March 18 – April 2, 2025

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I. Purpose:

• To explore church-planting opportunities, reconnect with past contacts, and listen for God’s direction in a spirit of discernment.

II. Key Encounters & Observations

• Lisbon:
• Suzanne (former Vineyard leader): Shared candidly about past pain in ministry and marriage.
• Beto (Brazilian worship leader): On sabbatical while seeking personal and marital healing.
• Raquel: A connection through Milton and Lu.
• Paulo’s Church Plant: Small, mostly immigrant congregation – hopeful but stretched financially.
• Joanne & Jonathan (MB missionaries): Facing deep church crisis; we sensed a meaningful, long-term connection.
• Porto (North Portugal):
• Elizangela & Michael: Reconnected with an old friend from Altamira – joyful, affirming, and possibly sensing spiritual hopefulness with our visit.
• Igreja Ponte: Spiritually vibrant church; offered support and openness to future partnership.
• Porto (North Portugal):
• Edison & wife: Vineyard church participants who relocated to Portugal; interested in being Vineyard, now hosting a home group, struggling and anxious.
• Also
• Southern Portugal (Algarve): Time of rest and discernment with Michael, Helen, and Deanna and I – felt unified and purposeful.
• National Directors (Vineyard) meetings (Milton and Lu)
• Eastern Central Portugal: Celebrated 34th wedding anniversary in a peaceful village – time to reflect and dream (Rick and Deanna)
• Sintra (Michael and Helen)
• Final Day in Lisbon: Time with Milton & Lu, Deanna & Rick – shared stories, laughter, dreams, and purpose.

III. Vision Emerging

• One Team Member’s Vision: A picture of many small fires across Portugal – new churches or missional teams.
• A Possible Starting Idea: Using a tentmaking model with 10 missionary units in 10 cities.
• Training & Support: Initial 3-6 months, retreats 3x/year, 10-year plan with opt-out points every 2 years.

IV. Key Themes & Takeaways

• Church planting in Portugal is challenging but full of promise
• Emotional and spiritual maturity are essential for navigating cultural dynamics.
• We may be witnessing the beginning of a Spirit-led movement.
• Though the journey may be long, our hearts are full of hope and possibilities.

V. Next Steps

• Pray, dream, and discern.
• What stands out to you from the trip—people, conversations, impressions, words, or emotions?
• What challenges loom large? Can they be overcome?
• What possibilities are stirring? What would it feel like to step into them?