God In The Ordinary: Peter Thomas

God In The Ordinary

Have you had your heart broken by the things that break God's heart? Have you felt the Holy Spirit leading you to do something in reponse to that? Have you answered that call? That's the story behind how - and where - this week's guest has been serving God for over 20 years. Peter Thomas serves with international mission agency YWAM (Youth With A Mission) as Director of their ministry in Fortaleza, Brasil. But Peter's story started when he was just 13, when his heart was broken by a 'God encounter' in Mexico. Peter shares his journey from then to how he serves God now; tells us about his early work in Brasil with street kids - and of the heartbreak that accompanied that at times. Also known as JOCUM Fortaleza, Peter talks of the work they do now and its focus on mobilizing and training missionaries and its goal to reach families, communities and unprivileged groups. Using a fishing analogy, Peter shares some practical tips about 'cause and effect' - if we constantly meet similarly effected people, perhaps we shoud look 'upstream' as to what is causing that effect, and work to reveal God into those places and situations to bring about change. He has also just published his first book, To Climb A Mountain (River Birch Press), with two more books due soon. Peter's emotional response to the situations he's encountered, and how his heart can be affected by the Holy Spirit, is clear to hear. Some of his experiences of serving God in Brasil over the years have been painful and the situations traumatic. This might be upsetting to some, so listener discretion is advised.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito