Grace Church of Sahuarita Student Ministry
We’re going back to Rio! Current Juniors and Seniors will have the opportunity to go on our third mission trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! One of the most impactful experiences a student can have is the chance to see what life is like outside of our familiar context. And even more so, in this particular case, it’s a chance for students to witness first-hand how God is working in completely different parts the world. That God is not limited to Pima County, Southern Arizona, or even the United States, but that God is establishing His Church all across the globe.
We believe, and have seen first-hand, that a trip like this will change a students life forever, and we want every student to be able to experience it. Below is some info on the trip. We hope this helps inform and ultimately assist you as you try and make a decision. If you’d like more info, there is also a pdf linked under the button labeled “Rio Mission 2027 FAQ”.
Why Rio de Janeiro?
When we launched our first student mission trip to Rio de Janeiro in 2023, it marked a meaningful first step for our ministry. Returning now for our third trip, that initial step has evolved into a thriving, long-term ministry partnership. As we head back for our third trip to Rio, two main reasons drive our return:
Deeper Relationships: Though we are no longer partnering directly with APEX, the bonds we built with ReachGlobal missionaries and local churches in Rio were life-changing. Our student ministry has developed a deep love for and investment in Rio de Janeiro, and we are excited to keep building on these vibrant partnerships.
Proven Experience: Returning to a familiar setting allows us to serve more effectively. Mission trips come with unique planning challenges, but having served here twice before, we know what to expect. That familiarity allows us to train, plan, and prepare your students far better for everything they will experience on the ground.
What kind of mission work will we be doing?
In a nutshell, the students will be given the chance to experience a week in the life of a missionary in Rio de Janeiro. This could include things like running a VBS, leading worship and sharing their stories, ministry in the favelas, and more. We desire to give the students attending an opportunity to experience life outside of our normal context. To see, and be a small part of, how God is working through the missionaries and churches in Rio, and witness how their ministries are transforming the lives of children and their families as they point them to Jesus Christ.
What is Rio de Janeiro like?
Rio de Janeiro is a cosmopolitan metropolis, known worldwide for its beauty and its natural resources, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Tijuca Forest, attracting more than 2 million foreign visitors each year. Rio has received major events like the World Cup (2014) and the Olympics (2016), and is known as a great vacation destination. However, Brazil is also known for its 1,000 slums (also known as favelas). Thus, Rio has a visible and hidden side. Our ministry partners in Rio desire to see the love of God become abundantly present in Rio, knowing God can offer a new mercy and compassion only found in Jesus.
I want my student to go… What now?
We are so excited your student wants to be a part of this incredible opportunity! First, I’d encourage you to download the “Rio Mission 2027 FAQ”. You can locate that above, or just click this link here —> Rio Mission 2027 FAQ
Next, take some time to register your student. Space is limited, so don’t wait! It should take no longer than 10 minutes.
Third, if not already done, get that Passport Card ordered. One of the only things that would guarantee a student would not be able to attend this trip, would be if they did not have their Passport card. The sooner you do this, the better.
Finally, put all the important training dates on your calendars! We want to equip our students and leaders for an experience like this. Therefore, we will have SIX trainings from January to June. These trainings are extremely important, so we would encourage you to take a little bit of time to put the dates somewhere they will be visible and memorable. You can find those dates on the last page of the Rio Mission 2027 FAQ document.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know there will be questions. Below we have listed some questions we expect some of you may have. If you have a question not answered below (or you just want more info), feel free to reach out to Nate at nhellum@gcsahuarita.org.
What shots (if any) should my student take before going?
As per the CDC: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/brazil
Routine vaccinations: Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, chickenpox, polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Hep A: Recommended due to the possibility of contamination through food or water.
Yellow Fever: While Yellow Fever is extremely rare (“most common” in January through May) and mostly non life-threatening, the CDC still recommends vaccination. There is only one vaccination in the U.S. (YF-Vax, Sanofi Pasteur), it is relatively risk free, and done by a prescribed doctor.
What is the phone and electronics policy?
With Brazil being an international location, international wireless plans will be required if a student needs to communicate with you off the wifi network. However, wifi is available at the hotel we will be staying in. Please note, Nate will get an international plan in case communication is needed while we are away from the hotel.
What should my student pack?
A packing list will be provided as we get closer to the trip. However, because we are flying to Brazil we will not be able to accommodate any packing beyond what will fit in one carry-on sized bag, and one backpack.
Can I, as the parent, go on this trip?
Unlike our normal summer trips, our trip to Rio is extremely limited in regards to the number of people who can attend. This includes the amount of adults I can bring. For this reason, when it comes to picking leaders who attend this trip, we are very selective and intentional about picking leaders who will be good fits for this kind of trip.
This year, we’ve selected leaders who will be perfect to lead your son/daughter on this mission trip. That being said, if you would like to be put on a list in the case that we need more adults, feel free to reach out and let me know.
Will my student need a Passport book and visa?
Yes, both Travel Visa’s and Passport books are required for this trip. Because we are flying, a Passport card is not enough, and each student will need a Passport book. Passport books cost $165 if needed. Note: In worst case scenarios, passport books can take up to 6 months to receive. Travel Visa’s currently cost $80.90. These will not need to be done until we are closer to the trip, and more specific info will be given then.