Towering 2,300 feet above the largest urban jungle in the world looms one of South America’s most beloved icons. Israelis call him “Yeshu.” Literally translated, it is an acronym meaning “may His name be blotted out forever.” Some know what they’re saying. But many don’t even know that isn’t his real name. We cringe when we hear it, and gently inform them that his mother would have called him “Yeshu-a,” (which literally means “salvation”).

But of the more than 10,000 Israelis who backpack through South America each year, about one-third will visit the city, and many of those will make the journey up the mountain to see the iconic statue, regardless of how they might feel about the man himself.

What an incredible opportunity it could be to make that journey up that mountain with them, don’t you think? To pose to them the question, “Did you know that Yeshua is Jewish?” Or, perhaps, “Did you know that Yeshua kept Torah and taught in the synagogues?” Imagine the conversations we might have!

After months of discussion, consideration and prayer as a team, and with the leadership of Chosen People Ministries, it is with great excitement that we would like to announce to you, that we have every intention of having those incredible conversations on that iconic mountain! Because we have decided that, God willing, we will be opening our guesthouse in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!

Not only is Rio host to thousands of Israeli backpackers, it is also home to a vibrant community of between 20 and 30,000 Jewish Brazilians. With a Jewish Community Center, numerous synagogues, kosher restaurants and a small, vibrant congregation of Jewish believers, we will have many opportunities to interact with Jewish community both during busy backpacker seasons and off seasons.

We are eager to see what God has planned for our future in Rio; but while you might remember that it has been our goal to open the work in Brazil in 2017, we believe God is asking us to wait another year. Not everything is settled yet, so check our next letters to find out the crazy amazing plans in the works for 2017! Brazil or somewhere else?! We can’t wait to tell you! In the meantime, we’re soaking up every bit of studies and preparing ourselves as much as we can for the intense and exciting road ahead. We are so thankful you’re walking it with us!

Love,

BJ & Carissa