About Brazil & Our Calling
Brazil is a nation known for its incredible beauty, vibrant culture, and passionate people. It’s a land that overflows with music, celebration, and community spirit — a country where people value relationships and the joy of life. Yet, beneath the brightness of its colors and festivities lies a deep spiritual need. Many Brazilians are searching for fulfillment in the moment rather than the eternal.
As the fifth-largest nation in the world and home to nearly half of South America’s landmass, Brazil is diverse in geography and culture. While the northern region is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, the southern cities — like Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo — are bustling centers of life and influence. Historically steeped in Catholic tradition, Brazil’s people have long been influenced by religion, but few have encountered the transforming truth of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
It is to these people that God has called Austin and Melissa Bigler — to reach the hearts of Brazilians for Christ, sharing the gospel and planting churches that proclaim His truth and grace.
Watch Our Video
In this video, Austin and Melissa share their heart for the people of Brazil and the vision God has placed on their lives. You’ll also learn about their upcoming missions trip, where they will serve alongside seasoned missionaries to gain experience, deepen language fluency, and prepare for full-time ministry on the field.
Our Mission Journey
After graduating from Heartland Baptist Bible College in May 2024 and getting married soon after, Austin and Melissa began their missionary internship at Hillcrest Baptist Church in El Paso, TX, under the leadership of Pastor Joe Dickinson. Through this internship, they are developing practical ministry skills and preparing for a six-month survey trip to Brazil — three months with Tom and Cindy Brewer, and another three months with Sammy and Anessa Rogers.
Their desire is to become fluent in Portuguese, build meaningful relationships with Brazilian pastors and missionaries, and discern where God would have them establish a church in the future. The Biglers are currently preparing for deputation and trusting God for provision, safety, and direction as they follow His call to Brazil.
“Please pray that God would open doors for us to minister, provide the necessary resources for us to reach the field, and prepare the hearts of Brazilians to receive the gospel. Our desire is that the work in Brazil would be plenteous and fruitful for the glory of God.”
Testimony – Austin Bigler
My name is Austin Bigler. I was born in Tyler, TX, but grew up in Colorado Springs, CO. I was raised in a Christian home, and my grandfather pastored for nearly forty years, so ministry life was familiar to me from an early age.
I made two professions of faith as a child, but they were not genuine. Outwardly, I looked and lived like a Christian, but I didn’t have a real relationship with Christ. In seventh grade, I began doubting my salvation and spent months wrestling in pride and fear. Finally, in March 2013 at a youth rally, I couldn’t resist the conviction any longer. During the invitation, I prayed in my seat, asking God to save me. That night, I truly trusted Christ and entered into a personal relationship with Him.
After that, I struggled spiritually for several years, going through the motions but lacking growth. In January 2018 at Silver State Baptist Youth Camp, I rededicated my life to God, and that summer I surrendered to missions.
I began preparing for ministry through Bible college, and though God used trials—like injury and setbacks—to humble me, He also used those seasons to teach me that serving Him must be done His way, not mine.
In 2022, the Lord began burdening my heart for Brazil, and He confirmed that calling through prayer and His peace. Around that time, He also brought Melissa into my life, and in 2023 I interned at Hillcrest Baptist Church in El Paso, TX. My senior year, God made it clear that He wanted us back at Hillcrest as missions interns. I graduated and married Melissa in May 2024, and we moved to El Paso to begin serving.
I am grateful for God’s mercy and grace, and I count it a privilege to follow His call. My greatest joy is knowing Christ personally and walking in His plan for my life.
Scripture Focus
“Please pray that God would open doors for us to minister, provide the necessary resources for us to reach the field, and prepare the hearts of Brazilians to receive the gospel. Our desire is that the work in Brazil would be plenteous and fruitful for the glory of God.”
This verse captures the heart of Austin and Melissa’s mission — a reminder that the time for gospel work is now, and the fields of Brazil are ready for harvest.
How You Can Partner
Pray — For safety, provision, and spiritual fruitfulness as the Biglers prepare for Brazil.
Support — Consider partnering financially to help them reach the field sooner.
Encourage — Send a note of encouragement or commit to praying regularly for their ministry.
Together, we can lift up the name of Jesus in Brazil and see hearts transformed by His love.
Encourage our Hillcrest Missionaries
Our missionaries often face challenges and hardships as they serve far from home. One of the greatest blessings you can offer them is prayer and encouragement. Take a moment to write a note of encouragement, ask a question, or share how you are praying for them—we’ll make sure it gets to the missionary you choose.
At Hillcrest Baptist Church, missions is not just something we support—it is who we are. Every member has a part in the Great Commission through praying, giving, and going. Join us as we continue to send the gospel to the nations until every tribe and tongue has heard the good news of Jesus Christ.