Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s be honest, we all have questions sometimes. What will I eat today? What’s that noise? Does this milk smell gross? We question things sometimes because we are curious and have an interest in the subject, item, or situation. Well, we have been riding the “answer my question” train for a while now. It happens when you make big life changes. We thought it my be helpful to make this little FAQ of topics we’ve been asked about lately. Some are questions we’ve received and some are things we think you’ll want to know if you haven’t thought of them yet. Don’t feel embarrassed if you see a question in this FAQ that you remember asking us. These are all good questions and now they get to help other people understand!
Why Brazil and how is your Spanish? — Not great, but thankfully Brazil’s national language is Portuguese! Chris has been learning for years and Ashley is learning both formally and informally as much as she can. So why Brazil? You can read our past blog post How Did We Get Here? for a little insight or, even better, let’s catch up (video, email, WhatsApp, Signal) and we can share even more!
Is this like the cross-cultural trips you’ve done before? Are you going to be by yourselves? — On all of our prior cross-cultural trips, we were only gone for 7-14 days. This is unlike that in every way! We are committed to 2 yrs in Brazil, and will review our plans every 1-2 yrs to determine what’s next. We are committing to stay as long as God plans for us. We are never truly alone when we walk with Jesus. Thankfully, that also means He places people and groups in our lives to guide us. We will have local Brazilian team members through partner NGO’s and ACTION.
When, how much, how long, and how do I give? — We can only remain in Brazil if we are funded. That means now is the best time to start partnering with us! The amount is between you and the Lord, but we have monthly and yearly supporters. We also have supporters that give single special donations whenever they are able. No amount is too large or too small.
For our monthly/yearly supporters, we would love for you to commit to one or two years of giving at a time. We understand that circumstances can change but always appreciate communication and faithfulness in this area. We know that this is all “Beyond Us” and are so thankful for each person who has partnered with us along the way to make this all possible and consider you a vital part of our team.
There are many ways to give! If you hit the GIVE HERE button on our page, you will be directed to our organization’s website in order to give online. Choose credit/debit or ACH, as well as recurring option. If you want to know how to give by mail, get in touch with us directly. In the end, we desire prayerful and cheerful giving in obedience to God!
Is this Action International organization legit? Can’t I just send you money?- ACTION has been thoroughly vetted through multiple sources, as well as function as a 501c3. This means that ACTION holds the final say how the funds are used, but allow them to be earmarked to our account. When you give online, it goes directly to our account. There is a portion of our budget (and your gift) that goes towards admin fees. And we are so thankful as this allows us access to services and operating legitimately in a foreign country. We have fully entrusted ACTION with ourselves, and ask you to consider the same. We encourage you to head HERE to get the most in depth financial info if you still have questions.
How can we stay connected while you are in Brazil? — Technology will be your link to us. At the top of this site you will see the buttons that link to our social media (Instagram & Facebook), plus you can continue to check our website here to see our blog posts. We love to do virtual calls, too (via Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, Signal). If you want the inside scoop on details that are best shared offline, you can CLICK HERE to leave us a note & sign up for our newsletter. DON’T FORGET to let us know if you want the hardcopy or the digital format.
What will you be doing while in Brazil? — We are partnering with local organizations and projects, getting involved in the community, and coming alongside the locals to “disciple, encourage, and invest in the youth of Brazil so they can know God and take action”. 100% of our funding is from supporters like you. This is our full-time focus and will take up all of our available time, and then some. While we won’t have a traditional job, it is important that you know that we are not on vacation. The focus that God has called us to requires all our efforts directed to these tasks.
How long will you be in Brazil and how can I/we help? — We don’t know how long God will have us on the field in Brazil. We are committing to 2 yrs, planning for more, praying for wisdom, and trusting that our Father, who provides all things, will guide us as we serve Him. Whether we are there 2, 7, 18, or ___, we will seek him every day! So how can you help? First, hit the GET INVOLVED tab at the top of the page. Then, reach out to us so that we can share with you what it might mean to join us prayerfully, partner with us financially, or serve His kingdom with your resources.