ABCHomes residents excitedly anticipate Brazil mission trip

Excited is an understatement.

 At least that’s the sentiment of eight Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes (ABCHomes) residents as they prepare for a mission trip to Brazil next month.

 “I am pumped! I can’t wait,” exclaimed Erica. “I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us and me!”

 “I can’t wait to go to Brazil,” echoed Krissy. “It’s gonna be a life changing experience.”

 “I am super, super, super, super, ready,” added Caitlyn.

 The group of eight residents from the Baptist Home in Monticello, along with 11 ABCHomes staff and representatives, will visit Florianopolis, Brazil, June 15-25, to minister alongside Southern Baptist International Mission Board missionaries Ron and Alana Greenwich. The team plans to participate in ministry projects at a local orphanage; put on block-party-type events in an area favela - the generally used term for a shanty town in Brazil; minister at local churches; and take part in other evangelistic outreach in the area. Three ABCHomes administrators will speak to a group who oversee Brazilian residential group/foster care-type homes.

 This is the first-ever overseas trip for a group of ABCHomes residents.  Several generous ABCHomes donors funded trip expenses for the residents, none of whom have ever been on a plane or traveled out of the country. No ABCHomes budget funds were used.

 The trip has been in the works for more than a year.  Permission to travel overseas had to be obtained for each resident.  “It is long and lengthy process to obtain passports and visa’s to Brazil, especially for minors,” shared Charles Flynn, ABCHomes program director.

 Hosting the Arkansas team is a two-fold delight for the Greenwich family, noted Ron. Ron is a not only a native of Arkansas but is also a former resident of the Monticello Home. 

 Ron came to live at the Monticello Home at the age of 12 where he remained until high school graduation. It was there that Ron accepted Jesus as his Savior, and became a member of the First Baptist Church, Monticello, where he was baptized. And it was also at the Home that Ron decided he wanted to be involved in some type of social work as a profession. With a children’s home stipend he went on to attend Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), graduating with a double major in sociology and psychology. He also met his my wife, Alana, at OBU. After seminary, Ron served as case manager at the Baptist Home, among other ministry position. They have served in Brazil since 1984.

“I am just thrilled to have a group from ABCHomes coming to share in our mission work here in Brazil,” shared Ron. “ What a wonderful investment Baptists are making in the lives of these youngsters who will be coming …  I am so pleased to have this opportunity to play a part in providing this experience to these very special youth who are currently living in the children's home where I also lived many years ago.

“ It just doesn't get anymore exciting than this!”

Flynn believes the trip will make a life-long impact on the residents. “We believe this is a great opportunity for these teens to be able share their faith in Christ with the unsaved in another county and culture,” said Flynn. “We really believe that this opportunity could also impact future decisions that the residents make in regards to careers and educational choices.”

In agreement, Ron said, “They will learn first hand that God desires to use each one of them in a special way no matter what their life history has been. When they realized that God has been preparing them all along for this unique mission trip and perhaps other kingdom services as well, they will begin to see themselves differently.  

 “They will begin to see themselves as God sees them,” added Ron.  “And believe me!  That will truly be a blessing in their lives.  These youth will in turn be a blessing to other children here in Brazil with similar backgrounds.  I have found this to be the case in my own life.”

Team members would appreciate the prayers of fellow Arkansas Baptists. ABCHomes supporters and friends can keep up with the trip by following the ABCHomes blog, http://abchomes.wordpress.com/. Updates can also be found on our Facebook and Twitter.