Back to Brazil, This Time to Stay a While

Hi, I'm Watson.

Two years ago I went to Brazil on a short term mission trip. I thought I was going to serve for a few weeks and come home. Instead, I came home different. Something in me had been stirred, and it hasn't settled since. I've had the chance to serve in several countries, but Brazil never left me.

I just graduated from high school, and I've decided to give the first season of my life after graduation to the mission field. This fall, I'm heading to Campo Grande, Brazil, for three months to serve with IECG, a fast growing church full of people who love God and are giving their lives to see His work spread through their city.

What I'll be doing

IECG is a church on the move, and I'll be helping wherever I'm needed. Most of my time will be spent in outreach and ministry to children: playing with them, teaching them, and showing them they are seen and loved by God. On the weekends, I'll serve on the media team, helping the church share its services and its story. I'll also work alongside the youth and young adult ministries and support the leadership team however they need.

I'm not going to Brazil to bring God there. He's already moving in Campo Grande. I'm going to join what He's already doing, to learn from the believers there, and to pour out whatever I can.

Why this matters to me

The people who know me best would tell you I care a lot about friendship. Over the years, God has given me friends all over the world, and I've learned that some of the most meaningful ministry happens in simple, faithful relationships. I want to spend these three months being that kind of friend to the kids, families, and young people at IECG, and I want to come home having been changed by them too.

Where the money goes

My goal is to raise $10,000. I want to be completely open about how every dollar will be used:

Round trip flight: $2,500

Living and ministry expenses: $2,200 per month for three months, $6,600 total. This covers housing, food, local transportation, and the everyday costs of serving in ministry.

Unexpected ministry needs: $900. Ministry rarely goes exactly as planned. This cushion lets me say yes when a need comes up, whether that's supplies for a children's outreach or helping with something the church didn't see coming.

Total: $10,000

I take seriously that every gift represents someone's trust, and in many cases their sacrifice. I'll steward it carefully and report back honestly.

How you can partner with me

Give. Any amount makes a real difference. A gift of $25, $100, or $500 gets me closer to the field, and every gift carries the same weight: it's you choosing to be part of this work.

Pray. Honestly, I need this as much as the financial support. Here's how you can pray for me:

1. Safety as I travel and live in a new city
2. Language, that God would help me learn and communicate well in Portuguese
3. Relationships, that I'd build real and lasting friendships with the people I serve alongside
4. Health, for strength and wellness throughout the three months
5. Fruitful ministry, that the kids and families of Campo Grande would encounter the love of Jesus

Follow along. I want you to see what your support makes possible. I'll create an Instagram account just for supporters. I'll also send out an email newsletter every week or two with stories, photos, and specific prayer requests.

Thank you

Whether you give, pray, or simply follow along, thank you for considering being part of this. I don't take it lightly. I can't wait to show you what God does in Campo Grande.

With gratitude,

Watson