on trips and look forward to going back to Brazil again where it all began. October 26th will be our 10 year anniversary since Shawna and I accepted Christ together. Wow time flies by so fast :)"

Eddie Ireson

"Short term Mission trips changed my life and how I lived my daily life back in the States. I will never forget how much God taught me and changed me on my first and second short term mission trips. God has always been a part of my life but He became real to me through a short term mission trip. In the states everything is handed to us while going to Brazil I really learned what it meant to rely on God and His work. I learned what it meant to serve others and most important I learned there are people everywhere in need of a Savior. Besides accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior, going on a short term mission trip was the best choice of my life. I am forever changed."

Lauren Vann

"I have been working with Joel and Melissa Johnson for the past three summers on short term missions’ trips. It has been a joy to work with them and to see their passion for the lost. Short term missions has definitely impacted my two daughters, my wife and myself. I believe that God is going to allow Joel to raise up an army of teenagers and young adults who will be able to accomplish so much more than he and his wife can do singlehandedly. I believe this is the model that Christ established when he poured his life into 12 disciples and then sent them out to evangelize the world."

Rev. Ace Foldesi

"Going on a short term missions trip, really changed the way I viewed ministry. I went to Brazil in 2006 for my first overseas mission trip. I was given the chance to interact with people from another culture and share the good news of the Messiah with them. It was also very impactful to see the Johnsons and their passion for missions. After my first trip, I returned to Brazil on two more short term mission trips with the Johnsons. Because of these experiences, God has led me to one day return to Brazil to start a youth hostel ministry. Looking back, I see these trips as landmarks along the road to ministry, which God used to direct my life. Short Term Missions have truly made a lasting impact on my entire life."

Stephen

"Going to Brazil on a short term mission trip, was one of the best decisions I ever made. When I went to Brazil, the Lord made it very clear what He wanted me to do. I fell in love with the culture, the people, and most of all, doing what we are called to do, spreading the gospel. I hope to go back to Brazil as a missionary when I finish college. This trip really impacted my life and i want to thank all the volunteers who were willing to go, including Pastor Joel. I'm so excited to see what else the Lord is going to do in my life."

Meredith

NEWSFLASH

Two Trips are being planned for the Summer of 2015.  Dates to be announced shortly.  Stay tuned.  One trip will be in the State of Ceara and one to the Amazon area... more information soon!

NEWSFLASH

Easter Mission Trip: Good News Sporting Tournament Event
Date: March 30 through April 9, 2015
Costs:  

Ground costs around US$750
Airfare around US$1200
Plus Passport and Brazilian Visa

 

Stay tuned for more information!  Contact Joel if you are interested in this trip.

Pulseira Sem Palavras no Evangelismo

 

Ouça a Jefferson contar rapidamente como a pulseira sem palavras é um meio eficaz de espalhar o Evangelho através de missões de curto prazo.

Testimonies of Mission Trip Members - Part 1

As I was reading Matthew 9:38, I became more convinced of the importance of our ministry, as we are not only impacting lives of those we are able to share the gospel with on the field and see people come to Christ, but also to see God work in the hearts of those who go. Coming back with a much clearer understanding of what being a believer is all about. Realizing they can be a witness right in their own towns as well. It may be harder, but they can do it. What a blessing to see God call some into fulltime Christian service and some into missions. Indeed we are seeing God use you and us to see the prayer of Jesus answered in Matt.9:38.

Listen to what our team members have to say about Short Term Mission Trips:

 

 

Vickie Frazier of Hyland Heights Baptist Church

Lynchburg, VA



 

 

 

Here are a few comments of what others have said of our ministry

and of what we are doing on our discipleship Short Term Missions Trips:

"I just recently went on a mission trip to Brazil with Joel Johnson/Wordless Ministries. I cannot put in to words how valuable this ministry is to the people of Brazil. The lives that Joel and Melissa have touched, the relationships they have formed, and souls they have led to the Lord using the Wordless bracelets/soccerballs is countless! The Wordless bracelets and soccerball are such quick, easy, effective tools for sharing the gospel. I am so thankful to have gotten the chance to use these tools in Brazil because I feel like I am so much more prepared to share the gospel now. The money any church gives to support Wordless Ministries and/or Joel and Melissa Johnson, is having a tremendous impact not only on lives in Brazil, but in the lives of people ,like me, who were fortunate enough to go on a short-term mission trip. I would definitely recommend a short term mission trip to fellow believers.

