Holmes Happenings: Brazil 2012

Who knew that when we traveled to Brazil in 2010, two years later some very special Brazilians would travel to the United States to see us? I love the answer to that question – God! God knew all along the relationships that he was building. He is always working and when we see his plan in action it’s beautiful.

One of my favorite times of year has always been our church’s annual missions’ conference. Even as a very young child I was excited to hear the missionaries’ stories. Learning about the life and ministry of special missionaries such as Pat Ham, missionary to the Apinaje Indians in Brazil, had a powerful influence on my life. God used those moments in my childhood to reveal his glory in the future.

Shortly after being married, Jeremy and I began attending Rockdale Alliance, the church where I was raised. It was at another annual missions’ conference where God planted seeds in our hearts that would grow into some beautiful connections. Jeremy was on shift at the fire department, but I was able to go and hear missionary Len Warden from Brazil. I listened to his stories of their ministry in Brazil and signed up for his e-mail updates. At the time, I had no inkling of how God was planning to use that brief experience of meeting Len at the annual missions’ conference.

Fast forward to 2010. . . God had been speaking to my heart about a short term missions trip. I’ve always desired to travel abroad and take an active part in missions work, and God began to encourage me to take the steps to make this a reality. In one of the Warden’s e-mail updates they shared information about an upcoming missions trip they were putting together. In June 2010, God made the desires of our hearts possible and we were able to travel to Brazil. We had the privilege of staying in the home of Fernando and Cris Souza for several days of our trip. They were very gracious hosts and the connection we shared in Christ was strong.

We were beyond excited when they contacted us about planning a trip to the United States. After their family vacation in Orlando, they traveled to Georgia to spend several days with us. We had such a fun and exciting time. Potential language and cultural barriers could do nothing to stop Christ’s love and grace from being so beautifully poured out. The presence of the Holy Spirit was powerfully evident during our time together. Now we are asking God that we might be able to return to Brazil sometime in the near future to visit our dear friends.