Ann and Bruce serve as missionaries in Belo Horizonte, Brazil in partnership with JAMI, the international mission agency of the National Baptist Convention of Brazil. They equip Brazilian missionaries to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in countries around the world, including unreached people groups in Brazil. Based at JAMI's missionary training center in Belo Horizonte, they serve as teachers and pastoral counselors training new missionaries in the areas of cross-cultural ministry skills, Christian community and economic development, and English language for mission.

They write: “I have an idea for ministering to the kids in the favela just down the hill: a children’s choir. The Lord has laid this on my heart … we need to do something!” Suzy is a gifted choir director with a heart for mission, and her enthusiasm sparks others into action. “Excellent, Suzy!” I replied, “How can we make this happen?”

Suzy, along with a ministry team of about 20 people from our church, met weekly with about 40 children from the favela (slum) area in our neighborhood. We rehearsed the music, shared a Bible lesson, worked on social skills, and ended with a light snack and fellowship time. The kids in the Coral do Rei (The King’s Choir) learned many important lessons this year. They discovered that they are deeply loved by God, that Jesus gives us the strength and resolve to resist the ever-present temptation of drugs and violence, and that as the King’s Kids they are to treat one another with respect and courtesy.

Last Sunday, the kids presented their Christmas program. The children sang about Jesus, who is “the real reason for Christmas.” One of the most poignant moments happened when escorting two sisters home after the program. They led the way up a narrow path between squatter’s homes assembled with recycled aluminum roofing, pieces of wood and tangled wire. The girls proudly showed their mother the gifts they had received: a baby doll and a jump rope. Their mother looked me in the eyes and gave me a precious gift of appreciation, “Muito obrigada – my girls look forward to their time with you every week.”

• Pray for Ann and Bruce as they reach out for Jesus in Brazil and as they help train and mentor a new generation of Brazilian cross-cultural missionaries.