July - Aug // 2025 Update — Proclaim Missions

July - Aug // 2025

It’s always amazing, as we prepare these updates, to look back on the last two months and reflect on all that God has done in our lives. He continues to be so good to us, and we are truly thankful and blessed that He has allowed us to serve here in Portugal.

Experiencing Our First Summer

We are enjoying our very first summer in Portugal! July was especially busy as we helped our church host a visiting missions team from Tennessee. It was a joy to serve on this side of the experience, having been on the other side many times before.

37 Years of Camp

That’s right—this summer marked 37 years of attending camp for me! Some of those years were as a camper, but most have been as a leader. This year was unique in that we were able to see how God is using camp ministry here in Portugal. Many years ago, a couple of churches came together to provide a camp for their young people. Today, that effort has grown and we were blessed to be part of it.

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for camp. It was encouraging to see that what God is doing in America, He is also doing around the world. It may look different, but the goal is the same: to see young people’s lives shaped and drawn closer to Jesus.

New Ministry Involvement

As we’ve spent time learning the language and culture, we’ve also been eager to serve in new ways. In May we began leading a couples’ Bible study, which will resume again this October. God has also opened the door for us to work with the young adults in our church. The group here is diverse—some have walked with the Lord for many years, some are new believers, and others are still exploring faith. We are grateful that God is allowing us to walk alongside them in their journey.

A Praise!

After quite an adventure, I finally received my residency card! This is the last step in our immigration process. Mary Ann received hers back in May, but mine came just this past week. It wasn’t without challenges, but praise the Lord—we are now both official residents of Portugal.

Prayer Requests

Pray for us as we continue learning the language.
Pray for God’s guidance in our ministries and in the relationships we are building.
Pray that we will make the most of every opportunity to point people to Jesus, and that the Holy Spirit will be working in their hearts.

Once again, thank you so much for your love, prayers, and partnership.

With love,

Billy & Mary

For a Printable link please click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bl4OYEgmuUNRFRDlBoHpEAChoGU6swWN/view?usp=sharing

July - Aug // 2025 Update