Team Member Profile: John Tucker

Hometown: Lawsonville, NC

Favorite Verses and more: The words of Jesus, Books of Ephesians and Philippians

Hobbies: Photography, genealogy, reading and jogging

Favorite Dessert: German Chocolate Cake-can you make that without sugar?

Pets: Had a puppy when I was about 10 years old.

Spiritual Strengths: Prayer-I love to pray for people, Love to read and study the Bible, love helping people.

A very gifted friend of mine described me as an “armor bearer”. The thoughts included, “A leader called to help and assist the Apostles in their work. You build up other leaders and help carry their burdens. A Servant’s heart and humility make you a loyal and valuable friend. You worship in spite of suffering, not a whiner or complainer but an encourager. ” Living up to these prophetic words is my daily challenge.

My first trip to the Amazon basin was in 2006. This first trip to Brazil was preceded by a mission trip to Scotland. As I traveled to Brazil, I wondered what God planned for me in this country so different from home. Growing up in a rural community, I never thought of going to Brazil. My view of the world came through National Geographic. When I returned from Brazil in 2006, I knew God wanted me to experience His brothers and sisters in other cultures. He placed me with some of the most wonderful people on earth in Brazil and Scotland and later in Honduras. No matter where we served, people opened their hearts to our team and blessed us greatly.

We need your prayers for this trip and in particular for:

* Pray that God would strengthen our team spiritually and keep them healthy;
* Pray for divine moments where God will lead us to His relationships;
* Pray for increase in community between Seacoast Church, other state side churches, and PAZ.

*Pray for our leadership to be as God would lead.

*Pray for the long-term missionaries we work with in Brazil

Team Member Profile: Amie Heath

Hometown: Mt. Olive, NC

Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:11

Hobbies: reading, running, laughing and eating of course

Favorite Dessert: Crème Brulee

Pets: My hubby for 13 years – Oliver, Molly our cocker spaniel and Zena our 2 year old Great Dane

Spiritual Strengths: evangelism-I love to bring anything back to Jesus, encouragement and anything that has to do with acting like a kid

I think that my blood has some shades of green and yellow as Brazil is firmly planted in my heart. I had the opportunity to go there for the first time on a business trip with Maersk to Sao Paulo. We took a day trip to Rio de Janeiro and I immediately fell in love the people. So when my friends, Pastor Jerry and Jodi, asked me about taking a missions trip six years ago to the Amazon River Basin it was an easy answer: YES!!!

I met the people of Project Amazon (PAZ), the river village we first went to and the draw to share the gospel in this area was one that I couldn’t ignore.

Since that trip, I have really learned that the relationship the Seacoast teams have with PAZ is a lot deeper. We are family and at times I feel guilty about raising support for the trip because it is a trip that I yearn for each year…to lead others and show them the heart of this beautiful country.

Another reason I am so excited about making the trip is in the story of one of our team members: Tommy Ellliott. Many of you know I work at the North Charleston Dream Center (www.northcharlestondreamcenter.org) and I met Tommy there almost 3 years ago. He was living in a tent and came on a pretty regular basis for help with food and to take a shower at the Dream Center. I watched him stay involved, but keep a safe distance. After coming back from Brazil last year, I really felt like I needed to invite him to make this trip in the future. This past year has been an amazing one for Tommy. He has committed to volunteering at the Dream Center as part of our facilities team, found a place to live off the streets and recommitted his life to the Lord!

I covet your prayers for this trip and in particular for:

* Pray that God would strengthen me spiritually to do the work He has called me to do in leading this trip;
* Pray for the relationships our team will make with the people of Brazil;
* Pray that the team will remain healthy and strong throughout the duration of the trip, as well as be of one accord in everything we do