| From the North Atlantic coast to a fireplace in a new friend’s home… Portugal offered us beauty, surprises, and holy moments. Come and see. |
| Elizangela, Micael, and Noah: A Story Comes Full CircleWhen we moved to Altamira in 1996, our first Vineyard services took place in our garage. We’d back our truck onto the street, sweep away the Amazon mud, set out benches, and worship.Elizangela was just 11 or 12 when she first came. Now, nearly thirty years later, we met again—this time in Porto, Portugal.She and her husband Micael invited us into their home. That’s rare here. We were honored.Micael, who isn’t yet a believer, initiated the invitation. He bought Portugal’s signature sandwiches—each with gravy to pour over the top—and we shared a wonderful meal. His mother joined us at the table.Before leaving, we prayed for the whole family. Micael welcomed it.And yes—we found our first working fireplace! After wind, rain, and bone-chilling fog, it was a gift.Can you see the joy? |
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| Micael and his family accepted prayer as we left. |
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| Braga: A Trucker, a Church, and God’s Quiet Work We visited a homegroup in Braga, near Porto, hosted by Edson—a former Vineyard member from Brasília. Now, he’s a long-haul trucker, driving across Spain, France, Germany, and more. He’s gone 15 days, home for two. And on those precious weekends, they gather and pray. People shared their stories: A woman waiting to be reunited with her daughter in Brazil A mother grieving her husband and caring for a hospitalized child A husband who works in Spain 45 days at a time We were humbled. So many stories. So much quiet courage. And we saw again how Jesus is already present in people’s stories—often before they realize it. |
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| A Healthy Church in Porto We visited a church planted by South African missionaries—the only Christian group on this trip that felt like a healthy, multiplying church. They told us, “Portugal is vast. The church is small. We can’t do this alone. If there’s any way we can help you start something here, let us know. Here’s my WhatsApp.”Before the service, we joined them in a large circle for pre-service prayer. During the service, the children gave every man a “medal”—a piece of chocolate and a blessing. Each Sunday, small groups take turns hosting a coffee and breakfast bar. People love the fellowship so much that they say, “We have trouble starting worship!” So now they begin by praying up front—and the people slowly drift to their seats. One wall holds a Bible timeline. They study one book each month, and QR codes link to Bible Project videos. So good! |
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| Reflection: What Do You Want From God? David’s finest years came when he was in over his head—dependent, surrendered, servant-hearted. But in 2 Samuel 11, David had power. Freedom. Options. And he began to grasp. To control. To take. And God said:“…if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these” (2 Sam 12:8). God’s heart was broken. David had taken what God was willing to give freely. One Lesson: Don’t grasp for what God already wants to give. It’s the same mistake Adam and Eve made in the garden. How do we keep failing the ancient test? One Small Question: What more might God have given David? One Big Question: What is it that you want from God? Are you tempted to grab it, or will you trust Him to give in His time, His way? We have something David didn’t: his story. And in it, we see the tender, patient heart of our loving, lavishly generous God.Your thoughts? |
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