Manaus, Brazil—Kentucky Baptists used the transcendent power of praise music to break through language barriers and minister to hundreds in the Amazon rainforest.

The 31 members of the Kentucky Baptist men’s and women’s chorales sang, taught and shared the love of Christ in Manaus, Brazil, June 9-16.

Women’s leader Roxanne Nanney, who coordinated the tour, said chorale members helped strengthen and encourage local churches during the eight-day trip by leading workshops and worship services.

“What a joy to worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The language was sometimes a barrier in communication, but there was no difficulty in communicating and receiving the message of love,” said Nanney, minister of music and senior adults at First Baptist Church of Brandenburg.

During the trip, Kentucky Baptists led more than 200 adults and children through a music conference for the Amazonas Baptist Convention. Nanney said one missionary brought at least 20 children from an outlying village.

Conference participants had their choice of breakout sessions, which included Bible readings, Scripture memorization, vocal and instrumental techniques and children’s choir leadership.

A children’s track ran simultaneously with the adult sessions. Children made instruments and learned three songs in English, which they performed for conference attendees.

“It was the first conference they have had like that,” Nanney said. “They were surprised at the response, and the participants were very encouraged and challenged by what they experienced.”

While visiting the largest metropolitan city in the Amazon rainforest, the chorales also performed at a local Baptist school and made stops at seven Baptist churches.

“Music is the universal language,” said Jason Stewart, Kentucky Baptist Convention worship and music consultant. “It not only communicates the gospel clearly, but it equips the hearers to repeat the message—first to themselves and then to others.”

Nanney said the chorales’ purpose was to encourage and strengthen the churches in Manaus, a goal which she believes they accomplished.

“Along the way, we received unexpected and immeasurable blessings. I know that I left part of my heart in the Amazon,” Nanney said.

The combined choral mission trip is the first since 2002, when Kentucky Baptist men’s and women’s chorales traveled to Europe. The groups also traveled to Russia in 1995. (KBC)