Picture villages buried deep in Brazil’s Amazon River Basin, where Jesus’ name is a mystery and a medical doctor’s visit a fable. From July 10-18, 2025, 19 team members from Schweitzer Church and the Springfield area will boat roughly 400 miles up the Amazon River and its tributaries with Amazon Outreach to reach the self-named “Forgotten People.”
Isolated from gospel hope and basic care, these communities face significant spiritual and physical needs. Yet, Jesus’ light is breaking through. The efforts of the Amazon Outreach organization, which works closely with local missionaries and medical professionals dedicated to serving the Amazon River Basin villagers year-round, have led to significant positive changes in the region. This collaborative model ensures that the impact of short-term mission trips like ours is sustainable and deeply rooted in the community, addressing both immediate physical needs and fostering spiritual growth and community development.
Following Jesus’ model—serving physical needs to touch hearts—our team is prepared to heal and inspire. Two seasoned members, joined by 17 eager newcomers, are trained and ablaze with purpose. “I’m thrilled to bring medical care where it’s never been,” one beams. Another says, “Sharing Jesus with those who’ve never heard drives me.”
We’ll offer medical and dental clinics, reading glasses, gospel hope, and programs for men, women, teens, and kids. A photo ministry will gift villagers their first-ever portraits—imagine their wonder holding a family photo—while capturing stories of transformation. Generous donations have funded a water well, battling the deadly grip of contaminated water on young lives, as well as eyeglasses, and Bibles for children and adults.
Julie, a therapist and mom of six, sums it up: “God’s timing is perfect, and Matthew 24:14 stirs me. I want them to know Jesus and that they’re not forgotten.”
Join us in prayer as we work to shine hope into the Amazon’s shadows!