Author: Katya

Brazil has been having some challenging weeks but in some ways these difficulties are lessening. For instance, the strike that caused the nation to come to a complete stand-still, finally subsided and it seems as though life is normalizing. However, there are still various acts of rebellion happening. Recently, 60 or more buses were set on fire in Belo Horizonte (empty buses), there are continued protests, and even a break-in to a government building. The glorious part of all of this is that Jesus is still the king of our lives and this nation.

Yet, I quote Paul: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Yes, when God is for us, whom shall we fear?

I ask for continued prayer as this nation is facing these current difficulties but also that you would rejoice with me because God is doing a new thing even in these moments of hardship!

The other day at church, Jesus was so clearly in our midst. People were crying on the floor, weeping as they felt His heart. As we worshipped Him, it felt like He was playing the instruments and singing with us. It was like a spring of water to souls that had been walking through the desert. How glorious to know God will never abandon us and is here! The pastor spoke recently that often we pray and feel nothing, but God hears us, whether we feel Him or not. Let us rejoice in this! Let us praise Him not because He answers our prayers but because He hears us and is with us.

Also friends, on another topic, I’ve completely procrastinated in sharing some exciting events happening in my life. Here are some updates:

1. My album has officially been released! From age 13 I have been composing piano pieces, and it’s unbelievable that years later this dream has been realized — I am still pinching myself! For the longest, I was absolutely terrified to record these compositions; I doubted anyone would want to listen to it. Though they are without words, these pieces are personal, intimate, telling of my journey I’ve been on with God. To me, sharing this with the world, is equivalent to taking my soul into my hands and allowing others to see what I hold within my palms. It’s true, a part of your soul goes into things you create. However, the Lord told me these songs were not given to me to keep to myself, but to share with others.
   Friends, here I am in vulnerability, sharing this music and praying it would inspire you and allow you to dream, imagine, and walk in a deeper intimacy with God.
   Here’s the link to the album: katyarichter.hearnow.com
2. As you know, these past six months I’ve been teaching English to children in Brazil and absolutely loving it. It’s always been my dream to live abroad as a missionary, and through God’s grace I have, but surprisingly this fulfilled desire has birthed a new dream/vision within me. I want to continue to work with children, teaching them English. I’ve decided to return to school to get a Masters in Teaching International Languages, with an emphasis in teaching English as a second language. The school I’ve applied for has accepted me and I begin my first semester in August! It’s been a whirlwind of change, yet as unexpected as it is to me, I know God was not caught unaware. He knew all these things would take place during this time in Brazil. I believe in some way He was setting me up! Of course, this means a big hug and kiss good-bye to the country and people I’ve fallen in love with. Sometimes, life is bittersweet in this way.
   My dream is to teach English to women and children in foreign lands and in my own country. I especially desire to help those who are seeking a better opportunities in life, but need to speak English as a way to open the door for their future. We’ll see where God takes me, but this is a dream of mine!
3. Lastly, following the decision to return to school was the decision to return home sooner than originally planned. If you can believe it, I am writing this post at the airport in Texas. I’ve been feeling for about a month it was time for me to go home, but I dismissed the idea as nothing more than a case of homesickness. It wasn’t until speaking with some close people in my life that God confirmed with me it was time to return. This week, I’ve said tearful good-byes, been prayed for by my wonderful Brazilian friends and family, and have been continuously blessed with love and kindness. Gratitude doesn’t begin to describe the state of my heart — I’m utterly overwhelmed with the goodness of God. What began as a mission to learn Portuguese has become a mission of following Jesus to places I’ve not ventured before. It was a mission of, at times, giving unconditional love and receiving love unrequited, learning the hardships of life as a foreigner (a topic which I’d like to expand upon), and discovering faith is not a feeling nor a heightened experience but a daily choice to trust God despite all that we see, feel and are experiencing. It has also been a mission of understanding the transforming love of God, remembering obedience to God is the pathway to freedom, and learning that sharing life with others can be the most wonderful, fun, challenging, sometimes hurtful but often healing, surprising experience. I would be lying if I said I enjoyed every minute, but I can definitely say God was with me and I learned through all of it.This is not really good-bye, just a “see you later”.

