submitted by Cristina Smith
First Baptist Church’s Mission Team members returned to the United States after a two-week mission trip, June 5-18, to Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. Fourteen team members participated in this life-changing mission trip: Pastor Duane Smith, Cristina Smith, Michael Smith, Mike Roth Sr., Diane Roth, Michael Roth Jr., Larry Barthel, Lin Barthel, Brent Beyer, Denise Beyer, Steve Kiley, Deb Kiley, Valeria White, and Larry Straate.
Despite the weariness after a 40-hour trip home, the team returned elated with excitement over all that was accomplished in the two weeks of the mission trip. The team’s hosts, and brother to Cristina Smith, missionaries David and Debbie Thompson, were kind and gracious and made sure the team’s needs were met - planning all the details that included lodging, transportation, meals, and outings.