Time flies when you’re having fun – with that we’re ending off our time in Ubatuba. What a blessing it has been! From the Brazilians I have learned that it’s important to make time for people and that building relationships is a big part of ministry. O yes, on the picture with us is Elaine´s grandmom, she is 100 years old and still walks alone to the beach every day!
The cool thing about building relationships here in Ubatuba, is that a big part of it happens on the beach, so I had the opportunity to surf again! With a long board this time, so I could actually stand! It’s the coolest feeling ever! Feels like you are gliding over the water or like standing on it. I love it!! It’s much easier with a long board, but you need to go in way deeper. Vanessa had to “Vamos!” me deeper many times. I’m so scared to trust, but even when I was scared, she still remained calm. This taught me that I need to trust Jesus more. When He calls you deeper, into anything, you can go and know that it’s safe, because He’ll always be there. Trust comes when you choose to draw closer to Him for comfort and not go looking for it somewhere else first.
We had the privilege of spending a whole morning at a school – playing games, doing a drama, sang a few songs, Betty gave her testimony, Elaine shared a word and then we prayed for them. It’s amazing that, even though I can’t pray in Portuguese and they don’t understand English, the Holy Spirit interceded and tears streamed down their cheeks. 30+ kids gave their hearts to Jesus. Praise God! We´re continuing to spend time with them and get them involved with the local church and meet young people that can disciple them when we leave.
nOn our way back home from the school, we randomly met some Christians at a book store and could pray for them and their family as well.
While waiting for an appointment at our favourite, local hang-out, Acai Mania, we met a couple of skateboarders. There are so many ideas about religion in Brazil. About 50% is Catholic, 40% Christian and then there is 10% involved in Spiritualism. You really have to take your time to enjoy all that Acai has to offer, especially if it’s accompanied with strawberries, meringue, cream and granola. But I found out that the best thing about Acai, is actually the Acai! You don’t need all the other stuff with it! Lol We were joined by a friendly lady, that didn’t want to have her Acai alone, so she just had a seat with us. As I said, the Brazilians are so extremely open!
More dancing was in-store for us – for Gehta’s enjoyment! The Agapé church has a dance ministry, so they taught us the moves for “I am free” so we could dance with during the worship time.
We were invited to quite a few lunches, at home with the locals, and tasted a lot of Brazilian cuisine! It’s so good! Strange sometimes, but hey, that’s part of the experience!
We also partook in cell groups from the church. It was so nice to see how they do it and how it’s actually the same as we do.
Getting lifted on a bicycle was something to experience, but now I can also say I lifted someone as well! And we only fell once. =o)
As a team day, we would’ve gone to Paraty. So after rice, milk and sugar for breakfast, we headed for the bus stop, only to find out that you need your passport for crossing the border to another state. Plan B took us to a beautiful waterfall in the forest, 15 minutes outside Ubatuba. We spent the day swimming, having lunch and even took a nap on the rocks. Haha – I think it was a sight to see 14 people sleeping everywhere. I was sound asleep for more than an hour. Global Challenge already teaches us to sleep anywhere, anytime!
It’s amazing to see the growth in the lives of the people we’ve been spending time with. God is good! They have such a hunger for God’s Word.
My last few days in Brazil were very emotional, but also so intimate. My granddad died and with that a piece of my heart was torn out. I always wondered what my reaction would be in a time like this. True comfort can only be found in God. I’m not able to think about my oupa without thinking of God. And God knew Him very well, so I spend a lot of time with God. At first, I found it difficult to find comfort, because I couldn’t believe that it’s true. I know that I’m going to see Him again in heaven. I’ve been sad, a lot, but I know that joy comes in the morning! I was blessed to share a part of my granddad’s life as testimony for the guys at the drug rehab centre. When Jesus comes into your live, it’s not only your live that is transformed, but it causes a ripple effect. It impacts and changes the lives of people around and after you as well. If my granddad didn’t give His life to Jesus, I don’t know where I would’ve been today. That’s why we can sing of God’s love forever – because it never ends!
So yeah, God is good! And I’m forever grateful for being here at Global Challenge, the lessons I’m learning are lessons for life!
When we have open hearts to others, we come to God rather with a testimony than with a confession.
Don’t focus on having the fruit of the Spirit – focus on God! The fruit is the product, they’ll come naturally if you focus on God. We’re not encouraged by who we are, but by who God is.
A hard heart breaks, but a soft heart moulds.
I was convicted a lot about not only reading God’s word, and even believe it, but doing what it says. James 1:22 puts it this way: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” The only way to “save” what you’ve done in your life, is to put it into practice.
God desperately longs for us. He wants to have fellowship with us. He will continue to pursue our hearts. God has so much He wants to reveal to you! You’re missing out on so much every morning you don’t spend proper solo-time with Him. Sit at God’s feet on a daily basis. That is true life. But it’s still your own choice. You can be hungry for God and still decide to skip every meal.
With that, we finish up in Ubatuba and Brazil. Please pray with us:
- We’re having a farewell dinner at our house. Please pray for the fellowship and divine appointments. God has given us so much understanding for each other – really bridging language gaps. You’ll be amazed how far a conversation can go with only one or 2 words being understood!
- Saying goodbye to our friends and new family in Brazil. It’s bound to be a very emotional time.
- Please pray with us for our next country, Colombia. We’re are going to Fusagasuga, helping out at a missionary organisation. Building walls, digging ditches and planting more fences. Transkei relived. I can’t wait! Don’t know about the internet situation there, so will you update as soon as I can.
God is truly passionate about every one of us! May you seek His face and find that in God, we won’t be disappointed.
Blessings,
Linel*