Thank you again for all your prayers and support. Often, especially the hard days, I would remember you all are praying for me and it would give me such comfort to know you all were, in a sense, with me on my journey. I hope to see some of you soon!

May God give you grace to run this race, strength when days are grey, courage to face all things, fire from the Holy Spirit, faith in Christ Jesus, and absolute peace as you rest in the Father’s hands.

God bless you!

Till the next adventure,

Katya

This morning, I woke-up to the sound of a bird singing outside my window. Last night, I went to bed worried, praying for direction, praying for this nation, and desiring to hear the voice of God in this chaos. The lungs of this little bird brought forth music, and within its sound, I clearly heard the voice I’d been seeking. God whispered in my ear:

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet I feed them. Are you not of more value than they, daughter?

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and I know that you need them all. But seek first My Kingdom and My righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Therefore, my love, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Adapted from Matthew 6

After almost a week of uncertainty as Brazil faces a political crisis, these simple but powerful words of truth were sweeter than honey to my soul. Yes, there is no anxiety in God’s perfect love.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6

The Trucker’s Strike

As of Wednesday, May 21st there has been a strike here in Brazil. The truckers (mostly private contractors) and a union called Abcam have come together to demand the government lower costs in diesel fuel, an exemption from certain toll fees, and if I understand correctly, a legal reform regarding truckers. The government did not respond to their threats, so now trucks have blocked roads across the nation, as they await for the government to yield to their demands. Some have even burned their tires so they will not be moved.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in a shortage of gasoline, food, and medical supplies since the deliveries are not being made. Over 600 flights have been canceled due to lack of fuel. In my city, the effects of this grave situation are being felt. Many shelves are empty in the supermarket, cars are running on fumes, and every day there are more and more protetests or demonstrations on the streets.

The Response

The government has sent special police units to the blockades, and are successfully making progress, with threats to fine the truckers R$100,000 reis (about $30,000 US dollars) per hour if they refuse to clear the roads. Many truckers have moved, to make way for gasoline trucks and medical supplies but others continue to resist. For fifteen days, there will be negotiations discussed between the truckers and the government, but as I understand, no official agreement has been made.

Many of the people here support the strike, believing this is a step in the right direction towards a better Brazil, while others are less optimistic. Some are worried the government could turn, and the country could be in serious danger, like what happened to Venezuela.

The church is coming together and we are in prayer for this nation. Even so, at the church meeting tonight, there was a heavy feeling in the room. Less than half the band was able to make it, and very few people were there – a solemn reminder of the situation outside of our walls. Yet, as we began to sing to our Lord, our hearts went from a place of grief to relief. God is in control.

 

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 62: 1-2

 

Friends, I ask you to join us in prayer for Brazil at this time. None of us are sure when the situation will be resolved, but we can only help one another in this time and keep our faith and focus in Christ. Hope is alive, my friends. For Christ is the foundation on which we stand.

Till the next adventure,
Katya

When I first arrived here in Brazil, I wondered about my purpose. The only direction I had was to settle into this community and learn Portuguese. I have faithfully attended my school, but there have been times of doubt, or desire to do more for those around me. Through this journey, the Lord has taught me patience, trust, and learning how to be faithful with what I’ve been given. Most days, small steps are all I take, but then there are surprising moments when God asks me to be brave and walk by faith. That’s when I realize, all these small steps are in truth, steps of preparation. God always prepares us for what He asks of us.

Beginning to Paint

About four years ago, I started painting. Many of you may not know my story, but for a time I was struggling with an auto-immune disease that often kept me in my room. One day, with nothing to do, I decided I wanted to paint. I pulled out my Crayola watercolor set, found a piece of paper and started to blend colors. I wasn’t sure if what I was doing was correct, only that I was supposed to be doing it. You see, I often feel close to God when I am creating and at this moment, it felt like the Lord was painting with me.

