Spring Break 2025 will look nothing like Spring Breaks of the past. Andy, Noah, and I are setting out on a mission trip that will be unlike anything we’ve ever experienced.

For a week, we’ll travel by riverboat through the Amazon jungle, sleeping in hammocks on open decks and visiting remote villages to bring hope and Gospel-centered transformation to one of the world’s most untouched places. We’re honored to be traveling with Justice & Mercy International, an organization dedicated to serving the people of this region.

 

Here are some astonishing facts about the area we’ll be visiting:

The State of Amazonas in Brazil is massive, covering an area equal to France, Spain, Sweden, and Greece combined.

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Most of the region is covered by jungle, where 21% of the population lives scattered across 6,100 rural and riverside communities.

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The total population of Amazonas is 3.5 million, but there are only 560 schools, and the illiteracy rate was 9.6% as of 2010.

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Half of the villages along the Amazon River lack access to clean water.

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For six months of the year, the Amazon floods, displacing upwards of 70,000 families.

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Many remote Amazon communities lack access to basic medical care, making them vulnerable to diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and waterborne illnesses.

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Many families in the Amazon survive on subsistence farming or fishing, with limited opportunities for economic growth or stability.

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The region is home to diverse indigenous communities with unique languages and traditions, many of which are under threat due to globalization and lack of support for preserving their heritage.

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Isolation is a significant challenge—many villages can only be reached by boat, taking hours or even days to access. This makes it difficult to provide aid, education, or spiritual support.

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By partnering with Justice & Mercy International, we’ll address some of these pressing needs through clean water initiatives, educational resources, healthcare, and sharing the Gospel with these vulnerable communities.

 

Precious Cargo

We are stepping out in faith, and this time we’re bringing along someone very special—Noah. This trip means the world to us, but I won’t lie—it’s also stretching my courage. I’ve brought my child into some situations requiring his bravery before, but this one is at the top of the list.

 

If you pray, I would be deeply grateful if you’d keep us in your prayers:

Safety and Peace of Mind: Pray for protection, calm hearts, and a strong sense of God’s presence as we step into this unfamiliar and challenging environment.

Noah’s Heart and Mind: Missions are tough, even for adults. Please pray for Noah’s young heart to remain steadfast. Pray that he feels comfortable communicating with us if he ever feels confused, uneasy, or scared. And when we return, pray for his reentry into life in the US. Adjusting back to the familiar can sometimes be a challenge after such a transformative experience.

If you feel led to support this mission financially, any contribution—big or small—will make a meaningful difference. You can give online here.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support. It means the world to us to have you alongside us on this journey! ❤️