May 25, 2025
Today was one of those days that leaves a real mark on your heart. While traveling through Brazil, our group attended a local Brazilian church in Santo Andre. I could tell from the moment I entered the church that it was a vibrant, passionate, and Spirit-filled community that welcomed me like family.
The worship was full of life, sung in Portuguese with hands raised high and hearts wide open. They were quite the passionate crowd, dancing and simply getting excited to worship God. Though I didn’t understand every word, I felt every beat, and that still meant something to me. There was something moving about worshiping with people whose culture and language are so different from mine, yet whose love for God was unmistakably the same.
What made this day unforgettable was the opportunity I was given to come on stage and briefly speak to the congregation. Never did I think that during my Brazil travels I would be addressing a Portuguese speaking congregation, yet here I was doing just that. I was a bit nervous at first, having to use a translator to interpret the things I was saying to the congregation. It took me a little bit to figure out how to speak alongside the translator, but I figured it out. I was slightly nervous at first, but the words began to come naturally as I knew they were real.
I shared how God has been showing me the beauty and necessity of experiencing Him through community. In Brazil, I’ve seen how faith isn’t just personal- it’s shared. It’s in the smiles of strangers, the hugs of new friends, and the collective cry of worship that fills the air. There’s something sacred about gathering, laughing, praying, and growing alongside others. It’s a reminder that we were never meant to walk this crazy journey of life alone.
That moment on stage wasn’t about giving a message- it was about honoring what I’ve received. This church, these people, have reminded me that God moves through relationships, through shared meals, through unspoken connections that transcend any language barrier.
As the service ended, I left feeling filled- not just spiritually, but emotionally. It was a much needed service for me. I came to Brazil with expectations of beauty and adventure, but I’ve found something deeper: a community that reflects the heart of God. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
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