Though I’ve never had classes in painting, I’ve loved it and especially, loved how God has used these little pieces of art to bless others. There are times when I’ve seen a friend is feeling down or someone is in need of encouragement and I’ll hear a little whisper from the Lord, “Why don’t you give this picture to them?” or “Why don’t you make this painting for them?” I am no professional, and most of the time I wonder if my paintings differ so much from those of a child, but what I do know is this: God can use anyone to do anything. God has used these pictures to bless others, and I am blessed to be part of it. Little did I know, those small steps of obedience back home would prepare me for my time here.

Dreaming in the Storm

Last month, I began teaching English at my school. It’s all very exciting. So far, I’ve really loved teaching, and I especially love the children I teach. However, with the change of schedule and the change of weather, my body began feeling sick a couple weeks ago. I won’t go into all the details of my journey, but in summary, I came down with something like bronchitis, ended up getting the wrong medicine, but when I got the right medicine, I had an allergic reaction. Let me tell you, it’s been quite an adventure, but thankfully, I am on the mend.

Still, God can make something good out of anything, even this. While I was sick, in the midst of the storm, the Lord gave me a dream of one of the teachers at my school. When I woke-up, the Lord told me to paint that dream for her. Now, I had no idea what the dream meant, but this the small step God asked of me. I painted, as best I could of what I saw, and then prayed and asked the Lord for the interpretation. The next morning, I woke up to a text from this teacher offering to take me to the doctor to pick-up the new medicine. It was no coincidence. Soon after, the Lord began to speak to me about this painting and what it meant. Once I realized what it was about, I was so scared!

You see, this teacher recently lost her father, only a couple months ago and she lost her mom a few years back. This painting was about them and about her. I had so much doubt. What if I heard God incorrectly? What if it upsets her? What if I’ve gotten it all wrong? Not to mention, her brother is an artist, and I couldn’t possibly compare in talent to him.

Such little faith I had… I almost didn’t bring it with me.

Learning to Trust

After the hospital visit, I hesitantly pulled out the folder with both the painting and interpretation. I told her I had a dream, I knew it was from God, and I painted what I saw for her. “I really hope it blesses you,” I said. It was my 20 seconds of bravery but then I went home, worrying and wondering what she thought about it.

Suddenly, the Lord said, “JUST TRUST ME! It is not about whether she approves or disapproves, only that you obeyed Me. Your mission is not to be approved by others, but to follow Me. Don’t worry, Beloved. She is in my hands.”

He was right. I did need to just trust Him. The next day, do you know what happened? I received a text saying how much she cried tears of joy from this picture and the words I wrote. She wanted to know more about the dream and she said it was all so beautiful.

Friends, God is good. He knows her, He knows me, and He knows you.

I am always amazed at the mysterious ways God works, but one thing is certain: God does not fail and when He asks us to walk by faith, He is faithful.

I have a final story to share. A couple months ago, God also asked me to make this little color pencil sketch for the director of our school with a bible verse on it, and you know what? It’s hanging in the main office of the school now. He didn’t know if it was a poem or what but he said he really liked it. Isn’t God just full of surprises?

So yes, I am studying Portuguese and now, teaching English and most days, I am either studying or preparing for a lesson but God is teaching me in the midst of it. I’m learning to trust Him completely, to not worry so much, and to be present where He has me. As He said, my mission isn’t to be approved by others, nor is it to save the world, but it is to follow Him. That’s exactly what I hope to do. Thankfully, His ways are always good… and might I add, quite colorful.

Till the next adventure,
Katya

 

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” – 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Hey Friends,

Today, I’d like to update you on a couple of things going on in Brazil at the moment.

The Yellow Fever Outbreak

First, there’s recently been an outbreak of yellow fever! Yikes. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this disease, it’s not spread by human contact or airborne. Infected mosquitos transmit yellow fever from person to person, monkey to monkey or monkey to person. It’s not always fatal, but can be quite dangerous. Since the beginning of this year, there have been hundreds of cases of yellow fever throughout certain states in Brazil, and of the cases, about 33% have died. My state especially has had a high number of outbreaks.

Crazy enough, the day before I was meant to get a vaccine, I was bit five times by two mosquitos (which I later killed).