I would like to express how important I think short-term mission trips are. First of all, you need to gain an appreciation of another culture, how they live, etc. because we take so much for granted. Also, the prayers you have prayed and the money you have given to missions all these years, you now have faces and stories that just awaken your heart when you think about what all is going on in other countries and how you have had a tiny part in changing lives from hundreds of miles away!! Plus, worshipping God together with people you have never met before and you don't even speak the same language, yet you just feel the power of the Holy Spirit moving....that is indescribable and makes God seem like he is literally in your midst!!!

Furthermore, I have an appreciation for missions that I never had before! I see how much time, effort, and sacrifice it takes for each and every missionary and how important it is for us to financially support and pray for the ministries of our missionaries!! You will never again think twice about giving your money to such a worthy, life changing cause!!!!"

Blessings, Tracey Davis

"Not only do short term trips bring you out of your comfort zone, it exposes you to a way of life so much different than our own. The trade off, as usual, when you go to encourage or bless others, you come back the recipient of the greater blessing! That is the great thing about serving God!
Wordless Ministries is a great way to have a plan to share the gospel. Using the wordless bracelet or soccer ball, It is a simple, straightforward and accurate approach. It can be modified though by the person sharing it to make it your own. Going on a short term trip with somebody who grew up in the culture, is really an added bonus. What really stood out, however, was the love that locals had for Pastor Joel and Melissa. They had invested time and energy in many relationships. It was obvious how much love they invested was reciprocated by many."

Loren Adams

"Joel, I have used the wordless bracelets I had. They are the BEST witnessing tool ever. Two of Lauren's friends have come to know the Lord using those bracelets and both wear them faithfully! How can I get more? I don't need a mass number. I want to get some to challenge myself to continue sharing. I miss having one on my wrist. Brazil of 2012 changed my outlook on missions and enabled me to "see/ be passionate" people's souls and not an outside appearance. God tugs on my heart daily as I meet and even casually see others wondering and praying if they know Jesus. My experience in Brazil concreted in me the fact that Jesus is a relationship and not religion! Thanks"

Kristi Milby Vann

You never give to God's work without receiving a blessing. Every time we see your pictures and read your updates God blesses my heart. We get excited seeing the groups/crowds of people who are considering this big step in their lives. We just love knowing that we can help you guys go and do what we cannot do. We love being involved in your circle of impact! We ask your prayers as we seek God's will for a church home and what our involvement will look like. The church we are considering has lots of opportunities for involvement but we want to be sure we step into what God wants for this stage of our lives.

We love you and are excited to have you come visit".

Gayle & Larry

January News

Dear Partners and Friends                                                                                                 

As we reflect back on 2014, we are so thankful to God for all He has allowed us to do for Him.  Thankful for the 7 discipleship short term mission trips that we were able to be a part of this year.  Thanking God for the thousands who heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ; for the ministry of Wordless Ministries and the thousands of bracelets given out along with all of the times we were able to share the message of salvation.

Praise God for the many believers on the mission field of Brazil and Vietnam who were encouraged and challenged with the task that each believer has to share their faith with others!  Also Praise God for believers who surrendered to the call to “go” to regions beyond with the Gospel.  And of reports, for example, of one who said he had witnessed more in the 2 months  since his return than he had in his previous 43 years as a believer.                 

Praise God for pastors on the field who were encouraged with our ministry in their midst.  One missionary pastor in Brazil said our week with him was in his estimation an impact that would have taken him 2 years to accomplish.  Another said that for 10 years he had been praying for someone to come to his area, to help instill in his people the passion for outreach as we were able to do. As well as pastors who went with us and came back with a renewed passion for reaching the lost in their own towns.                                                                                              

Praise God with us for the many, many who put their faith in Christ for Salvation.  Please continue to pray for them.                                                                                                                     

Has it been easy?  No, it has been hard.  Has it been worth it?  Yes!! 

  

 As we look to 2015 we are confident God will once again do a work as we press on in this ministry.  Some day we may go back and be on the field as we were before, but for now, I know we are doing exactly what God wants us to be doing.  I feel we are actually doing and being more of an impact for the kingdom now than ever in our lives.We praise God for our many partners and for God’s provision.   Some of you have asked and we are at 60% of our monthly needed support.  The lacking balance we fill in with Joel and his painting skills for which we are thankful.  But pray more partners would see that this is indeed a mission worthy ministry! 

Would you join us?  Our first Discipleship Short Term Mission Trip this year will be first of April during Easter.

 

AVISO

Estamos planejando uma viagem missionária na Páscoa, se você estiver interessado, mais detalhes a seguir !

NEWSFLASH

We are planning a mission trip at Easter if you are interested, more details to follow!!

Review of Our Year - 2014