In 2017, Claire and I traveled to Manaus, Brazil to serve with Amazon Outreach. This trip was life-changing for both of us. Claire was hopeful to go again in 2020, but COVID prevented that.
Thankfully, after a long wait, the doors of ministry are open again! Caitlyn, Brandon, and I will join a group from our church, Coppell Bible Fellowship, on a boat down the Amazon River from August 2 to 11, 2023! Unfortunately, Claire’s class schedule prevents her from being with us, but she is so excited to see her sibling experience God’s goodness and grace as she did.
Claire wanted to share…”In the summer of 2017, I saw God move more than I ever had. My mom and I traveled to the Amazon right before I entered high school as a freshman. This trip opened my eyes to what believers are called to do, seeing that so many of the people we visited had no idea who Jesus was. I learned how to evangelize and love people who were different than me. I would love for Brandon and Caitlyn to experience the wonders of God as I did. God loves the world and He loves the people on the Amazon River. I was fortunate to experience this at an age when I was just beginning to mature in my faith. I pray they get to go on this life-changing trip and witness the goodness of God in a beautiful setting surrounded by steadfast people.”
Amazon Outreach is a non-profit mission organization that partners with local Brazilian churches to meet the physical needs of the remote villages along the Amazon River. By meeting these physical needs, including medical care, they open the door to sharing the love of Christ. We were privileged to witness some people’s first dental exam, others seeing clearly for the first time after being fitted with glasses, and most exciting, many hearing and accepting the great love of Jesus Christ for the first time! For more information about this powerful ministry visit www.amazonoutreach.org.
To make this trip possible we need both financial and prayer support. The cost for the three of us to go is $10,200. We know this is a big ask but we serve a big God! We would be so honored if you would be able to contribute. We must receive all funds by June 1st. And remember, no gift is too small! If we are able to raise more than our portion, we will be able to take more supplies to the precious villagers!
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
We would also love your prayers. Our desire is to listen and do the work that God has already prepared for us to do. Please pray that God would prepare our hearts and minds, our bodies, and our team, Pray for safety, protection from the enemy, and for provision. And most importantly, pray for the people of the Amazon to hear our message and trust Jesus for eternal life!
As I read back through my journal from 2017, I was reminded of God’s abundant and mighty works, His goodness, and His faithfulness. There are so many stories to tell.
The one that really sums up our experience is about a sloth. Caitlyn, who was 9 at the time, was really hoping Claire and I could see a sloth while we were there. She prayed and we prayed that we could see one. Every day I would gaze out at the trees on the shore with hopes of spotting one. We never saw a sloth. Until, on the last day, we disembarked from the boat and walked towards our hotel. People were gathering under a tree and pointing excitedly so we hurried to see what was happening. Well, in God's abundant goodness, He allowed us to see a sloth. But this was not just a sloth...it was a sloth giving birth!! This is our God! He does exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine.
I cannot wait for Caitlyn and Brandon to have some stories to tell!
Psalm 9:1 “I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart, I will tell of all your wonders!”
With much gratitude-
Lori, Brandon, and Caitlyn Bryant
