The group of 29 students and six employees traveled to Manaus, Brazil, before beginning their journey to remote communities along the Amazon River. Living and traveling aboard a riverboat, the participants worked alongside indigenous church leaders and local communities through children’s ministries, school outreach, home visitation, health expos, music ministry, community service and construction projects. Students also preached a full series of evangelistic meetings in three different communities, sharing the Word of God passionately and powerfully. The experience allowed each individual to serve in practical ways while learning from the faith and resilience of the communities they visited.
One of the team’s major projects took place in the village of Puru Puru, where participants helped complete the floor of a new church building. Working alongside local church members, students mixed concrete by hand to provide additional space for the growing Adventist congregation. They also visited local homes, prayed with families, shared Bible messages and supported ministries already established in the community.
Master of Divinity student Seongsoo Kim served as a group leader and preached during evangelistic meetings in Puru Puru. “I understand that ministry is not accomplished through my own efforts, but rather through God,” he says. “No matter where I go to carry out my ministry, I know that God’s presence is already there ahead of me.” Kim affirms that the experience strengthened his faith and encouraged him to remain focused on mission in his future ministry.
Uarlisson Machado, logistics coordinator for the tour, helped oversee the spiritual and logistical aspects of the program. “The goal was to ensure that the study tour provided not only a well-organized international experience but also a meaningful educational, spiritual and cross-cultural learning opportunity for every participant,” he says.
Although the participants faced challenges, including intense heat, adapting to life aboard a riverboat and serving in unfamiliar environments, they returned with a deeper appreciation for global mission. Through their partnership with local churches and communities, students saw how God was working with the people they served.
“The greatest lessons in ministry are often learned not in the classroom, but in the mission field, where students discover that God transforms both those who are served and those who serve,” shares Fernando Ortiz, director of the Master of Divinity Program and general coordinator of the tour.
The Amazon Brazil Mission Study Tour reflects Andrews University’s commitment to preparing students for Christ-centered service. By combining classroom learning with hands-on ministry experiences, the program equips future leaders to serve with compassion, cultural awareness and a dedication to sharing the gospel around the world.
Founded in 1874, Andrews University is a premier institution of higher education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its main campus is in Berrien Springs, Michigan, but the University also provides instruction at colleges and universities around the world.
Priscilla Wiafe, University Communication student writer