GATS Brazil Trip – Part 1

Life-Defining & Life-Changing Trip

Three weeks ago, I came back from my first overseas mission/ministry trip. I went to Brazil through Global Awakening. It was a special trip, only for seminary students and faculty at Global Awakening Theological Seminary (GATS).

In the mornings, we had off, or optional outreach. I needed rest. I had just recovered from a month-long bout of the flu. I had only two weeks to get into whatever physical condition I could before I left.

Unfortunately, I became ill at the end of the trip, but by the grace of God, got home safely and have been recovering from bronchitis and a few related complications. I can’t hear well (again), smell is diminished (which is really something different for me, because my sense of smell has always been very strong). And I lost my voice. For two weeks, I couldn’t speak at all above a whisper. But I know that vocal cords are muscles, and they need to be used, albeit very carefully right now. I can now speak a couple of sentences in a very hoarse voice, but I’ll take it.

When I was in elementary school, (I don’t remember what grade), I lost my voice for a whole winter into the spring, three or four months. My teacher was told not to call on me unless I raised my hand, because I couldn’t talk above a whisper. I’ll never forget the day when my voice totally returned. I proudly raised my hand. I knew the answer to the question, and I wanted my teacher to know my voice had returned. She rejoiced with me.

I must say, however, even though I’ve been ill, the Holy Spirit has been very close. I felt Him hover over me the whole first week I was home. The second week, I still felt Him very close, and He was downloading things to my spirit, and I feverishly tried to get those things written down in my journal.

Next time, some of the wonderful healings I saw.