Rio de Janeiro
CELEBRATION ORCHESTRA
September 14 - 23, 2023
We just completed a wonderful mission project in Rio de Janeiro and surrounding cities. Our host, Isaac Santos (below), and his team were prepared with some exciting opportunities for us to teach instrument master classes, play school concerts and evening evangelistic concerts.
The Celebration Orchestra along with 22 additional Brazilian musicians were warmly and excitedly received by everyone we encountered. The gospel message was presented to over 1,700 people!
School concerts are always amazing! The kids light up with the music and it opens the door for us to share about God’s plan for their lives and how much He loves them. The kids treat us like “rock stars” but we know our purpose there is to love them like God loves them.
Brazil is a huge country and Rio is one of the “diamonds” of the country with its beautiful beaches and mountainous terrain. Two of the main attractions of Rio is the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf standing out in the middle of the bay with spectacular views of Rio. We enjoyed clear skies on the day we visited both of these and were able to capture some beautiful photos of Rio below.
In all of the countries we visit we love partnering with local musicians whenever possible. We have done that in Brazil many times in a number of cities. All of the Brazilian musicians who played with us are Christians who in many cases also serve in a local church as well as being connected to other musical organizations. They were also helpful in teaching the master classes we did with youth and adult musicians where we also shared our testimonies along with the music teaching.
Our American musicians were very taken with the warmth and giving spirit of the Brazilians. We have experienced this on a number of occasions in other Brazilian cities but it never lessens the impact of the beautiful people of Brazil. We will be returning to Brazil again soon!
“Amazing Grace” featuring Roberto Rabello
“Draw Me Close”