Oi! This week in Brasília, we’ve had the privilege of growing in fellowship with our Lifeshape partners, members of Lifeshape Brasil (LSB). These partners are college students from various states across Brasil who have joined us at Claretiano, a retreat center in Brasília. 
Meeting the members of LSB, exploring Brasil, learning their language, and immersing ourselves in their culture has been an incredible experience. We began by engaging in conversations about what it’s like to be a Christian in Brasil and spent time worshiping together while sharing stories from our lives. The joyful testimonies of our LSB partners, along with our experiences at a local church, have powerfully shown us that the love of Jesus is vibrant, and the global Church is flourishing throughout Brasil.
One particularly impactful moment occurred during a night of worship with our LSB partners. Before hearing a message from a local pastor, we entered a time of worship. Our partners sang the songs in Portuguese, while we sang the same songs in English. It was a powerful reminder of the breadth of the global Church. Brazilians also sing the very songs we use to worship God in America in Portuguese—all lifted up to glorify the same God we serve.
We’ve also built friendships with our LSB partners during our free time. Playing card games, competing in sports, sharing meals, and attending church services have formed beautiful, unique cross-cultural relationships. These connections have given us memories we’ll always treasure. One of the most unforgettable moments was a hike through the Brazilian wilderness. Guided by locals, we embarked on a breathtaking adventure, taking in the beauty of God’s creation. We swam, ate, talked, and laughed, growing closer to our LSB friends while marveling at the incredible beauty Brasil has to offer.
Please continue to pray for us as we enter this new week. We’re excited to see how we can serve alongside our new friends!
Jay Ebert
Class XIX
Team Verbo