My first thought: Seriously? I just got here. I hope those mosquitos didn’t have yellow fever.

My second thought: Wait. OH NO, Yellow Fever! In the name of Jesus, you are not going to infect me! I’ve got too much work to do.

I wish that were the end of it, but honestly, it was tough that day. I had to fight fear the whole day. I’ve never been in this situation before where the fear of death was so close. Thoughts kept coming to me like, “Watch out for symptoms. This disease is in you. You’ll probably die from it too because your immune system is weak.” But I fought them and said, “No! No! No! I will not die. This is a lie,” and I searched my bible to find the truth.

Inside, I found two incredibly encouraging scriptures: Psalm 91 and Psalm 121. I’ve read them before but never had I experienced it like this…

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” -Psalm 91:1-7

“The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:5-8

Friends, I’m thankful for God and His truth. Even if it had been my time, God reminded me He is with me, and my security is in Him, not my body’s strength to fight infection, but my faith only in God. So that day, I put my body in His hands and said to Him, “Lord, have your way.”

I’m alive this week and do not have yellow fever. Praise the Lord; I still have a purpose here on earth. Plus, I was able to get vaccinated for free! 🙂

This all leads me to wonder what people are going through who do not have faith. What do you do when such a scary situation comes, and you have no anchor? I can imagine the fear because it came to me too, but the only difference was, I had a sword with me, the word of God, which can pierce lies and speak life. Where is their weapon? Where is their hope? Lord, open the eyes of the unbelievers and turn their hearts to their Savior!

Carnaval: Feast of Flesh

Second, Carnaval begins a week from today. Carnaval is a huge national holiday here in Brazil that lasts for about five days. Almost everything closes down, and people either go on vacation or join the street celebrations. All around the country (especially in major cities) the streets are packed with people, parading down the road to Brazilian funk music or samba and dancing and drinking the whole day. Carnaval comes from the Latin word carne (meat or flesh) and vale (ball or feast), in other words, “Feast of Flesh.”

It’s a holiday where anything and everything goes.

Today, I went to the store and came back to a stream of people on my street, already pre-partying for Carnaval. It’s quite unfortunate, but I happen to live on street-level in the middle of the city so you can imagine when I tell you my room was literally shaking from all the music and people. And this was only the pre-party!

Honestly, on a spiritual level, when I was walking from the store it felt like I was about to encounter a beast.

Many Christians here will go to the streets and take this opportunity to evangelize and minister to people, and it’s incredible. I heard a girl recently tell stories about people coming to know God last year. She said one young man told her, “I can’t believe it. Even during Carnaval, God is meeting me here.” There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35), even the Feast of Flesh.

For myself, I have been praying for a couple of months for God to show me what He wants me to do during Carnaval. As beautiful as evangelism sounded to me, I wanted to be wise. It can be quite dangerous at this time because of the number of intoxicated people, and I heard it’s safer to do this kind of ministry in larger groups. Even so, if God told me to speak to the people, I would go. However, I have been still because God has not told me to do this. Instead, what I felt to do was go to a friend’s house, and we are going to pray together from her place during the days of Carnaval. So don’t worry about me, friends, but please pray with us for Brazil.

Recently, I’ve felt I’m on the front lines of battle. If you are a prayer warrior, an intercessor, a child of God, I ask you to pray for Brazil. She needs it.

Thank You So Much

I want to say a huge thank you for reading this post, though it’s different from other posts. As you know, I have shared some fun stories here, but today I felt it was necessary to give you an update on what is happening in the country. It’s a war, but God is also doing wondrous things.

Last year, during the first weeks I came to Brazil, I went to this place high on a hill that overlooked the entire city. I sat down, prayed and you know what God told me? “This city is in My hands.”

Friends, nothing is outside God’s control. Nothing is too great for Him. He is the God who holds cities, nations, and oceans in His hands. Whom shall we fear? If God is for us, who can be against us?

For your story, remember this too. God is in control. Let us put our faith in Him and only Him.

