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The field report provides an opportunity to understand what ministry looks like through the eyes of those who experience it firsthand. The perspective of a visiting team can offer valuable insight into the people, challenges, opportunities, and ways God is working within a mission field. Their experiences often reveal both the practical realities of cross-cultural ministry and the personal impact that serving alongside local believers can have.
During their recent trip, a team from Delaware County, Ohio, spent time in Macapá with Christopher and Denise Meyer in a way that went beyond simply observing ministry. Through serving in English conversation, a couples conference, an orphanage, a retreat, outreach, and time spent with the local communities, the team gained a deeper understanding of the needs and opportunities present in the area. Their reflections provide a meaningful starting point for considering the work taking place and the role that visiting teams can play in supporting it.
This report draws on the team’s perspective of their recent visit to highlight what they encountered and spark an interest for you to come and see.
How did your experience differ from your expectations?
Joe: It was a lot more relaxed and came more naturally than I was expecting. It was not high pressure.
Andrew: I think when many Americans think of short term mission trips, they imagine spending a week or two building a school, painting a hospital, or doing manual labor, but our time in Brazil was much different. It was highly relational and each day was unique. One day we spent time praying for people in the streets, another crafting with kids in an orphanage, still another hosting an English-speaking night and laughing alongside the Brazilians as they tried American foods, and so much more.
What was the highlight of the trip for you personally?
Andrew: The highlight of the trip for me was getting to witness the individuals on the team each share their own personal testimonies. Despite our differences in culture, language and interests, our need for Jesus as humans is universal, and to watch the power of personal story lead to prayers, tears and hugs was transformative for both us as a team and the Brazilians.
Steven: I loved the visit and the program at the children’s home (orphanage), and organizing and presenting my testimony.
What were your thoughts and impressions of the ministry happening in Macapá?
Michelle: My thought about the ministry is that everybody was so loving. They love Jesus so much. It is an amazing outreach. The people love to worship. They are always willing to help others. No matter where church services are or whether they have a roof over their head, there was still church. Another thing that I noticed is that the Lord isn’t pushed on anyone. When we went to witness to people in the street, the main goal was to connect to people. The people were more responsive when we just asked if there was anything that we could pray for them about instead of shoving God down their throat and trying to win a soul at the moment.
Joe: I was really impressed by how the church is growing and the culture being built there by the Meyers. The church is very alive and the Spirit is moving there.
Would you recommend others to join a missions trip to Brazil?
Joe: As someone who had not really been interested in mission trips before this, I would highly recommend anyone to give a trip a chance. God can use anyone.
Andrew: Absolutely, the benefits of seeing the work God is doing in another part of the world, the life-long relationships that are formed within such short amount of time, and the personal faith-building transformation that will happen in you makes a mission trip to Brazil completely worth it!
Michelle: Yes, I would recommend others to join a missions trip to Brazil. It gives you quite the eye-opener. I realized when we returned home that I am so blessed to have all that I have. I realize as a country we were very needy and spoiled, and honestly very unhappy as a country. But Brazil didn’t seem that way. Everybody was just always so grateful for every little thing that they have. It was more about Jesus than money and materialistic things. Denise and Christopher were amazing hosts, and I enjoyed spending time with them and their family.
Steven: For sure. Seeing it in person is invaluable.
The Xingu Mission team believes there is no substitute for being present and that short-term teams can play a meaningful role in what God is doing here. Whether through practical service, encouragement, relationship-building, or simply coming alongside those already serving, there is a place for teams who are willing to come with open hearts and a willingness to learn.
Our invitation is simple: come and see. Come meet the people, experience the culture, serve alongside the local ministry, and see firsthand what God is doing. We believe a visit to the field can be a blessing not only to those you come to serve, but also to your own team.
The Blaylocks in João Pessoa, the Wilsons in Palmas, the Meyers in Macapá, and the Dolans in Belém would love to welcome you, walk alongside you, and help you discover how your team can be part of our story. Contact Marsha Wilson to learn more. Come and see!
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