Brazil Report

The weeks leading up to my April 21-May 2 ministry in Fortaleza, Brazil were HARD.  Glen and I both wrestled with a bad flu/cold that was accompanied by a heavy, dark spirit of discouragement. That went on for 6 weeks.  The middle of February we placed Glen’s mother in a rehab facility after a stroke and a fall.  Glen spent many hours figuring out the system and getting her qualified for Medicaid assistance so she could transition to assisted living. 

I was unusually daunted by the challenge of raising so much support for the ministry trips and wrestled with trusting God to take care of it. I learned, at the last minute, that a visa was required for Brazil. It was like moving through cement to get it done. Being sick and managing the daily details of life was overwhelming.  The final straw was, while getting cash for the trip, the man next to me robbed the bank!!  I truly wondered if the hassle and spiritual opposition was worth whatever ministry would take place in Brazil. 

A team of 31 volunteers from different parts of the country made the long journey to Fortaleza. We met up with Thrive staff and prepared for the missionary ladies to arrive. The volunteer team spent many hours in prayer for the women, the conference and all the logistical details. It felt as though, through prayer, we were pushing back evil forces that threatened to engulf us and what God wanted to do. The day the missionaries arrived, the Holy Spirit was very evident.  We met them with hugs and gifts. We volunteers helped them with their bags, and sign up for their pampering sessions (haircuts, color analysis, make-up, massages, pedicures, counseling and one-on-one prayer).

When we started the meetings with worship, the women were ready to receive. I noticed a woman weeping profusely through the first message. Later I learned that their family had been going through an intense three months of heavy trials, culminating in her and her daughter being carjacked at gun point just a week earlier! She later shared with the entire group that when she arrived at the conference, she had decided that God didn’t see her and as a result of our time together, she was assured that He does!

I was also privileged to give a young, new missionary her very first pedicure! As I washed her feet and massaged her bug-bite-covered legs, she shared that her unbelieving family can’t understand what-on-earth she’s doing in Brazil. Her parents are frightened because their newly-wed daughter could catch the Zika virus which might eventually lead to a disabled grand-child. How precious to hold those bug-bitten legs and pray over her beautiful feet as she brings Good News! I also had the joy of laying my hands on the rounded tummy of another very pregnant woman who was waiting to learn if her baby has Microcephaly. We watched her move to a place of joy over her pregnancy.

As the conference went on, hearts continued to open and God moved in deep ways, not only in the missionaries but in the volunteers as well. Women met in small groups, shared their burdens and were prayed over. We spent time laughing, praying, worshiping and crying together.

The above stories are just a few examples of what God did. What a privilege to have “walked in their shoes” and share from my missionary experience encouragement from the Word!

Was it worth all of the sickness, hassle, challenges and spiritual warfare? YES, unequivocally yes! Thank you for your generous gifts and prayers that made it possible! They make a Kingdom difference!

Shelly