I Promise We Are Alive!!

Well hello again! Team Portugal has had some internet connectivity problems recently so this is the first time in long time that we are able to post! When I say "internet connectivity problems" I really mean that Philip broke the internet so we are having to post from the Divisional Headquarters here in Lisbon. Its okay though, we forgive him ;)

The last post told you all that we were going to a Childrens Camp to lead games and fun and to teach them about Jesus. The Camp went perfectly! We were able to connect even more with the children that were at the Music Camp, the week before Childrens Camp, and we met many new children as well. There were a total of 42 children in one house (not including all the staff members and the SA Officers who ran the camp). The team had the incredible opportuity of being counselors in the actual rooms with the children. You may be wondering how we managed to control 42 Portugese children without knowing their language. Well, we learned the important words like the following: sit down, be quiet, go to bed, and STOP! These words were much appreciated :) The best part about the Childrens Camp was on the last morning they were there. The Lord had been putting something very specific on our hearts all week about this last morning the children were going to be there. He told us all how important the decision making meeting was going to be and that we needed to pray over each child. We were a little worried about how to do this, seeing how our Portugese isnt the best quite yet. BUT! The Lord is stronger than language. We were able to break off into groups with the children and have a translator in each group. When we asked, "Whoever would like Jesus to live in their hearts, please stand." Tears came to our eyes as we watched every single child stand up boldly to answer the call. The Lord, through us, led 42 children to Christ that morning. Praise Him!

Last Sunday we traveled 2 1\2 hours to Castleo Branco, Portugal for their Sunday afternoon meeting. Some Corps here in Portugal do not start their Sunday meetings until later in the day so one day of sleeping in a bit was very nice! We showed up in the hot, beautiful city of Castleo Branco and quite a sight was awaiting us! We were not only perticipating in a Sunday afternoon meeting, but we had front row seats to a wedding as well! The hall was decorated, the candles were lit, and the groom grew more nervous as each second passed. Major Sarim spoke after the wedding about relationships and how important a God centered marriage and relationship in general truely are. We enjoyed the day very much!

We are back in Lisbon for this whole week. We have been leading meetings at various Community Centers around the country this week ministering to the older persuasion of Portugal. We met one woman who was 104 years old! Their sweet smiles and lively spirits were such a blessing to us! We were able to bless them with The Word but they blessed us by just being themselves!

On Saturday and Sunday we will be helping lead Portugals Youth Councils back at the big camp house in Sintra. The Lord has been sending visions, words of encouragement, and specific instructions on what is to happen on the Sunday morning of the Youth Councils. The Lord is preparing the way for something big and I cannot wait to tell you all what He is going to do through us four, as His vessels. Please bathe this weekend in your prayers this week and especially Saturday and Sunday. We will tell you all about it in the next post. Expect great things!

Overall, please rest assure that the Portugal team is continuing to do Gods work. We have not quarreled one bit. We have not been discouraged. The Lord dwells inside us and it is evident that His will is being done in this beautiful country!

PLEASE KEEP PRAYING! We love you all!! Miss you! Be back in ten days!

P.S.- Tonight we are going to watch a bull fight because the Divisional Commanders wanted to show us something "cultural"!!! We are all very excited! We will post pictures of the blood bath next post ;)

Love,
Kendall and the Portugal Team