Serve + Study Women’s Amazon Trip

Join Kelly Minter & Angela Thomas Pharr for a week of Bible teaching and mission work along the Amazon River!

A Note from Kelly Minter

The Amazon River is the single most compelling place I’ve been to out of all my travels. While theologically I know the presence of Christ never leaves me, something about being on that vast and mighty River makes me feel closer to God in ways I can’t describe. And God’s vast nature is not all there is. The people of the Amazon are some of my very favorites. I’m looking so forward to this trip because Angela and I will have the great privilege of seeking God with you in one of the most amazing places in the world while serving those whom much of the world has forgotten. I can’t think of anything better than combining The Word and Mission into one unforgettable trip down the Amazon River…with you.

A Note from Angela Thomas Pharr

My dear friend,

Kelly Minter and I are humbled by the opportunity to invite you to come with us to the Amazon. We will serve the Lord there and study His Word together. We will fellowship with one another and be revived by His presence. I wouldn’t dare make lofty promises about this trip, except God will be there. We’ve seen Him do it time and again, a hesitant heart gets on a plane, uncertain about why, only to find out all along, the invitation is from God, because He loves you. I hope you can come!

About the Trip

Join Kelly Minter and Angela Thomas Pharr for a very special event! Experience a week of Bible teaching and mission work, with women of all ages, along the beautiful Amazon River. As we seek God and dig deep into His word, you will have the opportunity to see God’s hand at work through Justice & Mercy International, and minister to the people of the Amazon.

Trip Dates: June 13-21, 2025 | Trip Cost: $2,800 + airfare

*Dates may change slightly due to flight routes

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FAQs Trip Details

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Travel

All travel arrangements will be handled by the Justice and Mercy International (JMI) staff. You can also book your own tickets if you prefer. Individuals will fly from their home city to Miami to meet the team. From there everyone will fly to Manaus together in the afternoon. You will arrive in Manaus late in the evening. The flight home is usually an overnight flight leaving in the evening and arriving early into Miami the following morning. No visa is required, just a current passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

Schedule

Each day will include daily teachings by Angela Thomas Pharr and Kelly Minter and reflection time on the boat. You will also be ministering in villages along the Amazon River. This may include gathering villagers together for singing, small groups, activities for the children, and visits to individual homes. There will also be opportunities to debrief with the team about experiences and participate in excursions to see all the wildlife and beauty the Amazon has to offer.

Accommodations

Teams will sleep on our brand-new triple-decker boat in hammocks with mosquito netting. There are no individual rooms, but rather an open area for all the hammocks. You will be sleeping right next to your friends on the team. It’s quite an adventure and we promise you will get used to it! The boat has several simple individual bathrooms and showers to accommodate everyone.

Food

Throughout your trip, your meals are prepared by our wonderful cooks on the boat. You won’t go hungry, the food is delicious! All our meals are served and eaten on the boat. JMI works hard to make sure all the food and water served is safe for Americans.

Weather

The weather on the Amazon River is usually in the upper 80s during the day and mid-70s at night. It is also quite humid. Everyone will get a nice detox from sweating!

Travel Insurance

JMI has a robust travel insurance policy that will cover everyone on a JMI trip. The policy includes health coverage for team members while in international locations. Please see our FAQs below about purchasing trip interruption insurance (if desired).

Excursions

The Amazon is a beautiful place with many things to explore. We have a wonderful jungle guide, Milton, who will be joining us. He knows more about the Amazon region than probably anyone. He will guide you and keep you safe. Possible excursions include caiman hunting (searching for little alligators at night), jungle walks, swimming with pink dolphins, going to see the meeting of the waters, searching for other wildlife (sloths, monkeys, lizards, birds) on the speed boat, visiting local floating villages and artisan markets. Excursions will be finalized as the trip gets closer.

Physical Fitness & Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

It is inadvisable to attempt a trip to a third-world country if you are in poor health. The weather in the Amazon is hot and humid. You will need to be able to get on and off the boat as well as sleep in the hammock for the week. If you have a pre-existing physical condition that requires special monitoring, specific diet or refrigeration needs, or a predisposing fragility to your condition that could potentially deteriorate quickly, please consult your physician and JMI before committing to travel. Taking chances with your health may not only impair your opportunity to enjoy your time away but might also affect the ability of your entire team to accomplish its objectives.

TRIP CANCELLATION POLICY

Your $500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you need to cancel more than 30 days prior to the trip we can transfer your funds to another trip within 1 calendar year if we are able to find someone to fill your spot. If you need to cancel 30 days out all your funds are non-transferable and non-refundable.

*Please note after an airline ticket is purchased in your name it is non-refundable.

If you have more questions, contact Kari Bidwell at
[email protected]

Highlights from Last Year’s Trip

FAQ

Does this trip require a COVID vaccination or COVID testing?

Are any other vaccinations required for this trip?

What do I pack for this trip?

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

JMI has you covered with a robust travel insurance plan that covers things like health emergencies/evacuations. However, it DOES NOT cover if you have to stay in Brazil longer for trip interruption.

If you would like to purchase additional travel insurance that DOES cover things like travel interruption, we recommend IMG. This is optional and you can contact IMG directly with any questions or concerns.

***Please note that JMI is not responsible for the cost of airline tickets if your ticket must be canceled for ANY reason (before or during your trip). Due to airline prices, you may have a disconnected ticket, meaning there could be unforeseen booking fees. Trip participants have lost money in the past. Please be aware! This is why we recommend purchasing trip insurance.***

Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil?

What does the trip cost include?

The price includes a week of Bible teaching and mission work along the beautiful Amazon River with Kelly and Angela! All accommodations, meals, drinking water, boat rentals and excursions are included. Your airline ticket is not included in the $2,600 base cost. However, we will help you book your tickets. Part of your trip price will also go to support the work of Justice and Mercy International.

What happens if I get sick?

Is there air conditioning?

Can I charge my phone?

What to wear? - make up, hair dryers etc.

What is the group size?

What ages does this trip include?

About Justice & Mercy International

Justice & Mercy International (JMI) is a faith-based, non-profit organization that exists to make justice personal for the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten of the world. JMI primarily works in Moldova in Eastern Europe and in the Amazon region of Brazil and we do our work through programs that have the Good News of Jesus at their core.

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