Hi, I'm Kate Haas. I've been invited to go on this trip by a family I've known since birth through church. My best friend, Emma, from this family has been going on these trips for as long as I've known her, and I've always yearned to be able to do the work she was able to do. This year, we were intent on finding a way for me to join her so we can minister together to the people of Sao Jose dos Campos.

 Sao Jose dos Campos is modern, industrial city just north of Sao Paulo. It is home to some of the largest multi-national companies in the world who do business in Brazil, as well as, home to Embraer, Brazil's largest airline manufacturer.  Sao Jose dos Campos like many Brazilian cities has large populations of educated people, as well as, very poor areas in the surrounding area. 

This trip we will be working with a brand-new church plant who is committed to evangelism and discipleship in small cell groups in order to spread the gospel both in their local area but, also to go overseas to do mission work in other countries.

 I feel like God has really called me to go on this trip; He has been greatly encouraging me to do so through Emma and her parents. This year at a youth group weekend, my eyes were really opened to the need for discipleship and spreading the Good News. Since then, I've been trying my best to be the missionary God wants me to be, and this trip is an amazing opportunity to do just that.