"Many people in today's society have experienced a life-changing event.  I personally had not had such an experience until May, 2012 when I visited the Holy Trinity Institute Orphanage in Moreira, Brazil. 

 I have always considered myself to be a Christian.  To me that looked like going to church once a week; praying when I found the time; and spreading the Gospel - if it was to people I felt comfortable with. I am not proud of this - but I AM proud to say that after May, 2012 that so-called "Christian" is no more!   

I went on a mission trip that altered my life in ways unimaginable.  I had the privilege to go to Moriera, Brazil with Concordia University, Austin, Texas. I thought I was going on a mission to better a child's life in an Orphanage far away.  Little did I know, that mission was a little boy named Leo.  

Leo is a very shy five year old.  He has three other brothers that live at Holy Trinity Institute as well as his mother.  This was curious to me, as none of the other children had parents with them at the Orphanage. 

I began to spend a great deal of time with Leo. Even though my Portuguese did not expand past, "Hello" we began a very true friendship.  Leo warmed up to me after about two days, calling me "Tia" meaning "Aunt."  I knew for sure that he was going to be the child I would come to sponsor through the Brazil Mission Society Godparent Sponsorship program. 

As I signed the paperwork to officially sponsor Leo as his Godmother, I learned a great deal of history about him, his family and why his mother was at HTI.  She had dropped out of school at age seven to help her family work.  It wasn't long into her teenage years that she became pregnant with her first son.  Soon,  she had three more sons.  Her husband was abusive and soon the neighbors turned him in.  By the Grace of God, the Government assigned Leo, his brothers and his mother to Holy Trinity Institute.

When I was told Leo's background, I knew that the abuse had scarred this family's eyes and their hearts.  I had never felt God's presence in my life more than I did on this Mission Trip.  I know I was assigned to Leo by God for a reason.  God knew we were both missing something the other could give.  I was meant to show Leo the power of God's love and compassion.  He was meant to show me the importance of living each day appreciated.   

After returning home from the Orphanage, I believe God was calling me to continue what began on the Mission Trip.  I began plans to host a fundraiser for HTI. Nothing pleases me more than helping the children continue to live out a life of proper nutrition, shelter, and love.  I realize that a Bake Sale can only raise a little money - but in doing what God is asking me to do, I know that one way or another, it will be successful.  I have faith."

-Shannon 

What an amazing testimony!  What an amazing God! What Shannon thought was "just a mission trip" will change her and a young boy's life forever.  And now the fire God sparked in her across the Globe is burning inside of her back home.  We are thankful to her for heeding the call of God and responding to His call to do more!

Please share this newsletter with everyone you know - we desire their prayers and interest and support!  As always, please remember Holy Trinity Institute - the children, the seniors, the Pastor, and all the wonderful people who serve there in your prayers!