The Fruit of Full Surrender

A Quiet Morning on the Amazon River

It was early morning, and I was standing on the top deck of the Splendor, my freshly washed hair blowing in the breeze as we headed down the Amazon River. I felt like I was alone with God in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I hadn’t seen anyone else awake yet, but I knew the crew was hard at work getting us to our destination, and the ladies in the kitchen were busy preparing another incredible breakfast spread. All the meals had been delicious, with endless opportunities to try new things. New things would be the recurring theme of this mission trip.

I thought I was entering my quieter years, but God had a different plan.

Saying Yes to a First Mission Trip

As a 52-year-old mom of three adult children, I never dreamed I would be taking my very first mission trip, much less one that would take me deep into the Amazon. I thought I was entering my quieter years, but God had a different plan. As a relatively new employee of Justice and Mercy International (JMI), I was asked to experience firsthand the work we do serving vulnerable communities. I understood the importance of this trip for my role, but I also sensed the Lord had more in store for me. I said yes without hesitation.

Life on the River and New Community

After a full day of travel, I had no trouble sleeping in the hammock that would be my bed for the week, despite being surrounded by people I had just met. There were two full rows of teens and adults, gently rocking as the boat carried us through the coffee-colored water of the Amazon River. By the end of the week, they felt like close friends.

Stepping Out in Faith During Home Visits

I started the week doing home visits with my JMI colleague, Tara Owen, and our interpreters. Tara was inspirational, gently offering encouragement and praying with the families we visited. On the second day, she invited me to step outside of my comfort zone and engage more personally during the visits. I had often prayed with kids through years of serving in children’s ministry, but not as much with adults, and never through an interpreter. Still, I had committed to full surrender on this mission trip and to allowing God to grow me, so I said yes.

Those two days will stay with me forever. I was amazed that we were welcomed into homes where we had arrived uninvited, and that the people we met were open about their struggles. They were not focused on appearances or how their homes looked. They welcomed prayer, both for them and with them, and I found that God gave me the words when I was willing to step out in faith. I feel incredibly blessed to have both witnessed and participated in these home visits, and I believe seeds were planted in both those serving and those being served.

Serving Children Through VBS in the Amazon

I spent part of another day serving in VBS in the Amazon, and I am certain there is embarrassing social media footage of me spinning in circles, arms flapping, and knees bent, trying to follow along after missing the instructions. I had the joy of hugging and high-fiving these children as they celebrated together in a safe and joyful environment.

Meeting Practical Needs Through Outreach

Throughout the week, I had opportunities to serve in a variety of ways, helping in the salon by pampering mothers and painting their daughters’ tiny fingernails, and assisting in the pharmacy by gathering medicines for clinic patients. One afternoon, we held a trade fair where families could exchange a smile or a hug for donated clothing and shoes. Some moms generously allowed us to hold their babies while they shopped, blessing us even as they were being blessed.

Lasting Impact of a Mission Trip

I enjoyed the tourism on our final day, seeing caimans, watching monkeys, and even swimming with dolphins, but the lasting impact came from everything I had experienced in the days leading up to it. I cherished those early morning moments with God, surrounded by the beauty of the Amazon. I pushed past my comfort zone in ways I never thought possible. God made it not only possible, but enjoyable. I cannot wait to go back.