Welcome to my Web site!

The purpose of this site is to share about the work being done by our church in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Where is Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is the fourth largest city in the world, and the second largest city in Brazil (about 13 million people). The first time that I visited Rio in 2002, I was overwhelmed by its size and diversity.  Though many people are raised in Catholicism, the city is religiously, culturally, and racially diverse. The people of Rio are warm and welcoming!

What do I do there?

I began working in 2004 as an intern through the Let's Start Talking Ministry and joined the Rio mission team in 2005.  I work with several ministries in our church: my most fun role is working with the Chorus and Theater ministry as the choral director. This ministry performs for special occasions and serves to unite members and visitors and build relationships. Our year highlight is our annual Christmas Musical (pictured here from 2006). In addition to the chorus, I work with the English Ministry, an evangelistic that aims to use the English language as an outreach tool. This ministry hosts teams from the Let's Start Talking ministry and follows up with contacts through English bible studies, small groups, and other activities.

One of my most fulfilling roles at our congregation is as a member of our Ministry Coordination Group. This group was formed n 2006 to help organize the various ministries of the church, train leaders, and encourage communication. As part of this group, I help individual ministries learn to create and use budgets, find volunteers, communicate needs and activities to the rest of the church, and set vision and goals. As part of this coordination team, I work directly with the Communication Ministry. This new ministry keeps the church informed through bulletin boards, bulletins, special announcements, and the church web site (www.igrejadavitoria.com.br).

Aside from ministerial tasks, I work daily with the other full-time workers at our church (see below) to follow-up with evangelistic contacts, visit members and church visitors in their homes, and do individual Bible studies with those who are seeking. We keep very, very busy!

Who do I work with?

Four other missionary couples work with the Igreja de Cristo: a Igreja da Vitória.  They were trained by the Continent of Great Cities ministry in Abilene, TX.  Team members are Kevin and Debra Reynolds, Gordon and Ila Dabbs, Dan and Kirsty Baird, and Carlos and Elaine Castilho .  Together, they have children that also make up an important part of our team.  Together with the missionaries work two native Brazilian evangelists, Bruno and Jefferson. Jefferson works full-time with the church. He recently finished his schooling at Ser Cris, a preacher training and theological school started by the churches of Christ in the south of Brazil. Bruno is currently studying theology in Rio and working part-time until his graduation.  

What is the church there like?

The church in Rio de Janeiro is active and growing!  We have a growing Brazilian leadership and more than 30 active ministries, including various family ministries for women, men, couples, youth, and children.  Overall, the church is very lively and its members are excited about their Christianity and about reaching others.   God is doing great things here!  You can visit our web site at www.igrejadavitoria.com.br.