Till the next adventure,
Katya

 

p.s. I created a page here called “Pray” and on this page I add prayer requests and prayers answered. If you are ever wondering how to pray for Brazil and I these days, be sure to take a look at this page. 😉

I call them Baby Bees. My kitchen has an open space on one wall, without screens, like a neon welcome sign for the fuzzy creatures who live in this concrete jungle. Every morning, unless it’s raining, I am always warmly greeted by a little bee as I go to the kitchen to make breakfast. “Good morning, Baby Bee!” I call, as he buzzes around looking for something sweet to pollinate. I eat as he wanders, exploring my kitchen. Soon, he leaves to do his work and waving good-bye, I go to do mine. This is my morning.

I’ve been here a little more than a month, and it’s been fun. My grandma and my mom were here for December, helping me to settle-in but also, getting a sense of the lifestyle here. My grandma was welcomed to speak and minister to small groups, churches, and pray one-on-one with some families here. So far we have heard everyone was blessed, loved and so encouraged by the words God gave to her for them. She became quite the missionary here! I loved it.

Small Group Ministry Time

One family, in particular, had a unique part to play in the opportunities opened for her. It’s the family of a close friend of mine here. She and her brother welcomed my grandma to speak at their last small group meeting for the year. She spoke the words God gave her, and it was dynamite. She invited people to come if they wanted prayer and everyone who asked for prayer, received so much more from God. It was especially beautiful because it ended up being my mom, grandma and I praying and ministering together for each person that came forward. What a gift to individually be used by God, but even more so to have the three of us together to pray for people.

And God provided a translator!

During the trip, my family said they were grateful for my translating skills, humorous as it was (Me: “I think the pastor said someone died and something was finished.” Grandma: “Katya, I think he’s talking about Jesus.“), but I was praising God He sent a real translator for this occasion. A girl came for the first time to the small group, and she knew English fluently. She offered to translate for my grandma and faithfully, without complaint, translated for three hours for her, my mom and I as we prayed. What a beautiful, sweetheart!

The host family (who opens their home every week for the young adults to have this small group) were also encouraged at the end.

After those three hours, it was midnight. Everyone else had a chance to eat while we prayed, but we stayed on our feet, just drinking water, and God sustained us. Once people left, the wife stayed up and served us homemade cake and Quiche. Then, my grandma talked with them, prayed with them and confirmed things for them. They cried, and it was a holy moment to witness the love of God being poured out upon them.

Friends, that was only one night during their time here.

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods, in whose hand are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are His also. the sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land. come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.”
Psalm 95:1-7

House of Prayer & The Leg Miracle

The translator invited us to a House of Prayer meeting the next week, and the pastor welcomed my grandma on stage, and she ended up giving a powerful prophetic word to the people. I had brought my viola with me and was playing with the team on stage when my grandma came up. Originally during worship, I was playing in a corner where only Jesus could hear me (haha), but then the music quieted down, and suddenly, others could hear me too. The translator was singing with the band and came down and asked if I could go up and play with them. I was so nervous, but God said to me, “Katya, you are just playing to Me, with your brothers and sisters. Don’t worry.” I really had a great time. How many girls can say they get to be on stage with their grandma and be ministers for the Lord in a foreign land?! God is so fun!

Another beautiful testimony is when my same friend invited us to have dinner at her family’s home.

Her family made a beautiful meal for us, they gave us Christmas presents, and we laughed about adventures God has had us all go through. Near the end, my family and I ended up praying for them, and it was precious. My mom encouraged my friend’s mom. Grandma encouraged my friend. Then her brother specifically asked if we could pray for his leg because one was shorter than the other and it caused him pain in his body.

We sat him down on a chair, lifted his legs so we could see which was shorter. Then, we prayed for a minute. Do you know God grew his leg, right there in his living room? Friends, what an incredible gift God gave to this young man! He couldn’t believe God actually did it. He kept moving it around and feeling his leg. Jesus healed him!

Those were all incredible moments, but every day wasn’t like this. Typically, I would have breakfast with the bees then go to my mom and grandma’s place after school, and the three of us spent time together. We got stuck in the rain together, took Portuguese classes together, talked about God, met up with people, explored the city – that kind of thing. I would often remind myself to soak up this time because it’ll probably be months before I see my mom and at least a year till I see my grandma again. I was grateful they were able to visit my city here and see how life is lived here, for better or for worse, and bless these people God loves so much.

