Friday, June 25, 2010

Jesus is doing some amazing things in Portugal

Greetings from Portugal!

I'm sorry it has been some time since our last post but here we are to say we are having an incredible time here in Portugal! Our first week in Lisbon was spent with getting to know the area, the people, and the culture. We had the awesome opportunity to go to The Salvation Army Homeless Center called Xabregas. We met a man named Angelo who was mourning the loss of his fiance. She was run over by a car here in Lisbon just last month. We were able to pray over him and give him encouragement in the name of Jesus. The language barrier is no barrier for our Lord. He is proving to be much stronger than that.

We went to a town called Porto this week and led VBS there with the Salvation Army children. It was so lovely to get to know the beautiful children and teach them more about Jesus. We celebrated Abby's birthday on Sunday...it was very enjoyable! She gave her testimony at church and Bethany preached. We were all very proud of our teammates and what the Lord was able to do through them! After finishing VBS on Tuesday, Wednesday was spent celebrating the city wide holiday called Sao Joao (celebration for St. John of Porto). This was an event like no other we have ever experienced! The whole city buys plastic hammers and goes downtown to watch an amazing fireworks display at midnight. You may be wondering what the plastic hammers are for???

TO HIT RANDOM PEOPLE IN THE HEAD!!!! Yes, I said it. You can hit anyone you want and of course, they hit you back. It was probably the best day of our lives. There were thousands of people just laughing, walking, hitting, and defending themselves as best as possible! We watched the fireworks and danced to music with 5,000 of our closest friends.

The Lord is continuing to bless our team (well, we're more like family to be honest). We continue to grow in Him and He is showing us more and more every single day. Thank you all for your prayers! Keep it up!


Abby here! i just wanted to say thank you to my amazing team, scratch that, FAMILY that gave me a wonderful 21st birthday! We had an awesome day in Porto, we all went out to lunch after Sunday school that day and they surprised me with a cake and gifts! Y'all are amazing! It really made me feel at home so thank you again!! I love you guys!!
OH and shout out to the fam! I love y'all and miss you!!

We love and miss you all!
The Portugal Team (Kendall~Journalist)

Here is a video of the madness that was St. John Celebration in Porto, Portugal!!

2 comments:

Major Art Penhale said...

Hey Guys,

Major Ann and I wish we could see you in person but the summer just does not have enough days for us to get there... We are so proud of what you are doing and can't wait to hear what God is showing you while your in Portugal... You are right, God is doing some amazing things...
Blessings,

donna said...

Hello awesome Portugal team! What an amazing video and it was so good to see my girl and a few of your "thousand" friends! We love you guys and we are praying daily for God's richest blessings as you minister to the awesome people in one of the most beautiful countries ever. We love you! Mom and Dad Igleheart