March - April 2026 // Update
In Porto - Portugal’s Second Largest City
Spring has Come!
We pray that all of you are having a wonderful spring! When we lived in Nebraska, spring always meant the end of winter and the arrival of some much-needed warmth, even if winter liked to linger a little longer. For us, it was often a season of getting things done outdoors and enjoying the change in weather. Here in Portugal, spring looks a little different, but it has been exciting to see God working in so many ways.
Couples Ministry
In March, we started back up our couples’ Bible studies at our church in Montijo. It is always amazing to see the heart the people in this church have to follow the Lord and honor Him in their marriages.
Couples Bible Study
Easter in Portugal
When you have a moment, we’d love for you to read our blog post, Easter in Portugal, at www.proclaimmissions.com/blog/easter-in-portugal. It was truly an amazing Portuguese experience.
Love our Neighbors
It has also been exciting to continue building relationships with people in our community. In March, two young ladies we have gotten to know well through our local café asked us to start meeting with them to help them with their English. We have been meeting with them weekly and have developed such a sweet friendship. They have been such an encouragement to us.
ESL Ministry
In another nearby ministry opportunity, God has allowed us to develop a wonderful friendship with a missionary couple who have served here for more than 40 years. While they are back in the States on furlough, we have been able to help lead their English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry. This has been a great blessing for us because it has allowed us to see firsthand how a ministry like this can be used to reach people, while also giving us opportunities to influence more people for Christ.
We Love Mission Trips!
At the end of April, I was able to go on a four-day mission trip to North Africa with several men from our church. God used that trip to do several things in my heart:
He gave me a greater burden to pray for people in Muslim cultures to come to Christ. My heart was especially moved for the missionaries who have devoted their lives to reaching these people.
He reminded me to be thankful for wherever God places you. Portugal can sometimes feel difficult when it comes to reaching people, but it is nothing compared to what I saw there. Even the language is much harder to learn than Portuguese—and Portuguese already makes my brain explode sometimes! Ha ha.
One of the things I have always loved most about mission trips is the relationships that are built along the way. It was a joy to deepen friendships with some of the men from our church during this trip.
Please continue to pray for us as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in our day-to-day lives. We are especially praying for His direction as we move forward with the beginning stages of New Life International Church.
Together for the Gospel, walking in the Spirit,
Billy and Mary
For a printable version please click here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ylVnyAFX1PGEj55RQZSFGow3KewwWeww/view?usp=sharing