On Sunday the 6th of March Southbound Departed for Brazil, via Doha (Qatar). Not only was this my first time out of South Africa, but also the first time that I slept in an airport. On arrival at Sao Palo we decided to sleep over at the airport and take a bus to Ubatuba in the morning. It turned out to be a good decision!
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMms0-DKCSg&feature=youtu.be 400x300]
Brazil was great. The people are very friendly, the language a bit strange, and the culture is very complex, It’s so easy to say or do something wrong and offend the people, but you would never know. We were blessed to have Elaine to help with both the culture and language!
We started a strangers I a foreign country ( well most of us anyway), but left being part of a family. I left Ubatuba (Brazil) feeling like a rich man, having gained two brothers in Christ and many good friends.
During our time in Ubatuba God richly blessed us in our every need. He provided a place for us stay, via Elaine’s dad. Gave us good and patient friends, from the local Agape church, who helped us with the language, showed us around, introduced us to a wonderful treat called Acai, and even invited us for lunch every time. Even our everyday food was very good.
Our main objectives in Ubatunba were to build relationships, disciple people and to be disciple. We performed dramas and dances at the Agape church, connected with small groups, ministered at a drug rehab centre, performed a drama at a school and shared the gospel (there God did a great work), cleaned a baptismal pool for the Agape church (that was fun!) and made many friends.
In terms of being disciple we also had many great experiences. On the first Sunday Hellen got baptised. That was such an amazing experience! We also partook in communion with the church. On several other occasions we had the privilege of Pastor Alexander teaching us from the Word.
All in all Brazil was as fruitful as it is beautiful! Next up Colombia....