From Reluctant to Restored

Bruno Caballero shares how God grew his faith on a mission-discipleship trip to Brazil

When Bruno Caballero said “yes” to a text from Pastor John Freeland last August, he had no idea how deeply that single step of obedience would shape his faith. He’d been asked to join Mt. Bethel’s October mission trip to Brazil to help lead worship—a role he hadn’t stepped into for nearly twenty years. (Bruno last led worship in a church he and his wife, Felecia, helped plant in Huntsville, Ala.) 

 But instead of hesitating, the two prayed—and said yes. 

As soon as he responded, the Holy Spirit brought a surprising peace. “The Lord told me to help the mission team in obedience, and not argue with Him about it,” Bruno said. 

Bruno expected a typical mission experience. Maybe they would paint some walls, build some homes, and feed the hungry. Instead, God was inviting him into something much deeper: discipleship, equipping, and seeing the Holy Spirit move in ways he hadn’t experienced in decades. 

Training for More Than a Trip 

The first few days in Brazil were spent at the mission compound with Rick Bonfim and his team and included intense teaching, spiritual formation, and hands-on training. Rick, at 81 years old, won Bruno over immediately.  

“He’s an excellent communicator,” Bruno says. “He puts people at ease, tells funny stories, and teaches Scripture. People aren’t ever bored.” 

But the training was stretching. Bruno was nervous to lead worship again, especially in front of 20 teammates he didn’t know well. Pastor John and his wife, Linda, were there. Everyone was watching. Yet as he began leading, something shifted. 

“As our team entered into worship, I felt myself getting free again,” he says. “We became united. And learning about spiritual warfare and praying accurately for people—that was exciting for me.” 

By the time the team transitioned into the revival services, the foundation had been laid. Their hearts were synced. They were ready. 

A Revival Unlike What Most Americans Expect 

For four consecutive nights the team served at a Brazilian church, joining the local congregation in worship and prayer. Each evening followed a pattern: local worship, offering, Mt. Bethel leading one or two songs, then preaching from either Rick, Jennifer (a member of Rick’s team), or Pastor John. 

But the heart of each night came after the sermon. The team lined up across the altar, anointing people with oil and praying individually for whatever needs Rick called out. It lasted around 45 minutes. Then the team formed a “prayer tunnel,” facing one another, as nearly the entire congregation—pastors, leaders, adults, teenagers—walked through to be prayed for again. Another 45 minutes. 

“I’ve been in revival services like that before,” Bruno shares, “but what stood out to me was seeing so many Mt. Bethel folks open to the gifts of the Spirit. For some, this was totally new, but they were willing.” 

Worship was expressive. The prayers were bold. And the Holy Spirit moved powerfully. People raised their hands, wept, danced, received encouragement, and sought healing. Even without understanding English, Brazilians responded with deep gratitude and visible joy. 

“People were getting touched by the Holy Spirit even though they couldn’t understand our English prayers,” Bruno says. “That was amazing to see.” 

Moments He’ll Never Forget 

Some of the most meaningful moments for Bruno happened not just on the stage, but in everyday interactions with other Mt. Bethel team members. 

Among the Mt. Bethel Church team was Clay Price, who worked side-by-side with Bruno every night to prepare PowerPoint slides for worship. Then there was Dave Anderson, the roommate who became a late-night conversation partner, exchanging stories about life and faith. 

And then there were Geo and Julia, the two young Brazilian sisters who served tirelessly as interpreters.  

“These girls were smart, helpful, just incredible,” Bruno says. They shared their dream of coming to the United States to study and work. Bruno brought their names home with him. “I’m praying for God to provide for them,” he says. 

But the moments that marked him most deeply came during prayer. Before leaving the mission each evening, the pastors prayed over every team member. Bruno felt the presence of God strengthening him and preparing him. During the revival services, as he anointed and prayed for people in the altar line and prayer tunnel, he sensed it again. 

“God met me there,” he says. “He took care of so much I would’ve normally worried about—playing with a brand-new band, equipment, powerpoints, everything. I learned to trust Him with things beyond my control.” 

When You Go to Serve, God Also Serves You 

This was Bruno’s first mission trip, but it reshaped his understanding of missions entirely. 

He learned firsthand that God uses mission trips not only to minister to others, but to spiritually grow those who serve. God awakened old gifts in him—worship leading, prayer, discernment—and reassured him that language is no barrier when the Spirit is moving. 

“I never thought about singing on a mission trip because of the language barrier,” he explains. “But people knew the melodies. They worshiped in their own language. God reminded me He can use anyone, anywhere.” 

His encouragement to anyone considering a mission trip is simple: Go. 

“Go if you want to learn about the gifts of the Spirit,” he says. “Go if you want to learn how to pray face-to-face for people. Go because the hands-on experience will open your heart to what God wants to do at home.” 

Bruno went to Brazil expecting to serve others. He did. But God also served him—deepening his faith, reigniting his gifts, and reminding him that obedience is always worth the yes. 

To learn more about Mt. Bethel Church Missions as well as upcoming mission trips, click here.