For those of you who are new or don’t know who I am, hello! my name is Katie, I’m 24 and have been a part of GodFirst for the past 12 years. Since I was a teenager, I have felt God calling me to go to Portuguese-speaking nations and share His love and Kingdom with those who don’t know Him yet. (That’s just a short summary, the full story is much longer!) In 2018, I moved to Fortaleza, Brazil, with Iris Global, to work in the favelas in the city. In 2019, I moved to live in the main favela where we work, and felt God directing me to live as a neighbour and friend to the people, not focusing on ministries or programs but on being present with people and following His leading each day. It’s been an adventure!! I shared about this journey at the Father’s Heart Conference in February 2020, before returning to Brazil (just before covid became a big thing). I came back to the UK for a month’s holiday in December, but ended up being “stuck” here for nearly a whole year due to borders closing and then needing to apply for a new visa! And now, I’m finally going back to Brazil….!

What happened this year?

Like the verse in 2 Peter that says “with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” - for me, my month-long Christmas holidays unexpectedly turned into a whole year!

It’s been an incredible time, a chance to spend quality time with family and friends, meet new people, connect further with people at church, process my last 2 years in Brazil, and prepare for going back. It hasn’t all been easy and there have been moments of real challenge, but I’m grateful for God’s wisdom in knowing that I needed this year, and making it possible! Even in the unexpected seasons, God will meet with us, come deeper into our lives, heal us, and reveal Himself - if we seek Him and receive how He comes to us!

So, where am I going now?

On Saturday 27th November, I’m flying to Lisbon, Portugal to spend 8 days with one of Iris’ new mission bases, Iris Lisbon. I’ve connected with the leaders there and they are full of passion for Jesus and to see God’s kingdom come in Europe! I’m really looking forward to visiting them, spending time with the missionaries there, and see what God is doing in Portugal!

*   Please pray for great connections with the people there, and that I may be an encouragement to them.

*   Please pray for the work they are doing, for provision of people and resources to be able to build the vision God has given them!

Then, on Tuesday 7th December, I’m flying from Lisbon to Fortaleza, Brazil! I’m so excited to go back and see everyone. (And who wouldn’t also be excited about going back to the sun and heat?!) I’ve really missed my friends and neighbours from the favelas, the missionaries I work with, the new friends I’ve made at church there, and other people across the city who I have met, so it will be such a joy to re-connect, see how the children have grown, and have a lot of conversation to catch up on!

When I get back, I am going to stay at the base for a few days until I can visit my house and get it all in order, and then hopefully move quickly back into the community. I don’t know exactly what my schedule will look like when I’m back, partly because December is normally busy with planning Christmas celebrations in the favelas and other end of the year things that the base does.

*   Please pray for this transition, that there will be grace for the culture shift again, and that I will know who to spend time with and when!

*   Please pray for the practical details of returning to my house (no-one has lived there all year!!)!

*   Please pray for health and energy levels to transition well, as there are many shifts: culture, language, climate, living situation, friendships etc!

4 of us missionaries are planning a trip to the Amazon in January (this was the trip that was planned for last January but got cancelled because of all the covid restrictions. How amazing that I won’t miss it after all, but can still go - just a year later!). As I know more details of what this trip will be like, I’ll update you!

*   Please pray for wisdom and clear direction as we plan this trip and the ministries we will connect with

*   Please pray for provision for the whole trip!

*   Please pray for health and protection as we go to a new area of the country 

So I’d like to finish by saying a massive THANK YOU to GodFirst, for all the encouragement, support, love, friendship, and connection that you have given me this year. From online connect groups, to coffees and meals, to the smiles and encouragement whenever I see you guys, to the joy of seeking Jesus together - you have been a really special source of refreshment to me this year, and I am so grateful to be a part of this church family. I’m excited that the post-lockdown world is so much more connected, and joining a zoom meeting or online service is a possibility now from Brazil! I’m looking forward to staying in contact and feel so blessed that God has given me the time to connect deeper in person with many of you this year!

I’d love to hear from you and stay in contact - email is the best way, as I don’t use Facebook or Instagram any more. To contact Katie, please email hello(at)godfirst.chruch and we will put you in contact.

Praying for you all, that you may be richly encouraged in Jesus.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope!” Romans 15:13

Lots of love,

Katie