Dear Church, one month down...

One month in Brazil… still no capybaras, but LOTS of Jesus 🇧🇷😂

I can’t believe I’ve already been here a month. It’s been full in every sense.

My heart misses home—my family, my church, my everyday rhythms, but at the same time, I’m watching God move here in such real ways, and getting to partner with Him in it has been incredible. I'm so thankful. So grateful.

One of the most impactful moments this month was visiting Instituto Sonhe (Dream Institute). Right in the middle of São Paulo city, in "Cracolândia," a place marked by addiction, brokenness, and generational cycles of darkness--- there is light. Real, tangible, consistent light.

What began 15 years ago with people noticing children on the streets, many already caught in the grip of drug addiction, has become a place of refuge and transformation. Today, hundreds of kids come through their doors each week. They are fed, taught, discipled, and most importantly, loved. This is incarnational ministry.

Outside, there’s chaos, survival, and despair. But inside, there’s joy. There’s love. There’s safety. There’s kids laughing, learning, creating—and slowly, steadily being pulled out of cycles that once seemed inevitable.

This isn’t just a program. This is rescue.

The staff carry such deep love and calling, and it shows. These kids don’t just hear about Jesus—they encounter Him daily through people who consistently show up for them. And you can tell… they know they are loved.

In the middle of darkness, there is hope. And His name is Jesus.

One month down. Let's gooooo!!!

Prayer requests:

* Health + protection

* Stamina for the pace

* Covering over Instituto Sonhe

* Rest (sleep has been a little wild these past few days)

* For the Church to awaken

One thing I keep hearing from pastors here: the Church must be loyal to Jesus above all—not to an institution. We don’t need more religious activity—we need disciples making disciples. I couldn't agree more.

Jesus, awaken Your Church. Amen.

For King and Kingdom,

Audrey