Alone, But Not Really Alone

Now, they are back home, and I’m currently on holiday, alone, enjoying my restful time with the Lord. The same family who made dinner for us, whom I so love and adore, invited me to go on vacation with them. Next week, we are leaving for 8 days to my friend’s aunt’s country home, where we will rest, pray, enjoy nature and maybe even go for a swim. I’m so excited and blessed. Who thought that by coming here to serve others, they would in turn come and bless me?

As I always say, what I love about being a Christian is that I can go anywhere in the world and I always have a family. We are united by our faith in Jesus, across cultures, across languages, and across lands. All because of Jesus.

 “Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.”
1 Samuel 12:24

Lord, I thank you for what you did in the year 2017, the big miracles and the small, the lessons you taught me and the ways you have loved me. I am grateful to you and your love for the people here. Thank you for speaking through my grandma, mom and I and using us to do your will. I know it’s not because we are worthy, but because of your grace. You are wonderful, and I pray you would have your way in our lives this year. We surrender this year to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Till the next adventure,
Katya

p.s. I’ve finished painting the cover for my music album! Praise God. The Lord helped me through every part of it. I need to work on adding all the graphics to create the real, digital cover, but it’s getting there! I’ll keep you all updated.

After two months at home, I have returned to Brazil! It’s so nice to be back here.

I live in a different part of the city than before and praise God, I am able to walk to my school. My mom helped me to organize my room and get all settled here so I can just focus on school. My classes are going well. There are times when I think, “How in the world am I going to speak this language?” and then moments when I remember God’s Spirit is greater than my knowledge or understanding.

Last week, I was having some feelings of disappointment. I felt disappointed in myself for not doing more, like the people in the bible. I shared this with my mom and she reminded me how God had spoken to me only to come to this country for a year and study the language. She said, “If you do more than what He has instructed you to do right now, you will be outside of His perfect will. You can only do what He’s asked you to do.”

She’s right.

“Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
John 5:19

At the moment, I am learning Portuguese. This is His command and it’s what I will do until He says something else. I’m waiting on God. I don’t know what will come next, but I know He is with me.

Although, on Sunday, God surprised me. There was a girl sitting in front of me at church and I couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling of God’s love for her. The Lord wanted me to share this with her and I did, and I told her how special she was to God, and some other things God was showing me about her. The amazing thing about it is that I said this entire message in Portuguese.

I went home and was writing about it in my journal and when I realized that God spoke through me in Portuguese to bless someone here, I started to weep. It’s not the first time God has spoken through me in Portuguese, but every time it happens I am in awe that God is answering my prayer. I still remember the trip a few years ago when I came to Brazil and barely could speak. I remember feeling God’s love for people and having no words to tell them what He was showing me. I remember this year, on this last trip, and how frustrated I became because I felt useless as I tried to understand and speak and failed over and over again. O how I prayed, “Please Jesus, help me to know this language to speak to your people!”

God seemed to use me despite my shortcomings, but I thought about how much more useful I could be if I only I was fluent.

Then on Sunday, this miracle happen. God spoke a message through me in Portuguese. Even though, I’m not fluent, and I don’t know all the grammar, He used what I had. Even to know I can speak more now than I used to, I praise God.

I have hope!

There’s a reason Jesus and I are here on this adventure. It’s a time of preparation, but even now, God is glorified in my weakness. This little shy California girl in Brazil and she is speaking Portuguese to strangers?! Oh yes. It’s only through God.

Studying this language feels like sewing seeds. It’s a lot of hard work, takes time, but one day the harvest will come from the seeds. I don’t know when or how but one thing I know about God is He is a farmer. He knows the seasons, when it’s time to sow and when it’s time to reap.

One day, I’m going to know Portuguese so well I’m going to be able to preach in this language!

