Our trip to Brazil was amazing on so many levels. Our team flowed in unity, our missionary hosts were wonderful, and the variety of our experiences was unbelievable! Go Global prepared our hearts and minds for whatever would come our way. I don’t think any of us could have imagined what we would receive.

The personal interaction we had with Brazilians were some of my favorite times. You realize in making new friendships that God is at the center. The language, culture, customs and even personal experiences look different. It is God’s love that allows us to reach outside of ourselves and make a connection. It was so beautiful watching all of my teammates show love in their own ways. Not one person’s expression was the same, but they were all perfect for them.

Many days as we walked along the streets I thought, “What neighborhood would this be in America?”. The awesome part of going is that a part of you desires to bring the experience back with you. Most days we interacted with complete strangers and invited them to church parties or services. Several of these people started a new relationship with God that week during a church service. God gave us the opportunity to help plant a seed and we knew their name as they walked forward in commitment. It was amazing to see the harvest first hand and it really inspired me to have more boldness in my own world.

As we were on the bus to the airport to head home, the lead pastor shared that our Go Global team had helped impact his local church more than any other mission team. WOW! How humbling to be a part of what God is doing in the local church in another country. If you want to make a difference in your local community, Go Global. With the experience you bring home, you will never be the same.

Jane Bush

Our mission trip to Swaziland in May 2009 remains one of the highlights of my life. It made such an impact on my teammates and me. In fact, rarely does a day go by that I don’t thin about, and pray for the wonderful African people and reflect on the experiences I shared with my teammates while in Swaziland with a big smile.

The interaction we had with the African Pastors during the leadership conference at Healing Place Church in Swaziland and the children and leaders at the Children’s Cup carepoints made such a huge impact on all of us. I have seen such a difference in the lives of each of my team members since our trip. It changed us all in many ways, but most importantly, it brought us all closed to our savior Jesus Christ and to one another. Each of us brought back a renewed commitment to serve God’s house and His people wherever they may be.

I remember each day of our trip as if it were yesterday. I recall the places we went, the faces of the people we met, the beauty that is Swaziland, the care and concern on the faces of Ben and Susan Rodgers and Greg and Kristin Evans for the people. It was both inspiring and humbling.

I was also very impressed and pleasantly surprised at the level of detail that Go Global provided in the planning of our mission trip. We never once felt concerned about what we needed to do or where we needed to go. They handled everything so completely. It made traveling in a different country and culture very comforting.

I look forward to serving on another mission trip one day soon.
-Danny L. Parker