March 18 – April 2, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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?