One Challenge International (OCI) is an interdenominational faith mission in structure, interchurch in ministry, and international in vision. OCI's mission is to mobilize godly and effective church leaders to achieve their vision of healthy churches working together to reach all nations. OCI is involved in evangelism, discipleship, leadership training, church growth, missions, and support services.

Join us at this year's GMC to hear missionary Daniel Schimenes speak about the work of mission teams in Ariri, Brazil.

Reflections

An interview with 2011 Brazil Mission participant: Carlyn Bell

When did you go?

We went to Ariri, Brazil at the beginning of June this past summer.

What did you do?

We added two rooms and two bathrooms to an existing "community building" that is used for everything, from a soccer court to church services. The added rooms will be used for when doctors or dentists come to the island, so they can see patients. We also held four sessions of VBS and three evening women's ministry sessions. We built relationships with the people as we played soccer at night and participated in a church service with them.

What prompted you to want to participate?

I was really excited about participating in this mission trip because my brother was among the group from our church that went to Ariri about five years earlier. He had an amazing experience, so I was thrilled at the opportunity.

How did you prepare?

To prepare for a trip like this, I never know what to do other than pray. I was heading into a culture I knew nothing about, so I took advice from my brother, and prayed for our entire team.

What is your favorite memory from the trip?

My favorite memory from this trip has to do with interacting with the teenagers in Brazil. One afternoon I was having a particularly hard time with the language barrier. I walked around the corner at the worksite to hear three guys trying to pronounce "God." This was clearly the help I had been praying for. When I came closer they were pointing to the heavens saying "God" as if to ask if that was right. I then noticed they had a full sheet of Portuguese to English translations from school. From this sheet, and signaling with them, we were able to have a full conversation. It was exactly the midweek boost I needed.

What did God teach you on this mission trip?

On this mission trip God taught me that He will take care of us, and never give us more than we can handle. I also had a big lesson in patience, and how to properly shine God's light to others.

 Reflections

An interview with 2011 Brazil Mission participant: Bob Worner

When did you go?

Brazil – Summer 2011

What did you do?

In Brazil we worked with the church pastor and church members to build a two classroom with restroom building addition to their existing church/community center. This work built on top of two other trips Heritage teams had taken to Brazil in the past. We were able to attend (and some of us played!) their night of soccer in the community center. We also attended their church service and provided music for the service by some of our youth praise band members. In addition to the construction, the team provided four sessions of VBS and three evenings of women's ministry.

What prompted you to want to participate?

I have been on other mission trips to Mexico, Costa Rica (twice), and Mountain T.O.P in Tennessee and have learned the value of participation in these efforts. As I went on successive trips, I began to see what a powerful impact these trips can have on the participants from Heritage along with the people of the local community.

How did you prepare?

For each trip I have spent time in prayer asking to have my heart, mind, and eyes opened to be able to see where and how God wants me to serve.

What is your favorite memory from the trip?

On each trip there are moments that are truly special and memorable in their own way. In Brazil, we were able to work directly with members of the church during our building efforts and build relationships with them during the different activities.

What did God teach you on this mission trip?

Never take for granted what you have been given and to always remember that there is someplace where you can serve others – either locally or in another country.