September - October 2025 // Update
Churches 9th Anniversary Sunday - Can you find us;)
September - October // 2025
If you’re anything like me, your summer seemed to fly by! Time feels like it moves faster and faster each year. We had a wonderful summer and a great start to the fall here in Portugal. God has been faithful, and we’re thankful for the opportunities He continues to give us to serve and grow.
We knew that learning Portuguese would be a long and challenging process, and it has been! But we also prayed that God would open doors for ministry while we learned. Thankfully, many people here speak English, which has created wonderful opportunities to connect and serve.
We’ve been blessed to be involved in several areas of ministry at our church here in Montijo.
Young Adults Activity
Young Adults Ministry - Our church recently hired its first assistant pastor, and he has been such a blessing. His heart for reaching and discipling young adults is contagious. We’re so thankful that he’s invited us to be part of this ministry.
Through September and October, we’ve joined several activities with the young adults — some are not yet believers, and some are brand-new in their faith and full of questions. At one gathering, we served pizza and salad, and Mary Ann brought ranch dressing (which no one here had heard of!). She brought it for the salad, but we joked that our sons like to dip their pizza in it. Before long, everyone was putting ranch on their pizza — we may have started a new trend in Portugal!
Couples Bible Study - Back in May, we began a Bible study for couples and were amazed by how many young couples wanted to be part of it. They have such a heart to grow in God’s Word and in their marriages. We started the study back up this fall and have loved walking alongside them and seeing how God is working in their lives.
Youth Activity - This past Saturday, I had the privilege of speaking at a youth event where four churches from across Portugal came together for a day of fellowship and Bible teaching. These monthly gatherings are such a great encouragement to the young people — and to us! It’s exciting to see their hunger for truth and community.
Preaching at the Youth Activity
Relationship Blessings - Working in a country where it can take a long time to see people come to Christ can sometimes be discouraging. Recently, during one of those discouraging weeks, God seemed to pour out blessing after blessing — reminders that He is always at work.
One day, we found ourselves visiting people’s homes we had never even met before. One special visit was with the 90-year-old mother of one of our friends. Her daughter graciously interpreted for us, and we had such a sweet time together. At one point, we told her we were missionaries, and she smiled and said, “Oh, we know. Everyone in our building knows who you are and what you’re doing.” Then she added, “We love you.”That moment filled our hearts to the brim. God knew exactly what we needed that week.
Prayer Requests & Upcoming Plans - Please continue to pray for us as we love and serve the people of Portugal. In November, we’ll be traveling back to the United States for our son Shane’s wedding! It will be wonderful to celebrate with family and reconnect with friends we haven’t seen in over a year.
When we return, we’re praying and planning to start an international service at our church in Montijo. We believe this will be a powerful opportunity to reach more people on this side of the river with the hope of Jesus.
Together for the Gospel — Walking in the Spirit,
Billy & Mary
For a printable version click here:
Back To School Sunday - Please Pray For These Young People