I believe with all my heart because God said it. I’m not going to master Portuguese because I’m super smart and languages come easy to me. Not at all! It’s because God is faithful and He is with me. It’s because God said to me, “Daughter, I want you to go to Brazil for one year and learn Portuguese.” Friends, if He has told me to do it, He will give me grace as I learn, He will encourage me when I feel like giving up, and He will supernaturally speak when I can’t remember the words.

I have hope because God is with me in this journey.

Ah, but did I mention it’s a lot of work? 🙂

Fifteen hours a week of Portuguese, friends. Oh Lord help me! But it’s amazing to know that God is not reliant on our natural abilities for Him to use us. He can use us despite ourselves! Praise God. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.

I pray you would continue to do what God has asked of you to do, nothing more and nothing less. I pray you wouldn’t compare yourselves to others (or biblical characters haha) but would find joy in your journey with Jesus. I pray you would know God loves you, you are wonderfully made, and that God has a plan and purpose for you even if you don’t see it yet.

Be encouraged. There is hope!

Till the next adventure,
The Seed Planter

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11

 

I enjoy writing in a journal. I’ve been doing it since I was 12 years old. I used to love to write to God, write about what I’m going through, the events in my life, the things God would speak to me and everything else in-between. However, earlier this year I had a case of writer’s block, and there were months where I couldn’t write in my journal.

Part of me was tired of writing about the day-to-day and using my journal as a therapist to process my emotions. It got to a point when I didn’t think it was helping me become closer to God; instead, it was affirming a habit of complaining and staying focused on the issues going on in my life.

I didn’t know how to write any other way, so I stopped writing altogether.

On June 15th, something changed in my heart. God had done such wonders in the week prior and in that day where I felt it was imperative to document it. Except for this time, all I wrote was: What God Has Done.

Ever since then, whenever I journal, this is all I write – testimonies and praises of the one true living God.

I have a new love for writing in my journal.

Recently, I had a birthday party/mission sharing party at my house. I shared with family and friends what God did on this last trip to Brazil. One of my Brazilian friends was there (I’m going to call her Abby). She is the same one I stayed with for a week and where we ministered to prostitutes, spent time with girls rescued from the streets, and I spoke at her church… read the post here! She shared with me what God did after I left and I want to share with you. I want to share with you what God has done since my time in Brazil.

What God Has Done:

1. Provided a way for the couple, the same ones who are ministering to the prostitutes in Abby’s city, to have a home to shelter the girls and women on the streets. They are now able to provide shelter for these women and a safe place for them!
2. Through this home, brought one of the girls (the first girl Abby and I prayed with!) to this SAFE place and she is no longer in prostitution but is currently undergoing counseling. God has given this girl courage to leave and go to a place of healing. She has hope for her future.
3. Healed a woman Abby and I prayed for at the hospital. She was dying of cancer and has had so many people praying for her. She’s been living at the hospital for two years with her 4-year old son and husband. A few weeks ago, Abby received news that God healed the woman completely!
4. Brought a housemate to me who will stay at my place while I am away in Brazil. She is a family friend, who was recently diagnosed with cancer and wants a place to rest, heal and have time with God. Fun fact: she is the one who held me first when I came into the world because my mama was squeezing my grandma’s hand. 🙂 I have been praying and asking God for someone to stay here while I’m gone, and it has ended up being a woman who is practically family. I love this woman; she’s like a second grandma and God gave us this opportunity to be a blessing to each other. She will be healed!
5. Gave me time to begin recording some of my instrumental music at a studio, while I’m here in the States. It’s music God has given to me since I was a teenager and God has always told me to share it with others. Last Christmas my mom and step-dad gave me a gift certificate for studio time, but I haven’t had time until now to begin. It’s exciting! I hope to share some of the music here.

My journal has more testimonies of what God has done, but these are some extra beautiful ones that I thought you would enjoy hearing. I’m here for another 20 days then it’s back to Brazil! I have had a sweet time at home with my friends and family, but I’m not taking it for granted. I know this time at home with these beautiful people are a gracious gift from God. I’m thankful for every minute.

Thank you for reading my stories and praying with me on this journey. I am so excited for all that God does every day. I’ll be sure to share more stories as I go.

Till the next adventure,
Katya