Sorry that we haven't been able to connect to the blog for a few days. We have so much to tell you.
On Tuesday night, we went down to the coffee shop again. This is really a small meeting space, open only to Teen challenge. Part of their ministry is to go to downtown Lisbon and develop relationships with addicts and prostitutes, offering them sandwiches and tea. The addicts are then invited back to the coffee house for a brief service, a testimony, worship music, hot soup, and fellowship. This is the first step for them to be introduced to God, and all He offers through Teen Challenge.
Half the group went out on the street, into some pretty dark corners of the city, while the other half stayed behind and prepared. They brought in 15-20 folks. Part of our mission here is to speak through the translators, with the street people about our faith and experiences. At one table, we were sharing favorite scripture, using bibleverses.com to translate. At another table, one shared that he is confused about religion and all the rules. We were able to share that it's not about religion, but about a personal relationship with Jesus.
After a few songs, one of our folks gave his testimony and Pastor Brad shared words of God's compassion from the book of Matthew.
Wednesday was a fun day. We toured a castle and hit the open air market.
Thursday
Today we split into teams. One team drove to the Teen Challenge Crisis center in Alter do Chao. One of our team shared her testimony. Pastor Gary shared a message of encouragement, referencing Jeremiah 20:11, Psalm 39:4, and John 10:10.
John 10:10
New International Version (NIV)
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
At the end of the service, we were asked to stand up and come up front. The students and staff surrounded us and prayed for us. It was an incredible experience to receive their blessings.
We had a tour of their facility and a the homes of the staff members. They have beds for 30, and currently have 23 in residence. They students go through classroom training. The program lasts a year. We were invited to join the students for lunch. We met Daniel, who has been in the program for 1.5 months. He deaf, but able to read lips, even in English! We also another student who had immigrated with his family to Boston at age 11. But he was deported 13 years ago and hasn't seen his family since. He was proud to tell us that he has been in the program for 4 months.
We even had the opportunity to help harvest olives off their olive street right on the premise!
Signing off for now. Blessings from Portugal!!
At the end of the service, we were asked to stand up and come up front. The students and staff surrounded us and prayed for us. It was an incredible experience to receive their blessings.
We had a tour of their facility and a the homes of the staff members. They have beds for 30, and currently have 23 in residence. They students go through classroom training. The program lasts a year. We were invited to join the students for lunch. We met Daniel, who has been in the program for 1.5 months. He deaf, but able to read lips, even in English! We also another student who had immigrated with his family to Boston at age 11. But he was deported 13 years ago and hasn't seen his family since. He was proud to tell us that he has been in the program for 4 months.
We even had the opportunity to help harvest olives off their olive street right on the premise!
Signing off for now. Blessings from Portugal!!
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