Mar 5, 2025 Love Is What We Are Here To Give

Team member, Patty, shares her experience on QHM’s most recent trip to Brazil.

Typically, when I go on mission trips, I choose Spanish-speaking countries so I can help with translation. This trip was totally different. I didn’t know anyone, and I didn’t speak the language. But it went much better than I expected.

On my first night, I started Googling phrases like “God bless you” and “I can do all things through Christ” to convey the basic idea of love because that is what we are here to give.  

Since Portuguese shares some similarities with Spanish, I could pick up on certain words. Plus, the language of love—smiles, hugs, and gestures—transcends words. That connection was incredible and something I’ll carry with me forever.

Maria’s story is one that I will take with me in my heart for a while. 

The first time I met her was during the eye clinic, and she caught my attention because she had a beautiful red flower. I took her picture without realizing she’d attend our evening meeting the next day. 

When I saw her in the audience, I walked over and showed her my photo of her. Before I left, we shared a tight embrace, and in that moment, it felt like we truly understood each other—without needing to speak the same language.

A few nights later, our team was waiting for our ride back to the hotel when one of the local church members pulled us aside and shared Maria’s story with us. 

The translator told us, “I want you to come with me and see the house of one of the ladies that attends the meetings here, but I want you to be prepared for what you’re about to see.”

I would have never known what her home life was like, and once I heard, I was shocked. 

She had no water or electricity in her home for two years and no place to cook, use the restroom, or shower.

Her husband had also just passed away just a few months prior. 

Yet, despite it all she had this unwavering smile and strength.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that we had to do something for her. I couldn’t leave Brazil knowing she was still living in those conditions. I spoke with a few team members, and we decided to pool some money together to help her.

When I mentioned this to the whole team, Randy (our team leader) told us about the Compassion Fund, a QHM fund that is specifically set up to help with needs that we learn about while we’re on the trip. The team agreed that the money should go to Maria.

While the details were being figured out, Maria made a life-changing decision. She chose to follow Jesus.

Her decision to get baptized happened before we told her we would help her get back on her feet, which was something we were worried about.

We didn’t want her to feel like she needed to get baptized since receiving the funds.

When she was baptized, all my worry faded away, and I couldn’t help but cry. These were tears for someone I barely knew, but I could feel how transformative this moment was for her. She and so many others truly understood the deep meaning of finding Jesus.

What made this trip so memorable was visiting people’s homes, bringing groceries, and praying with them—it’s so different from what we often do back home. In the States, we serve in church roles, but it can feel repetitive. Here, it felt raw and personal. Even without the language, we showed love through actions. It’s taught me to serve more meaningfully, whether I’m at home or abroad.

We were able to be Jesus’ love.