The Amazon: A New Perspective

Lightning illuminated the night sky as I retreated to the lower deck of the boat. I tried to relax, but my mind was fully aware of the growing pool of water near my feet. It was hard to believe only an hour ago we were laughing and playing with the children in a village along the Amazon River in Brazil. Now we were at the mercy of the wind and waves.

But God was taking care of us, and the storm quickly passed. I peeled off my poncho and joined some fellow members of the Lee University Symphonic Band on the upper deck. For over an hour, we sat along the outer railings, mesmerized by the way the lightning danced across the horizon, the reflected light skipping across the murky water. It was one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I have ever seen.



Perspective makes a world of difference.

When I packed for my missions trip to Brazil, I threw some extra shirts into my bag, planning to give them away. The night before we left, I imagined myself and 30 of my classmates floating down a narrow channel of water in a dugout canoe, the lush, green tree canopy blocking the sun from view.

My preconceived ideas were a little off, though—okay, very off. The river was massive, and there wasn’t a tree canopy to shield us from the scorching heat of the sun. As we were leaving one of the villages, a young boy paddled his boat over to ours. But he didn’t want a shirt; he wanted a drink of water.

For as long as I can remember, I have thought about how unfair it is for me to have material possessions when so many people around the world have next to nothing. But it took a little boy asking for a drink of water for me to see the real travesty. He didn’t need me to share my closet of clothes; he needed a glass of water.

During a Sunday morning service, I was drawn to a young woman praying in the altar. I thought about the language barrier and tried to rationalize with the Holy Spirit, but He wouldn’t leave me alone.

I finally surrendered and made my way through the crowded altar to pray with her. As I held her close, I began to pray one of the most passionate prayers I have ever prayed. After the service she found someone to interpret for her and told me how God had confirmed something in her heart while I prayed with her. She didn’t need me to speak her language; she needed me to hold her and pray with her.



Whenever I look at the Portuguese Bible she gave me the night before we left Brazil, it doesn’t bother me that I can’t read it. Instead, I pick it up, hold it close to my heart and say a prayer for Claudia and the people of Brazil.

Perspective really does make a world of difference.

~Rachel Ethun

In May 2007, Rachel traveled to Santarem, Brazil, with the Lee University Symphonic Band. The group played several concerts in the city and traveled to two remote villages on the Amazon River. Through the universal language of music, the ensemble ministered to the people of Brazil, proclaiming the gospel to those who had never heard it while encouraging those who already follow Christ.

Lee University has six touring ensembles that minister in churches both nationally and internationally.