Hey,
I know it has been quite a while since you have heard from me. So I thought it’s about time I show up and share a little bit of what’s going on…
The last few months I’ve spent in Germany where I was helping in all kinds of different ministries. I went on a couple different camps and also gave my best to invest in the local ministries and people. It is always an absolute privilege to get the chance to work alongside old friends, support them where I can and help them to grow in their faith as they are passing it on to the next group or generation.
Some impressions:
I also had the privilege to join in with my old leader and friend in going for a short trip to South Africa where we helped a YWAM ministry called
tenthousandhomes. We went there to help building a new home for a mum with her 5 kids. By the end of our time there, she upgraded from a shack to a more secure, stone built house.
Before and After:
On a not so great note: I had some huge troubles with my left hand (although both are very hurt), as I broke is playing football. This also extended my time in Germany, which has of course been a great blessing. As of now I have pain from time to time and I have to be careful to not overuse it but rest it.
It’s been a couple weeks since I have returned to Rio de Janeiro, where I was heading in my last newsletter. I have three months here where I am to serve and support a ministry of an old friend of mine. We are spending time discipling a young generation. At the moment our main focus is on two groups we play football with. We get the chance to hang out with them and share about Jesus and His love for them. Last week we also started a weekly “church-service” for the ones who want to go deeper, where we hang out with them and just share about the truth of the bible.
Also we are training the local church to bring some missions aspects. But more to that later…
I have some prayer requests:
- Please pray for the security as the situation at the moment is very heated. This last week we had two outbreaks where there have been fights with the result of two burning busses and sadly also at least one guy that has been shot by the police.
Last monday it has been the first time we couldn’t get together with the kids as there were rumors of new riots.
- I am preaching a lot so I need to have a clear sense of what God wants to share with His people in the churches and in the ministries
- My future is very open at the moment, there are many amazing opportunities but I need to really find some time to seek God about them.
- Also for some wisdom in the ways of getting round here, we are thinking about buying a motorbike but we are still unsure if is the right thing or not. It would be great if you could stay with us in prayer.
Thank you so much,
with Love
Raphael
