Our just completed Brazil Mission trip was the sixth such trip and from the first trip on, our team has used the last three days of the two weeks in Brazil for rest, reflection and debriefing at a “hotel fazenda.” A hotel fazenda is a rural retreat on a working ranch that usually includes hotel-type rooms, a dining room that serves an abundance of traditional Brazilian food and a variety of recreational activities. Initially we thought of the fazenda experience as primarily for our team members – a transition time from the intensity of urban ministry to life back in Beaver. Five years ago, we included only team members and Pastor Robson and his family. Each year thereafter we have been able to add a few more Brazilians, key leaders in the church and our Vacation Bible School or other programs, to the list. The inclusion of the Brazilians has expanded our ministry as we have three more days to relate and share and to thank those who have worked so hard in our time together. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week 20 Brazilians, most of them from the favela, joined our 16 team members at the fazenda. (more…)