When Liam Glass first heard about a spring break trip to Brazil through the organization Campus Outreach (CO), he thought it sounded like a great way to experience a new culture. What he found, however, was much more: an opportunity to form lasting friendships, witness deep ministry dedication, and learn the importance of consistently showing up for others.

Before the trip to Brazil with Campus Outreach, Liam had served with Global X in Chinle, Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation, and in Hidalgo, Texas, at the Border Wall across from the Reynosa, Mexico point of entry. These earlier missions helped prepare him for the cross-cultural experience and spiritual growth he encountered in Brazil.

Campus Outreach, founded in 1978, is a Christian ministry present on over 130 college campuses worldwide. Its mission is to build authentic relationships, foster community, and share the hope of the gospel through everyday life. Local chapters partner with churches to provide students with mentoring, discipleship, and a supportive family away from home.

Liam’s journey began months before the trip when his small group leader, Will Zimmer, invited him and a few friends to consider the Brazil mission opportunity. Liam had become intimately involved with Campus Outreach as a sophomore. He recalls how Will’s persistent, relational investment led him to attend Bible studies and deepen his faith. Another leader, Davis Hobbs, further shaped his spiritual journey. Both knew of Liam’s interest in missions, and when the Brazil trip opened up, it was the perfect storm. When spring break arrived, Liam was closely aligned with Campus Outreach and eager to serve with his peers in Brazil. 

The team included close friends of Liam: Cade, Davis, Justin, and Kyle, as well as Emerald, Evie, Madeline, and Lucy, whose parents serve on staff with Campus Outreach in Brazil, making the trip a community effort spiritually and practically.

Liam and the group flew from Atlanta to Rio de Janeiro, where they spent two days exploring the city and connecting with locals. They then traveled to Belo Horizonte, affectionately known as “Belo” by the team, spending nearly a week there amidst beautiful countryside and vibrant campuses.

At the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), they met with the local Campus Outreach chapter, which focuses on building trusting relationships rather than high-pressure evangelism. Brazilian students showed natural curiosity about Americans and eagerly practiced their English.

One memorable connection was with João, a 25-year-old spiritual seeker involved with CO. João taught the team how to juggle a soccer ball and introduced them to Brazilian card games. This fun challenge continues to this day, even though the group has a rudimentary understanding of the games they learned!

Liam was deeply inspired by the dedication of the CO staff, hearing from a minister who shared that it once took over six months of persistent relationship-building before seeing someone come to Christ. “If he can uproot his life and move to another country for this,” Liam reflected, “what is stopping me from investing more deeply right here?”

Looking back, Liam says the trip was life-changing, not due to dramatic moments but because of steady, intentional relationship-building. “Sometimes the most meaningful difference you can make is just to keep showing up,” he says.

Now back in Georgia, Liam applies what he learned abroad to his campus life, appreciating that ministry and friendship flourish through simple presence and genuine care, no matter the place.