An Adventure in Solidarity
NCC Study Seminar to Brazil
April 4-18, 2004

This trip will provide an opportunity for committed Christians to have a firsthand experience in Brazil and to observe results of the first year of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government. The itinerary, which includes São Paulo, Goiás Velho, the capital city of Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro, offers a chance to meet with Brazilians from many walks of life and to explore ways we can live in solidarity with the people of Brazil.

The group will travel to Brazil on Sunday evening, April 4, leaving from Miami at 9:30 p.m., and will return to Miami, arriving at 7:00 a.m. on April 18.

Highlights include:

Knowledge of Portuguese, while helpful, is not essential, as translation will be provided.

Arrangements for the trip are being made by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC). The Rev. Fred Morris, the NCC’s Director for Latin American and Caribbean Relations, who will lead the group, lived in Brazil for 13 years as a missionary of the United Methodist Church.

COST:

The total cost, including roundtrip airfare from Miami, lodging, all meals, local transportation, and program is $3,300. (Prices subject to change if there are changes in airfares before tickets are purchased.) Airport taxes and any visa costs are not included. Lodging will be in convents, monasteries and hotels, depending on the area and program (double occupancy). Accommodations will be simple but comfortable and adequate. Some scholarships are available, especially for persons of color and Native Americans. Direct scholarship inquiries to Fred Morris.

REGISTRATION:

The group will include a maximum of 20 persons, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. An initial deposit of $800, required to guarantee space, must be paid by January 30. A second payment of $1,500 is required by February 15, and the balance of $1,000 is required by March 15, 2004. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Deposits will be refunded if notice of withdrawal from the program is given prior to February 14. Notification of withdrawal after that date but before February 28 will result in a forfeiture of 50 percent of the deposit, except in case of documented medical emergency. In all cases of cancellation less than 20 days before departure, the deposit will be forfeited.

DOCUMENTATION:

To enter Brazil you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after date of entry, or until October 5, 2004. You will be required to obtain your own visa at the nearest Brazilian Consulate. There is a $100 charge for visas to Brazil. (It used to be $10, but the US is now charging Brazilians $100 to apply for a visa).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The National Council of Churches Study Seminar to Brazil (An Adventure in Solidarity) is sponsored by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. This entity and its administrators and any travel agency and/or supplier of services pursuant to or in connection with this Seminar shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation; nor for any loss, damage or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of any agency or supplier, or occurring without the fault or negligence of such agency or supplier. The schedules in the program are subject to change without notice.

Refunds of deposits will be governed by the terms stated herein. It is understood that there is no accident or loss insurance offered by the Seminar. Each participant is responsible for him/herself. Registration with the Seminar is a declaration that the conditions are understood and accepted.

To reserve your space, fill out the Registration Form and send it with your check for $800 to the National Council of Churches, 214 Morton Lane, Winter Springs, FL 32708. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.