by Rev. Doug Leaman
Soli Deo Gloria Project, Aldeia, Brazil
the Missions Banner, September 2026
One of the great blessings of this year’s English Camp at Projeto Soli Deo Gloria was seeing Christians from different countries living, learning, working, worshiping, and serving together. It was a reminder that short-term missions have value not only because of what happens in a pulpit on Sunday, but because all of life is to be lived for the glory of God.
Scripture tells us that “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). God is the Creator and sovereign Lord of the entire world. Therefore, every Christian lives Coram Deo -before the face of God.
There is ultimately no part of life that is secular and another part that belongs to Christ. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). In a historically Roman Catholic country, this reformation view is in stark contrast to the many physical cathedrals surrounded by sprawling poverty and political corruption.
This is part of what makes a short-term mission trip such as English Camp valuable. Certainly, we want the Gospel proclaimed. That eternal peace and fellowship with God must be the priority. We were able to teach that Gospel every day. The institutional church (local churches) has been particularly entrusted with the ministry of Word and sacrament. But Christians themselves as the body of Christ go into the world as teachers, builders, businessmen, students, mothers, fathers, engineers, pickle ball players and friends. Wherever God places us, the Christian is to live for King Jesus in whatever activity. This daily submission to Christ in every area of life and thought is what can transform this culture and make it a beacon of light testifying to the beauty of the Gospel.
During English Camp, American and Brazilian Christians studied Scripture together, taught and learned English, ate together, played sports, ate cookies, worked, laughed, developed friendships, and worshiped the Lord. These may appear to be ordinary or mundane activities, but when done in faith and obedience to Christ, they are spiritual service offered to God.
English Camp lasts only a week, but the Christian mission continues every day. We are deeply thankful for everyone who gave time, resources, energy, and gifts to make this camp poss
ible. We especially thank those who traveled to Brazil and entered into our lives and ministry for these days. You all brought dedicated hearts and that was seen by the joy in your service as well as the sacrificial giving of sweat and sometimes blood. The team was a genuine encouragement to us as missionaries and I know all the Brazilian students loved the team’s presence.
Missionary work can sometimes be tiring and lonely, and it is a great blessing to have brothers and sisters come alongside us, share the work, and remind us that we labor together for the same King. Thank you for coming, serving, giving, praying, and sharing in this mission with us. To God alone be the glory.
