Brazil Report #1

Well, here is my first blog update. We had no real internet access while in Rio, so I've just had it for the past couple of days, which have been hectic.

Rio de Janeiro was interesting. Spiritually, it was dark and hard to minister. We went there in hopes of ministering at a number of churches. When we arrived we found out that a main pastor there just took a second wife and it threw the whole network of spirit-filled churches we were there for into a tailspin. Therefore, nearly all of the doors shut there for us. We were able to minister at a house church that is just being birthed. It was a beautiful time of worship and ministry to the church there, of about 20 people or so. Many received powerful prophetic words, and a few were healed. The rest of the time we got to do tourist-type things and pray. We also got to connect with a sweet couple, Robson and Monica, who toured us around the city. The trip to Rio was worth it just to meet and pray over this couple.

After leaving Rio, we went to a town called Macae, which is also on the coast, about 2-3 hours away. We attended a beautiful church and ministered to about 200-300 people. Again, many were healed, received words, and about 10-15 were saved. I prayed for one woman who wasn't able to have children. That was so special. Then I prayed for another older woman. Because of the language barrier I wasn't sure why she had come up for prayer. So I just prayed "restoration" and "refreshing" over her while I stroked her back. After I prayed she hugged me for the longest time and we were both crying. Later, she told me through an interpreter that my hands were the hands of Jesus and that her back had been healed! I jumped for joy and praised God! The crazy thing about this night is that in the beginning I was under heavy spiritual attack. I think it was similar to what people call an anxiety attack. My friends prayed for me and the oppression left right as Vincent (the man ministering the Word) said "God loves you." Amazing the power of the spoken word.

Well, that is a lot for one blog, and I need to rest now for tonight. The last 2 nights have been long and intense. More later...

Constant state of flux

Last week I moved. Again. I think my moves pretty much average out to be every six months in the past 3 years. It was good for me this time, because since I had all of my belongings out of storage and in my garage I was able to go through them all and purge unneeded items. Then we had a fun, fun (note sarcasm here) garage sale in about 100 degree weather. God blessed me though. I sold some junk and made some cash. I was reminded of the wise old proverb: "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Why did I hold onto that stuff for so long?

During the week last week I painted my new room a lime green color that Baer calls "Japanese Fern". It is bright and perky and matches my IKEA comforter.

Saturday, my friends helped me and Wendi (old roommate who is still my roommate) move in yet again 100-degree weather. Now, I am not fully unpacked or settled. I am trying to recuperate, unpack, and prepare for my trip to Brazil. Please pray for grace. If you need my new address, please email me.

Photo of room to come soon....

Brazil: Aug. 21– Sept 5!!

As I have experienced in the last 3 years, the Lord takes us on many spontaneous journeys, if we will let Him! I have known for a few years now that I would someday go to Brazil, either on a mission trip or for vacation. A couple of weeks ago, an itinerant speaker based out of IHOP Atlanta opened up a trip that he is leading, specifically asking for intercessory missionaries from IHOP to pray about going. I immediately felt a quickening in my spirit to go and the Lord then confirmed that I was supposed to go through a prophetic dream he gave me (not to mention that I am an eighth Brazilian). I will go with a small team to Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. In both cities we will be ministering to local churches through conferences in which we will ask the Holy Spirit to save, heal, and deliver. I am most excited about the opportunity to share with a local church in Belo Horizonte about the “harp & bowl” model we use at IHOP Atlanta, and other main themes that we preach, such as intimacy with Jesus, urgency for the hour in which we live, and the Sermon on the Mount lifestyle. I will also have an opportunity to share the LIFE message with them, in hopes that the nation of Brazil will continue to outlaw abortion and save babies. Please prayerfully consider supporting me on this mission. The cost for me to go to Brazil is $1500. The ticket is purchased on faith and my visa application is at the consulate.