Day 5 - Ministry with the Churches

Today began in typical Portuguese fashion: at the café with coffee and pastries. We got to sit in on the Ekk’s missionary coffee group.

After breakfast, the women (MaryLyn, Elizabeth, Sheryl, Dani and I) then headed to Massama to work with some of the church women sorting clothing donated to them for those in need. We sorted through the mountain of bags, kept the usable items, and separated by gender, season, and type. They are now folded and waiting in new, plastic bins on the shelves we built the other day we were all at Massama working ready for anyone to come and peruse. It was great to be able to work alongside our sisters and learn a few new Portuguese words, miming the rest and managing to understand each other.

While the women were off faithfully serving the Lord alongside fellow Portuguese believers, we men (James, Steve and I) were called to serve God in a different fashion: we gathered with a variety of men from three of the MB church plants to fellowship, hear challenges from both Steve and Otto, and eat a ton of meat! Since we are attempting to be very culturally sensitive while we are here, we decided to pig out with our brother’s in Christ, during which time we were able to connect relationally and witness to a significant ministry opportunity for the MB churches here in Portugal. This intergenerational and intercultural group of men does not often take the opportunity to gather like this, but hope to continue in the future.

In the afternoon, the men and women met up and we got to see a little more of Portugal led by “Joe”, a native MB ministry worker here. We drove up the coast and were struck again by the beauty and diversity of this country and its people.

We’ve had a couple of full days, but the team continues to exhibit passion and energy heading into our second week in Lisbon. Tomorrow we will worship in 3 of the churches - 11:00 a.m. at the African church, 2:00 p.m. at Massima (Portuguese church), and 5:00 p.m. at Lores (Portuguese church). James will preach at the first and third services. Members of our team will share their testimonies at each service.

By the way, Dani Dickie is blogging daily at her personal site. Click the link on the right.

Mary & Phil, for the team

PS Grant Jones-Wiebe has been sick with a sinus infection and has missed the first 3 days of ministry (which is why he hasn't been in any pictures yet), but is back at full health and will join us tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers! He will be sharing his story at the African church at 11:00 a.m.

Pic #1 - NFC and Portuguese women sorting clothes

Pic #2 - Sheryl with the pile of clothes to be sorted

Pic #3 - Myra and Marjorie (missionaries) preparing lunch for the men's event

Pic #4 - Diggin' in - now that is a lot of meat! (5 different kinds)

Pic #5 - Pic of the team at Cabo da Roca - the  most westerly point in all of mainland Europe

Pic #6 - Christo Rei (Christ the King) monument overlooking Lisbon