= Rich people in Portugal
I want to tell you about two people in our lives we love dearly, our dear friends O and M. They have lived here for nearly 25 years and have poured their lives into the lives of countless people. IF they would be paid for the number of hours given, they would be some of the richest people on earth.
O & M have become the experienced, wise, elder and infinitely loving couple that so many rely upon for help, advice and counsel. Their home has been open and they have served so many meals that one cannot even begin to count. (M is an absolutely amazing cook and baker; I learn something new each time I am here with her and working beside her.) They raised their three children here in Portugal, and now each have made homes in the US. They have two grandchildren in the US who love them dearly and look forward to "seeing" grandpa and grandma each week via skype. Time is spent in the US as needed and as they visit the many churches and people who help support the ministry here. But Portugal is their home.
We are grateful for the opportunity to be here and share in their lives as often as we have been able. R and I have been coming to Portugal for nearly 10 years and have had the privilege of attending three of the Portuguese churches began many years ago. R's Portuguese has become very melhor (better), me, Eu falo mal Muito portugueses (I speak very bad Portuguese.) He is now my translator for which I am so glad! These two weekends we have been here, we have visited two of the four bodies of believers that meet weekly - Massama and Loures (two different towns/areas.) I shared with you the baptism we were able to be a part of (see previous post.)
Now I would like to share with you a glimpse of the amazing work God has done in the body of these believers. The changes and growth we have witnessed over the past years is almost too hard to put into words... Please bear with me.
As with any new ministry and culture, other than your own, beginnings are quite difficult and often discouraging. How do you fit in? How do you incorporate into the culture? How do you BECOME part of the culture instead of trying to change it? How do you gain the trust of people you are trying to get to know? How do you simply love the people? How do you understand the people? Etc.
My observations over the years... Numbers in the church are of no consequence, because in the final analysis it is the quality of the people within the church body. It is the hearts of the people and their love for God that counts. We have seen a love and commitment to God grow within the hearts of so many over the years. We have come to know people instead of simply hearing of them in a newsletter. We see the smiles of the people that recognize us and we of course recognize them. Beijos (kisses on each cheek when greeting) are now followed by an American hug. Certainly, and with joy we can say that numbers have increased, but more importantly, the joy, love and fellowship within these bodies is overflowing!
Eating together is definitely an important element within the bodies. Coffee and a small snack after each service is a given. But we have experienced two almoçars (lunches) with the Massama church, about ten kilometers from the older Loures Church. Oh my, let me simply say that the abundance of food is not a problem!!! And the sobremesas (desserts) are not only to die for but dangerous in the fact that you really need to taste each one!?! The ladies are generous in sharing food with the body. Setting up all the tables and chairs also is a must as much fellowship happens there. After all the food and dessert, then coffee and tea is drank with more conversation. And here is a key point that we in North America and elsewhere should learn from the churches in Portugal: Time is really not important when the body is together. (Last week for the baptism and lunch, see previous post, we finished clean up after 5+ hours!) The richness of conversations and community that develops with the investment of time has become abundant and obvious to us.
Singing, oh the singing! It is a beautiful worship to God. I am at a loss of words as it touches my heart beyond words I can write. I wish I could "bottle" it and take it with me. (I did record a song but don't quite know how to retrieve and hear it again!?!? Hmmm, me and technology have a love/hate relationship, maybe God will grant me some understanding of these things when I am in heaven, but then I won't have to worry about it!) And this richness of worship appears to be a reflection of not only the youth but in the diversity of cultures and backgrounds within Portugal...the many different groups here from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and North America seem to draw strength and uniqueness in worship from this diversity rather than seeking to classify it and separate it.
O & M have overseen an incredible ministry here as it has grown. I know they have seen the struggles, felt the frustrations, but also know the joy that is in the hearts of so many. The other night over dinner R reflected that currently the churches, ministries and groups that they shepherd here is in the range of 300+ people! Amazing! They have lived here longer than they have lived anywhere else. They are more Portuguese than they know.
The people here LOVE them dearly. The people come for advice, ranging from spiritual, life, financial and assistance but even help in them in directions or getting out of being locked in or out when the key won't work! The people share their lives with O & M. It is authentic and amazing.
As with any new ministry and culture, other than your own, beginnings are quite difficult and often discouraging. How do you fit in? How do you incorporate into the culture? How do you BECOME part of the culture instead of trying to change it? How do you gain the trust of people you are trying to get to know? How do you simply love the people? How do you understand the people? Etc.
My observations over the years... Numbers in the church are of no consequence, because in the final analysis it is the quality of the people within the church body. It is the hearts of the people and their love for God that counts. We have seen a love and commitment to God grow within the hearts of so many over the years. We have come to know people instead of simply hearing of them in a newsletter. We see the smiles of the people that recognize us and we of course recognize them. Beijos (kisses on each cheek when greeting) are now followed by an American hug. Certainly, and with joy we can say that numbers have increased, but more importantly, the joy, love and fellowship within these bodies is overflowing!
Eating together is definitely an important element within the bodies. Coffee and a small snack after each service is a given. But we have experienced two almoçars (lunches) with the Massama church, about ten kilometers from the older Loures Church. Oh my, let me simply say that the abundance of food is not a problem!!! And the sobremesas (desserts) are not only to die for but dangerous in the fact that you really need to taste each one!?! The ladies are generous in sharing food with the body. Setting up all the tables and chairs also is a must as much fellowship happens there. After all the food and dessert, then coffee and tea is drank with more conversation. And here is a key point that we in North America and elsewhere should learn from the churches in Portugal: Time is really not important when the body is together. (Last week for the baptism and lunch, see previous post, we finished clean up after 5+ hours!) The richness of conversations and community that develops with the investment of time has become abundant and obvious to us.
Singing, oh the singing! It is a beautiful worship to God. I am at a loss of words as it touches my heart beyond words I can write. I wish I could "bottle" it and take it with me. (I did record a song but don't quite know how to retrieve and hear it again!?!? Hmmm, me and technology have a love/hate relationship, maybe God will grant me some understanding of these things when I am in heaven, but then I won't have to worry about it!) And this richness of worship appears to be a reflection of not only the youth but in the diversity of cultures and backgrounds within Portugal...the many different groups here from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and North America seem to draw strength and uniqueness in worship from this diversity rather than seeking to classify it and separate it.
O & M have overseen an incredible ministry here as it has grown. I know they have seen the struggles, felt the frustrations, but also know the joy that is in the hearts of so many. The other night over dinner R reflected that currently the churches, ministries and groups that they shepherd here is in the range of 300+ people! Amazing! They have lived here longer than they have lived anywhere else. They are more Portuguese than they know.
The people here LOVE them dearly. The people come for advice, ranging from spiritual, life, financial and assistance but even help in them in directions or getting out of being locked in or out when the key won't work! The people share their lives with O & M. It is authentic and amazing.
Special visitor/speaker from Canada teaching on baptism
Teaching and encouraging the leadership
Prayer among the leaders
Centro Evangelico (the Loures Church - blue sign)
Worship in the Loures Church
Pastor M - Loures Church
We love O & M. We ask advice and learn much. We are grateful for our friendship!!!
Hmmmm, I think they just might be the richest people in the world!!!
O & M
Please pray for Portugal!
No comments:
Post a Comment