From Heliopolis, Brazil

01/April/2007 03:15 Filed in: HG Schools | Updates from Lesley-Anne

We could not have made it without your prayerful and financial support. Thank you for Believing for His Utmost Highest for another Holy Given School; in Heliopolis, Brazil.

Life in Brazil is one adventure after another. We arrived to a nearly finished building which was completed in the first few days of the students' arrival. The fun of pioneering a new work continues!! We had 32 students, 9 of whom were from Brazil, 2 from Australia and the rest from America.

Many years ago I was about to do an outreach with friends in Brazil, and as we were praying God spoke to me about having an international missions school in the favella. I smile as I recall this, as little did I know at the time that it would be me doing it! Yet, here we are, at the conclusion of an amazing bilingual - English/Portuguese school in which the students were completely immersed in the culture of the favella. Daily the students interacted with the children and it was with great joy to see them touched by God, saved, and receiving visions! Outreaches to the community happened at least x3 a week, including Children's church, English classes and a church service at the school. People from the local community came and we watched God do what He loves to do in saving and healing. Seeds of hope have been planted and we are believing this will continue to grow until there is transformation. The students also met God and were healed both physically and emotionally. Our response of course was to lay down our lives for the Gospel.

God was faithful and brought many people along to help us run the school. Past Holy Given students, people from Pastor Dirceu's church and other ministries have assisted us. Without their help and partnerships we would not have been able to achieve what we did, to which we give thanks to God. We had the privilege of receiving input from the best. Dr Heidi Baker, with whom I have partnered for this school, came for a few days. Trina Simpson (U.K) and Paul Cull (N.Z) who both work with at-risk youth in a favella in Nova Friburgo, and more awesome Kiwis, Cindy Ruakere, Maryanne and Anita ministered with us to the students as well. We were also privileged to have anointed speakers from Brazil: Dirceu and Ricardo.

I took time out to speak at a Pastors' conference in Belle Horizonte led by Ricardo Robortella, along with Cindy and Maryanne and we were amazed at how God spoke. For me personally, I was riding a wave, at the same time I saw a wave like a tsunami - many people from Brazil - millions in fact were being sent out into the nations. This has resulted in, "Yes, Lord," and I am planning on having more Holy Given Schools in Brazil as I see Brazil is called to be a sending nation.

As a school we went to Boraceia about 4 hours from Sao Paulo near a beach town. This outreach opportunity came about because I bought a sound system for the school! A couple came into the shop which resulted in my praying for them and their business and consequently I was invited to Boraceia. We were hosted by a small, local church that I am told was quite a traditional one! It is not now, that's for sure! God ministered to the people and brought many to the Church through the worship and dance.

Students went out to the Indian reservation and met with the people there as they cooked outside on open fires - it was great. Many of their homes look like those of Africa with thatch-like material on their roofs. Our highlight at Boraceia, along with the salvations we witnessed, was water baptising the students and knowing God was smiling over us.

Our graduation was the most amazing I can remember. Cindy, Maryanne and Anita led the worhsip. Mel Tari came and preached and Luiz Schilliro, a famous Brazilian evangelist and missionary, who is now in his late 80's came and imparted to the pastors and students. God used him to bring revival to Mozambique in the late 50-60's. It was historic to see these generations of evangelists and revivalists from Indonesia and Brazil commissioning and imparting to a new generation. I was privileged as one from Aotearoa to stand with them, representing another generation touched with the fire of God.

Yes "the Lamb will receive His reward for His suffering," as they Go into the world and make disciples baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Much love in Jesus,
-Lesley-Anne Leighton