July - August // 2026 Update
July - August // 2026
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5 - I recently preached from John 15, and this verse has stayed on my mind throughout the summer. Fruitfulness isn’t always measured by activity or numbers. Sometimes abiding in Christ means slowing down enough to invest more deeply in the people He has already placed around us. It’s also good for me to remember that HE produces the fruit.
Summer—especially August—is a slower season in Portugal. Many businesses close, families travel, and normal routines seem to pause. After an incredibly busy and productive May and June, July and August have felt much quieter. But God has reminded us that slower does not mean fruitless. Instead, He has given us opportunities to deepen relationships that have been growing since we arrived.
Ezequias and Family
Ezequias
Not long after we moved here, God laid it on my heart to take a pastry to Ezekiel, the man who works in our parking garage. Little did we know what that simple gesture would begin! Ezequias is from the Amazon, the one in Brazil, and moved to Portugal to be near his children and grandchildren. Despite a significant language barrier, he has become a dear friend and an encouragement to us. One day we noticed him reading his Bible and discovered that he is also a believer. Recently, he invited us to lunch at his home—and made sure all of his children and grandchildren were there to meet his “favorite missionaries.” We had such a sweet time with his family!
Watching the Eclipse with Paula and Bruna
Paula & Bruna
One part of Portuguese culture we have come to love is the neighborhood café. We visit ours several times a week, and those simple cups of coffee have opened the door to some of our strongest relationships here. Paula and Bruna are two servers who have become dear friends. This summer has given us more time together outside the café—including watching the eclipse together…and then sitting in three hours of traffic afterward! These ordinary moments are becoming meaningful opportunities to build trust and invest in their lives.
Please Pray:
For these relationships—that our goal would never simply be friendship, but opportunities to lovingly share the Gospel.
For our church in Montijo as extensive construction is completed. We relocated during August while a faulty ceiling was replaced and hope to be back in our building in September.
For September as our couples’ small groups resume and we move back into a fuller season of ministry.
As always, thank you for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and love. We are grateful to have you serving alongside us.
Together for the Gospel, Walking in the Spirit,
Billy & Mary
For a printable version please click here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qC2CILhikykPKCSEdU91KBG0iNMniFmN/view?usp=sharing
Montijo Auditorium Construction Project