A New Portugal

By Ken Lowe

If you visited us in Portugal, you would see remarkable sights in this Western European country. Even though Portugal has had established borders since the year 800, a sense of freshness exists. For example, you would fly into a newly renovated airport; see the new Vasco de Gamma Mall that has a glass ceiling with water running on it, and use the new European Dollar (Euro). You might drive across a bridge built by satellite positioning technology, or notice over 50% of the population using cellular phones. Even getting to small villages is easy now with new roads in all parts of the country.

These-and other-changes have created a great environment for development among the Portuguese. New approaches are called for to reap a harvest for God in the midst of this great forward movement, as well.

The Portugal Field Council is creating new ministries to reach more Portuguese for Christ than ever before. One on the horizon is The Leadership Development Group which will provide these programs:

A masters-level seminary dedicated to challenge and encourage current pastors. Church planters and Portuguese-speaking teachers from around the world will offer courses to increase the effectiveness of pastors' ministries.
A Bible institute to help local churches train their own people to lead various areas of church activity. Each student will stay in his local church and be supervised in various areas. This school will be the focal point in preparing Portuguese church planters.
A school for laymen to help the existing local churches teach their own people. The program is designed so people will be well grounded in the Word of God and able to apply it to modern society.

The Portuguese are embracing secular changes with boldness and excitement. Join us in prayer for The Leadership Development Group and the Portugal Field Council as we soar into the 21st century.