Update #4 South America B

Oi from South America!

I’m writing this as a heated 3v3 futsal match unfolds: Team USA vs. Team Brazil (and yes, we’re getting crushed). But beyond the scoreboard, today has been full in the best kind of way, filled with joy, humility, service, and the unmistakable presence of God.

Our day began early at 5:45 am with a few of us taking a run down to the beach to catch the sunrise over the Atlantic. The beauty of the morning felt wonderful like God’s quiet invitation into the day. After breakfast, we made our way to Hope Mountain, where the day really kicked off with ping pong challenges from the kids (a tradition at this point!).

We spent the morning doing some heavy lifting – literally. Our team helped move scrap metal, fridges, and old AC units around the property. Then it was lunchtime, and it was a highlight of the day. Albert helped prepare an incredible lasagna with the staff, and we had the privilege of serving the meal. It may sound simple, but there’s something so cool about serving and eating together, especially when the food is that good.

After lunch, we got back to work on the Pinewood Derby cars. We finally started shaping them using saws, and it was amazing to see the creativity come to life. The kids got really into it, and watching them design and decorate was chaotic but cool.

Snack time brought fresh pineapple, mao mao suco, pão de queijo, and sfiha. All of which were delicious. While we ate, some of the kids gave us drawings they made to welcome us. I was honestly so grateful in that moment. Even without words, they know how to make us feel at home.

In the evening, we visited the thrift store run by Hope Mountain in the city and it was a vibe, then we stopped by a local grocery store to buy rice, beans, and hygiene supplies to bring to a local family who had invited us to see their home.

That visit was an eye-opening moment for me. The family lives in a small, pieced-together house made of plywood and rough brick. A single mother raising five children, with almost nothing, and yet the kids were full of joy. It was heartbreaking and humbling all at once. Watching Phil, our fieldworker, give them groceries was a clear glimpse of God’s love. In that moment, it reminded me of Jesus.

We returned to Hope Mountain for dinner. yes, more rice and beans, and wrapped up the day with futsal and Brazilian jiu-jitsu with the boys. It’s hard to explain how meaningful something as simple as play can be in building friendships across language and culture. Through it all, I’m learning that love doesn’t require fluency. It’s in the shared sweat, laughter shared, and the mutual respect that grows when you serve alongside someone. I’m being stretched especially as I see the sharp divide between Brazil’s upper and lower classes. There’s very little in-between here, and it’s opened my eyes to both brokenness and beauty.

God is working miracles at Hope Mountain. Every testimony, every interaction, every act of service reveals more of His faithfulness. As James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I see His grace everywhere here.

Please continue to pray for Hope Mountain’s impact, for the families we meet, and that we would walk in step with God’s Word, shining brightly with the love of Jesus.

Tchau for now, and thank you for your prayers!

Tim (aka Chim as the kids call me)