🇺🇸Seasons Change, But the Purpose Remains | Spring 2025 Missionary Update"
- Em Missão Nay Camargos
- 7 de mai. de 2025
- 10 min de leitura
Atualizado: 10 de jul. de 2025
Behold, it is time to bloom! One more season has passed, and a new one has arrived. The best part of it all is knowing that, 'though the seasons change, God's love remains!'"(song: Seasons Change)
Hey, my big family!
What a joy it is to write you another letter. As you already know, I love recording and sharing the things God has been doing here — and it brings me so much joy to know the impact this has on your lives, as you read and receive all these updates.
It’s always worth remembering: “It’s not about me, but about HIM!” I’m not capable of doing anything on my own, but through God’s leadership — and with the help of each of you who, in one way or another, have supported and encouraged me to keep going.
So, thank you so much for all your support. You are an important part of EVERYTHING God has been doing here — in and through my life! 🤩😘
WHAT'S GOING ON AROUND HERE!?
I’ve noticed how much God loves to surprise us with gifts and moments that recharge us and fill us with strength to keep going — through the mountaintops and valleys of life.
These past few months have been filled with special moments: the privilege of receiving friends who became family in the mission (even before my missionary journey began); God’s blessing and provision through unexpected means; the planning and organizing of new dreams and projects that I truly believe He placed in my heart. I’ve also experienced goodbyes and welcomed new students who, over time, have become dear friends — and family.
On top of all that, I’ve had the grace to witness both big and small miracles on a daily basis and I hope I can summarize a bit of all this in the next few paragraphs — but I’m always happy to chat and share more in detail if you’d like. :)
A PLACE TO CALL HOME!
At the beginning of this year, I was blessed with the opportunity to live in a large and very comfortable house for three months, without having to worry about rent or any other housing expenses. During that time, I learned even more about what it means to live fully dependent on God — and everything that can come from trusting Him.
I had the privilege of having a home where I could welcome dear friends and find rest after long and exhausting weeks — in a place that was not only cozy, but also well-located. Without a doubt, God has unimaginable ways of showing us how much He cares and takes care of every detail — especially when we’re fully committed to serving Him.
Many people ask me if I ever get tired of "moving from place to place." And, in a way, sometimes it makes me question that. But on the other hand, I remember: being a missionary is exactly that — moving wherever God calls us to go. So, if this is the way God has provided for me in this season, I rejoice and make the most of every moment! ;)
UNEXPECTED VISIT FULL OF JOY!
I was surprised by a visit from dear and important friends who became part of my family by lovingly "adopting" me as their daughter. My missionary parents, Rod and Collen, have been an essential part of my journey since 2019, when visited for the first time a YWAM base in California for the backpacker volunteer program/ministry. (Gleanings for the Hungry)
Their obedience and love for the ministry impacted my life in such a way that today, I am here, serving as a missionary at the Salem base!
I am very grateful to be a fruit of this beautiful ministry, which transforms the lives of many people from all corners of the world!
GOODBYES AND DEPARTURES!
The first season of this year has been marked by constant waves of arrivals and departures, as we’ve come to expect. However, I feel that the connections with people have been stronger and more intense, especially because I’ve been closer to the students who serve in the kitchen. Walking alongside each one of them has been very special, and I can see the different paths God has used and continues to use to teach and strengthen us as the body of Christ.
From breakfast to preparing dinner and the final cleanup in the kitchen at the end of the day, I had the privilege of serving alongside the students from the WDTS (Winter Discipleship Training School) and the Outreach team from the ATCM (Advanced Training for Counseling Ministry) School from Switzerland.
NEW SEASON AND THE BEAUTY OF GOD'S CARE!
This new season marks the arrival of new students (27 in total) at our base, for the FCM (Foundation Counseling Ministry - 3 months of classes + 3 months of practical time) and SBS (School of Biblical Studies - 9 months of classes). We had the honor of serving them with a welcome dinner, which was marked by God’s provision — from the food served to the decorations and the people who helped with all the organization.
A special thanks to Stephanie W., who was hosting the team from Kentucky and helped us with every detail, from the decoration to the cleanup after the event!
It’s very special to welcome new students and serve them in a warm and welcoming way to celebrate this moment. After all, they are coming to be a part of our great community. :)
🧡 TIME IN THE KITCHEN: WITH FLAVOR AND PURPOSE!
I need to thank you for your prayers! If you also prayed that more people would have a heart willing to serve in the kitchen, without a doubt, those prayers are being answered! 😄
In the past few months, we have been blessed by many hands and hearts willing to serve in the kitchen — whether from base workers, students, or even local volunteers who simply want to serve our base through this important ministry!
What brings me the most joy is hearing from some people: "I’m so happy to be able to serve in the kitchen!" I can say with all certainty that the kitchen has been a place of great connection and transformation — in addition to being a source of joy and deep satisfaction in serving our community. And this is not just from my side, but also from the people who are willing to help.
Praise be to God for that! 🙌
How have we been using our talents? (Ref. Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Talents)
In the kitchen, in the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of seeing once again how the talents God has given us can be used to serve Him. Jordan, one of the workers here at the base, blessed the kitchen by making new aprons for our team.
