On or around June 22, 2007, members of the Buck Run Baptist Church and the Franklin Baptist Association of Frankfort, KY will join with members of the Sand Spring Baptist Church, Lawrenceburg, KY, the Red Bank Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN, and President Jerry Johnson and students from Criswell College, Dallas, TX, and travel to Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, S. A. In the following week we hope to work at the “Recanto” of the Chapada Baptist Church. Formerly a meditation center run by two new age psychologists, the camp was claimed for the cause of Christ when Chapada’s visionary pastor, Dr. David Hatcher led the church to purchase the porperty and turn it into a badly needed Christian camp and retreat center.
Though Chapada has used it for nearly a year, the camp is in need of additional buildings and badly in need of landscaping and repairs. The spiritual fruit of this trip will be harvested for years to come as young people who attend will be won to Christ and discipled. The camp is used several times during the year, but especially during Carnaval when sensual activity dominates the culture. Churches get their youth out of the city and use the time that Satan intends for fleshly indulgence and bondage for evangelism and edification instead.
The Chapada Baptist Church is one of the most creative and innovative churches in Brazil. They continue to plant congregations all over Brazil. When one of their members moves to another state where no strong church exists, they plant one. The church’s Sunday School functions both as a seminary and a church planting training center. I have traveled all over the US and to many parts of the world, but I have seldom seen a church with as great a vision as Chapada. Partnering with this great church is a great opportunity both for learning and for serving. 
The members of Chapada are warm, vibrant Christians who have a heart for their city, region, and nation. Serving with them will be a great experience our team members will never forget.
