Lisbon 2008

Arrived back from a great holiday in Portugal on Monday. We stayed in Lisbon and did the whole tourist thing of lazy mornings, sight seeing and sunbathing on the beach. This in itself gave us the break we needed after a few tiring weeks. But the holiday gave us far more than that because we also experienced once again the special priviledge of being part of a world-wide Salvation Army family.

Our good friends Alberto and Maria Jose Serem are the leaders of the Portugal Command and it was great to meet up with them and we were also taken out and about on a number of occasions by Major Mendes and Arlette who were just wonderful and so kind.

(Mendes and Alan in Sintra)

In between going to tourist sites Mendes took us to the social service centres, corps halls, headquarters and to the final meeting of the first European Music Camp which was in the Algarve. I know that some of our colleague officers would think we were mad to go the Army so much on our holidays but we found it such an enriching experience to fellowship with people who are passionate for Christ and dedicated to the mission of the Army.

(The gospel choir from the Music Camp)

Pray for the Salvation Army in Portugal. It is very small. There are only 5 Corps in the country plus a number of social service and community centres, with 17 officers leading it all. There are lots of challenges but also a lot of enthusiasm, dedication and a good spirit. Pray especially for the most recent corps plant in Evora.

More stuff about the stuff I read and Bible passages that spoke whilst away over the next few days.

God bless

Carol