By Erin Thomas on Monday, 14 March 2011
Category: Erin Thomas

Onwards and upwards….South Africa to Brazil


On Sunday 6th March the Southbound team departed South Africa for Brazil, via Doha. We are currently in the humid city of Ubatuba, working under the ministry and guidance of Agape Church Ministries. Although we have been invited to stay here till the end of March, we are awaiting further instruction from ‘On High’ in regards to a ministry opportunity in Natal, Northern Brazil.

As I look back on the past 2 months in Jeffrey’s Bay I am amazed at the growth in my life already- and this is just the beginning! I am now ready to embrace what God has in store for me on my global challenge journey and the adventures that come with this lifestyle of simplicity and chasing  after God.


After receiving specific words of prophecy over our lives and teaching on the Gifts of the Spirit from Joe Erwin during our last week of training, the Southbound team was sent out to the nations with Isaiah 61- “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion...” (vs. 1-3a).
We must always remember that it is God who does the anointing, the binding of the brokenhearted, the freeing of captives, releasing of prisoners, and the comforting of those who mourn and grieve- we are just the tools He uses to do such work.

So as we begin our time Ubatuba, I am humbled by the love God has for His people of every tribe and tongue, and that we can travel round the world and still worship the same Lord and Saviour together. Our challenge here is to build relationships with the community- a people who speak little to no English, and build up the partnership between Agape Ministries and Global Challenge. Although this is a different culture with new challenges, I am excited to go on with God, and continue to learn to lift Him up in all areas of my life. I am made, created and purposed “for the display of His splendor…” (Isaiah 61: 3), and live for the glory of God!

Thankyou to my friends and family for your continued love and support, both in prayer and finances. Please continue to lift up our team in regards to health, safety as we move around, and for divine appointments to come our way as we minister in Brazil throughout March.

It is only onwards and upwards from here for Southbound 2011….because the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon us!! Amen!!

Erin x

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