A couple of weeks ago, eleven of the Scottish Mission's youth returned from a life-changing ten-day mission trip to Nova Aliança, a remote community nestled deep within the Amazon, accessible solely via a six-hour boat journey.
To begin with, we interviewed trip organiser Pastor Claudiu Popescu to uncover the story behind how this incredible journey was set in motion.
How did you go about establishing the necessary connections and what inspired the launch of this mission trip to the Amazon?
Pastor Claudiu: These mission trips are scheduled to occur every five years. In 2020, we had planned a trip to Cambodia, but it had to be cancelled due to the global pandemic. The previous mission trip took place in Nepal in 2015. As COVID-19 restrictions began to ease, I was actively seeking new partnerships when a church member in Edinburgh, originally from Brazil, introduced me to her uncle, a pastor serving in the Amazon region. This introduction led me to the Amazon Lifesavers Ministry, which enthusiastically embraced our desire to serve and offered us the opportunity to support their ongoing projects in the remote villages of the Amazon.
Can you describe the main objectives of the mission trip and what you hoped to accomplish in the Amazon?
Pastor Claudiu: We focused on four key components: building, medical assistance, evangelism, and children’s ministry. Although faced with challenges such as a shortage of materials, we were able to refurbish the local Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church, giving it a fresh look. The medical team, consisting of one doctor and four nurses from Scotland, along with local medical professionals, set up a clinic to attend to the health needs of the community. We visited different households, offering care and forming connections, and held services at the local church, inviting villagers to join. We also organised children’s activities, engaging them in games, crafts, and lessons about healthy lifestyle, God and His love.
Were there any particularly memorable moments for you during the mission trip?
Pastor Claudiu: Yes! One of the most memorable experiences was being asked to officiate a wedding for a young couple in the village. It was an entirely unexpected and unforgettable experience.
We are also delighted to share with our readers the personal reflections of some of our youth, providing an inside look into their incredible experiences and the deep impact the mission trip had on their lives.
What was your motivation for signing up for this mission trip?
Laura: It was an opportunity for me to take a leap of faith and deepen my spiritual growth. I thought this could be an experience I could look back on and be reminded of God’s provision and guidance for years to come.
What was the most impactful part of this mission trip?
Laura: Doing visitations. I was touched by how happy people were despite their limited resources. The sun and rich vegetation seems to have a significant impact on people’s happiness and health. Although many had limited formal education, their love for God was truly admirable.
One evening during the service, I shared a personal testimony that made me emotional. Afterward, many people embraced me and engaged in heartfelt conversations. This experience taught me that sharing personal testimonies not only encourages others to open up but also fosters a sense of approachability and trust.
Benjamin: I enjoyed delivering medicines to patients in the local village. Interacting with the local children was also amazing. The most profound moment for me, however, was witnessing the conversion of a villager just before our departure. During the final evening’s worship, he expressed his desire to pray for us and shared how the experience had deepened his faith and strengthened his relationship with God. This mission trip is one of the most impactful experiences of my life.
Alex: I really enjoyed witnessing, helping and being with the community in the village we visited. This experience offered me a fresh perspective on my own life and deepened my gratitude for the blessings and opportunities I have. It cemented some things I knew about myself and my walk with God but also revealed parts of my nature and character that I was previously oblivious to.
Beatrice: For me, one of the best parts of the trip was spending time with the women of the village. I gained an appreciation for how different their lives were to some of ours and how they faithfully serve their local community. I was especially touched by the story of a woman who had adopted several children to give them a better chance in life. I felt blessed to be able to serve them via the medical clinic and pray that they were able to see Christ’s love reflected in our actions.
What was the most challenging part of the trip?
Laura: The heat! It was close to 40 degrees and really humid. Having to wait to use the bathroom definitely tested my patience, and the lack of privacy was also challenging at times.
What did you learn about the culture and customs there?
Laura: The people there are exceptionally open and hospitable. Whenever you walk into a room, you’re greeted with warm smiles and friendly hellos. Their food is really filling, so I found myself snacking less. They frequently use a fruit called cupuaçu and use a lot of acai. Rice and beans are staples, and they make a pancake-like dish from tapioca. Fruits like papaya and dragonfruit are common, and they are notably sweeter over there than here in Scotland.
What did you learn about yourself during this mission trip?
Denisa: Being my first mission trip, this venture to the Amazon revealed to me new parts of myself. It had an impact on my character and resilience. Through the tight scheduled working days and at times uncomfortable heat levels, I learned to put my own discomfort aside and remain mission oriented. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and supporting them in their learning that I will be looking for ways to continue serving the Lord in any way he calls me to. It’s an experience I’ll hold close to my heart forever.
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The Scottish Mission Youth's time in Nova Aliança was not without its challenges. The living conditions were basic, with limited privacy and communal facilities. Yet, these discomforts paled in comparison to the spiritual and emotional rewards received. Every evening, the team held debrief sessions where the overwhelming sense of God’s presence in their work was palpable. The youth were consistently moved by the villagers' hospitality, their openness to prayer, and the simple, contented lives they led.
On the final evening, as the team prepared to say their goodbyes, the local pastor expressed how much the visit meant to him and his congregation. It was a powerful reminder of the purpose of mission work— not just to help others, but to build lasting relationships that glorify God.
This journey was more than just a trip; it was a testament to the power of faith, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the enduring impact of serving others in God’s name. As the Scottish Mission Youth look forward to future missions, the bonds formed in the Amazon will continue to inspire and guide them, reminding them that wherever they go, God’s love knows no borders.
