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TheDraxlirFamily

Sharing the Gospel Throughout the Amazon

Serving inColombia Peru Brazil

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Judah and Belle Draxlir with their three young children, standing in a pine meadow

Our story

A growing love for the people of the Amazon River

Over the past several years, the Lord has given our family opportunities to be involved in ministry in the Amazon region of South America. Through these experiences, He has developed in us a growing love for the people, churches, and communities along the Amazon River.

Through the relationships built on those trips, Jim and Crystal Booth of John 4:14 Missions invited our family to prayerfully consider moving to Leticia, Colombia, to help carry forward and expand the ministry's work throughout the region.

After much prayer, discussion, and seeking the Lord's direction, we believe He has opened this door. We are now preparing to leave our home in North Idaho and move to South America to serve as full-time missionaries.

Meet our family

Judah and Belle Draxlir, and our three children

Black and white photo of the Draxlir family sitting together in a meadow
Judah and Belle sitting in the grass with their three children, pine trees behind them
Judah and Belle Draxlir standing together in a meadow
The Draxlir family outdoors among palm trees

Where we will serve

Leticia, where three countries meet

We plan to make our home in Leticia, Colombia, a city on the Amazon River where the borders of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil meet. From there we can serve communities throughout the surrounding region, particularly villages and churches reached primarily by river.

One of our primary ministry locations will be Cushillococha, Peru, where John 4:14 Missions has established relationships with local believers, pastors, and Bible-school ministries.

Our desire is not simply to visit these communities, but to build lasting relationships, encourage the local churches, and invest in the people who live there.

Map of the tri-border regionLeticia, Colombia sits on the Amazon River where Colombia, Peru, and Brazil meet. Cushillococha, Peru lies upstream to the west, reached by river.
Illustration of the tri-border region, simplified

Our mission

The Gospel proclaimed, believers strengthened, local churches equipped

Serving alongside John 4:14 Missions, our work will focus on four primary areas.

  1. Sharing the Gospel

    Bringing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to individuals, families, and communities throughout the Amazon, through village outreach, personal relationships, and organized evangelism.

  2. Discipling Believers

    Encouraging believers in God's Word, strengthening their understanding of Scripture, and helping them become faithful followers of Christ.

  3. Equipping Local Pastors

    Coordinating pastoral training courses, hosting visiting pastors and teachers, and working alongside local leaders, so pastors are equipped to teach, disciple, and train others in their own communities.

  4. Serving River Communities

    Many villages are reached mainly by boat. We will help coordinate visiting mission teams, organize river transportation, and support outreach that may include medical missions, vocational training, practical assistance, and evangelism.

And a heart for

The next generation

Youth ministry has been a significant part of our lives, and we have a particular burden to see young people come to know Jesus Christ. We hope to partner with local churches and pastors to create opportunities for children and teenagers in the river communities to gather for biblical teaching, worship, and fellowship. The details are not yet established, and we are praying for the Lord to open these doors.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Mark 16:15

Preparing for the journey

Early 2028Our anticipated move to the Amazon

Over the coming months our family is preparing for this move while continuing to serve in our current ministry responsibilities in North Idaho. The exact timing depends on the Lord's provision and the completion of the necessary preparations. We are trusting Him to guide each step.

North IdahoHome and current ministry
Now: preparing
  • Raising missionary support
  • Spanish-language training
  • Visas
  • Housing
  • Schooling
  • Healthcare
  • Relocating our family
Leticia, ColombiaAnticipated early 2028

Pray with us

Prayer is one of the most important ways you can support us. Please pray for:

  • Open doors

    To share the Gospel in river communities.

  • Local churches

    Wisdom and strength for pastors and believers.

  • Fruitful ministry

    Lasting spiritual growth and discipleship.

  • Our family

    Protection, unity, health, and endurance.

  • The next generation

    Future opportunities to reach young people.

Partner with us

Missions takes those who go and those who faithfully send

As we prepare to serve in the Amazon, we invite you to become part of this work through prayer, encouragement, and financial support.

  1. 1

    Pray

    Pray for open doors, local churches, fruitful ministry, our family, and the next generation.

    See the prayer list
  2. 2

    Give

    We are building a team of individuals, families, and churches who feel led to support the ministry financially. Monthly commitments and one-time gifts both help us prepare for and sustain the work ahead.

  3. 3

    Stay connected

    Follow our journey through newsletters and ministry updates: stories, photographs, prayer requests, and what the Lord is doing.

    Sign up for updates
  4. 4

    Get in touch

    Learn more about the ministry, invite us to share at your church, ask about financial partnership, or send a word of encouragement.

Get in touch

We would love to hear from you.

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Stay connected

Receive occasional updates and specific ways you can be praying for our family and ministry.

Our heart

More than anything, our desire is to be obedient to Jesus Christ

Our prayer is that everything we do would point people to Jesus Christ and bring glory to His name. We are grateful for every individual, family, and church who chooses to walk alongside us.

“And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: ‘To whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand.’”

Romans 15:20–21