During a conversation, I discovered that she loves to sew, and I mentioned that I would like to have new aprons for the kitchen team. She kindly offered to make them if I could provide the fabric — and the provision came by the end of the same week! Now, the kitchen has 16 new aprons available for our team. 😄
When we are available to do God’s will, He surprises us with provision!
BEING PART OF WHAT GOD IS DOING!
On Easter Sunday, I had the privilege of being part of what God is doing in Kristi’s life by “inviting” her to get baptized during the service where I was serving at my church here in Salem — Church on the Hill (Keizer Campus).
Before the service began, Kristi was talking to a friend about her desire to be baptized, but she mentioned she hadn’t been able to sign up in time during the week. I happened to be nearby and couldn’t help but overhear what she had just shared. A little later, while speaking with one of the pastors, she mentioned that there would be baptisms during that service. I asked if it would be open to anyone in that moment, and she said yes. Right then, I felt in my heart that I needed to connect with Kristi.
Though she hesitated at first, Kristi soon came over to me, confident that God was leading her to take this step of faith. It was beautiful to see the joy on her face before and after the baptism! What touched me the most was realizing that, even though God didn’t need me to move in her life, He gave me the privilege of being part of it — of embracing her and celebrating that unique moment.
That very morning, I had prayed:“God, let me be part of what You’re doing around me and keep me aware of Your movement!” I have no doubt that this was one more answered prayer in my life!
IT'S TIME TO EXPAND!
In early March, I became part of a new movement of disciples who desire to multiply disciples — and who are not necessarily connected to YWAM. We are being trained to become disciples who make more disciples of Jesus, both here in Salem and anywhere in the world. My goal in joining this group is to learn more and expand my connection to what God is doing here, as this is my mission field at this moment.
It has been very edifying to walk alongside people who share the same desire to serve God, and who weekly bring creative ministry ideas to impact the city.
Seeds are being planted through prayer walks, meals being served to people living on the street, door-to-door evangelism, and many other ways through which God has been leading each of us.
Therefore, I invite you to pray for the fruits that these seeds will bear — that they may be, in all things, for the honor and glory of God! 😊
NEW DREAMS, PROJECTS AND CHALLENGES!
The year 2025 is being marked by new dreams, projects, and challenges, and I want to share some of them with you here — as well as invite you to join my team in whatever way God places on your heart!
Fundraising: BRAZILIAN COOKING CLASS!
With the help of a dear friend, I am preparing a Brazilian cooking class as a way to raise funds for the plans and projects listed below. Essentially, I’ll be using one of the talents God has given me to teach about Brazilian culture in a practical and fun way.
I ask for your prayer support, that people will be willing to participate and/or contribute! 😊
📅When? May 31st
Cost? None — already offered! 🙌
PREPARATION TIME: Seminar: "Word of Color"
In May and June, we will be hosting this seminar here at the Salem base, which teaches tools for memorizing and internalizing God's Word. It helps us absorb the biblical story and share it as if we were there as witnesses — a powerful way to impact those who have yet to know the Word or don't have access to the Bible.
I have been praying about being a part of this seminar, and I ask for your prayerful support. I believe it will be an essential tool to further prepare me for sharing the gospel wherever God sends me!
📅 When? May 26 - June 20, 2025
💰 Cost? $500 - $600
IT'S TIME TO GO BACK: TRIP TO BRAZIL!
Yes!!! After a long period of waiting, I believe God has given me the direction to return to Brazil, not only to reunite with my family and friends but also to serve His Kingdom in my nation!
I will be serving as a translator for the Mission Adventures team from the Salem base of YWAM, in Curitiba, South of Brazil!
The team will be made up of 20 to 25 people, and we will serve for two weeks at the JOCUM Curitiba base. This trip is part of a new project that we have been praying for to grow and expand here in Salem as well — and we believe this opportunity is, without a doubt, God’s answer.
This visit to Brazil will require me to go through an interview at the US Consulate to have the visa stamped in my passport. I also hope to visit family, friends, and, with faith, establish new connections with churches and supporters for the mission.
I count on your prayerful support! ❤️
📅 When? Second semester of 2025
💰 Estimated cost: $3000 - $4000
Be a part of making these projects happen:
🙏 Praying for:
Persistence, despite the challenges;
Provision for everything that is needed;
More people willing to support, not only financially but also by serving in the kitchen during my absence;
Fruit from these projects, for the honor and glory of God!
💌 Offering / Contributing:
If you’re interested in offering or contributing, click here to learn about the available options — or feel free to reach out to me directly! I’ll be happy to provide more information if you want to know more. 😊
I’ll conclude this letter here — but, for sure, I still have so much I’d love to share! For that, we’ll need a good coffee and some extra time. ☕😉
If you’d like, we can schedule a call or exchange messages. This way, not only can I share what God has been doing here, but I can also hear what He’s been doing in your life!
Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, if you’ve read this far and/or have supported me in any way to persist in this mission that God has called and chosen me to be a part of!
Please also share your prayer requests with me, as I love being able to pray for you!
God bless you!
With love,Nay 💖
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matt. 28:18-20
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