Hoje -- graça, proteção e alegria!

Today -- grace, protection and joy!  -- Much grace as the Lord has been honored and His grace has been seen.  The church was full today, standing room only, extra chairs were coming from the apartment across the street! :)  Massama is the church body we attended today with O & M.  It began with almoço (lunch) around the table. 

              Food was plentiful and of course chicken ordered from our favorite restaurant was tasty!!!

After lunch was cleaned up, and the chairs were arranged in rows, all met for a time of worship.  In the room were people from across Canada, USA, Brazil, Angola, India, Guinea-Bissau and of course Portugal, all singing to and praising the same, One True God.  To my English mind and ear, it is always amazing and so beautiful to hear the songs and words in Portuguese and know God speaks Portuguese as well!?! 

      (These 3 little boys were SO cute and could not sit still!  Until the big boys in the back row helped        take control...)

This group is a family and their love for one another truly was evident.

Finally, sitting still!

I couldn't resist this picture -- our friend J (right), his 88 year old father and his 21 year old son.

Three generations of good looking Portuguese men! 

After lunch, worship, and teaching, of course sobremesa (dessert) and coffee were served.  Just what we all need!  Boy was it great!  Wow, these ladies love to bring food to share and eat together!!!  The flan with coconut was to die for!  (These beautiful ladies of the church meet weekly for a time of crafting, sharing, praying and simply fellowshiping together.) 

What is Massama?  Massama is the community in which this church body meets together. Massama is located about 10 miles from Loures.  The body meets in a simple building (previously a grocery store) that is rented, located in the middle of a lower middle class neighborhood including immigrants from many countries. 

Espaço Vida Nova (New Life Space)

Apartments across the street from the church

Where did I begin?  The day was full of grace -- God's grace in the lives of people and in the body of believers.  The day was full of protection -- God's protection as M drove us to Massama in the pouring rain in a small car with a stick shift.  Oh boy!!?!  Keep praying!  The day was full of joy -- as the people laughed, sang, worshipped and loved each other. 

May you be blessed today!