An envoy for the King!
Proverbs 13:17 “A wicked messenger falls into adversity, but a faithful envoy brings healing.”
This scripture was prophesied over me before leaving for a mission trip to Brazil in December 2011. An envoy is an entrusted messenger covered by both the protection and the authority of the King as it was the King’s message that he would be carrying and therefore, would be regarded as the King himself. The message that our King had entrusted us with to Brazil was a message of power, a message of life and a message of truth that would bring healing to all those who heard it.
Arriving in Sao Paulo - Brazil, us five willing strangers, (Marika Pretorius – Pretoria, Albie Van Rooy – Bloemfontein, Celeste Van Es - Jeffery’s bay, Charné Ferreira – Jeffery’s bay and myself), a part of a non – profit organization Global Challenge, with our over - packed hiking gear that strengthened our back, shoulders, arms, legs and core muscles with each painful step, began to carry the King’s message in our hearts. Immediately we began to see the prophecy of God’s provision unfold. Entrusting God for direction, we abandoned our original plan due to God’s intervention, and stepped out blindly, waiting to hear His voice and instruction with each step.
Step 1: Sao Paulo:
Against our own personal preference of arriving in Sao Paulo and then immediately leaving for the Amazon, we five adventurous jungle lovers were led to stay in one of the biggest cities in the world. 22 million people cemented in their busy city lives and surrounded by graffiti and power lines, but more importantly, 22 million souls red lighted by the traffic of drugs, the sky scrapers of Satanism and the ancient cathedrals of corruption in the traditional churches.
Whilst there, we were reminded to be faithful in the little and like David bravely face the giants before us and became mighty warriors in prayer: Prayer for the cities’ revival, prayer for their freedom, and prayer that their concrete hearts would be like gutters; bucketing each drop of his presence, transforming them into a gushing wellspring of His fresh liberty. An overflow of our prayers presented further opportunities to encourage, prophesy over and build eternal friendships in the church named “Berakhot”.
Step 2: Belem:
After hearing God’s voice for our next destination we, with every last cent we had, stepped out in faith and bought a one - way ticket to the opposite side of Brazil (approximately 5000km away), just east of the Amazon, to the city of Belem. Upon arrival we immediately saw God provide for us beyond out wildest expectations. Through the lives of two faithful woman, Mariana Alcazas Furtado and Gii Oliveira – we were sheltered, fed (ridiculously so) and given anything we may have needed or desired. We were treated like kings and queens, or rather the envoy of the King.
Just like the rivers that surrounded us in Belem, our hearts were full of His spirit to lead us and move through us. Each day we had the unbelievable privilege, together with Mariana and our faithful translator, Nandica Souza, of having Him flow through us into different ministries throughout the community. As we journeyed from church to church, so his presence flowed, and meandered through the thick vegetations in the hearts of the people in the Amazon jungle. As we sung His praises (in Portuguese!!), as we prayed, prophesied and read scriptures of life, truth and victory, we witnessed His freedom snap the weeds of lies that crippled and strangled the trees of life that God intended them to be. And like the giant, sweet, moist mangos of Belem, their lives began to ripen, grow and flourish in the new life and freedom of Christ Jesus.
Step 3: Getting home: via Rio de Janeiro via Ubatuba, through God’s provision!
Our journey back to Sao Paulo was one of faith. We had no money left and 5000km to travel. Through God’s provision we not only arrived back safely, but also firstly, traveled through and spent Christmas day in Rio de Janeiro ( a desire of all the team mates). Secondly, we got to explore the town of Ubatuba (a worldwide known surfing paradise) for a few days. There, we spent time connecting with a previous global challenge member and with other church members in the town as well as put aside time to debrief and reflect on our journey.
Throughout each step of this journey God revealed two things to me. Firstly, God wants to reveal His truth! Whether you have a plan or not, if you humble yourself, listen to His voice and trust Him wherever you go, He will use you to reveal His glory. The second is that when you are carrying His message, by His spirit, He will guide you, provide for you, and protect you regardless of the circumstances. All the glory be to Jesus, that I may have had and will continue to have the privilege of serving Him and being an Envoy for my King: Jesus Christ! Amen.
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