Testing the waters of Brazil!

During high school I was invited to a friends baptism. Not having grown up in a christian home, I really had no idea about what it meant, but went along anyway. At the time I remember thinking that this friend seemed to be making such a huge commitment on that day and that it would never be something I would do.  But here we are in Brazil and last Sunday I was baptized in a pool in the middle of a beautiful forest. Thinking back on this helps me to realise how far God has taken me allready in the past 3 years, especially how much His Holy Spirit has changed my thoughts and attitudes.

Over the past few months God has been challenging me in how I live for Him by obeying what he asks of me. In terms of being baptized it was something I wanted to do, but on my own terms- with my parents and friends there. But really it is about obedience, declaring what God has done and committing my life to following Jesus. Although it would have been awesome to share the day with family and friends that have been so important in my life, I am thankful for Gods faithfulness in bringing me this far.

Brazil is our first country for this year and it is exciting to be here and involved in the Agape church. The people are so welcoming and open to sharing their time and lives with us. It has been challenging me in how I build relationships and also how we live together in as a team in a tight environment. We have been connecting with people from the church and Ubatuba community, as well as performing dance/drama at the church services. We will continue with this for about the next two weeks, as well as being a part of some of their other ministries.

Please be praying for more opportunities and courage for deeper relationships with those around us, in the team and with the people we meet.