This was an increadible trip. The Central Brazil Mission (CBM) is run so much better than any mission group I have ever experienced. It was organized and effecient. CBM is also committed to being invoved in the people's lives they are ministering to long term. They are about building relationships and not just making contacts. Their aim is to develop a church in each community from within and supporting that group of believers as they grow into an independent, thriving, mission minded community that will then continue to spread God's message of love to more communities.

How can I describe what it was like being on a medical boat sailing down the Amazon river? You'd simply have to be there. One night we sat out on the deck and watch shooting star after shooting star shoot across the pitch black sky.

The people we encountered were obviously thankful for the CBM teams that visit their villages on a regular basis. The boat is set up to be a floating medical clinic and serves that purpose well. But CBM is currently building a new bigger and better boat that is being specifically designed to be a true medical office, complete with dentist office. Very cool.

Our team from Northside quickly bonded and learned to work well together. Doug Newland was a fantastic leader on this trip. He spent time with everyone on the team and was sure to make sure that everyone understood their personal role. He also took extra oppertunities to minister to, not only the people of the villages, but also to the members of our mission team.

I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in supporting a mission or participating on a mission. It is well run, effective, vision minded, and focuses on long term relationships.