SPAIN AND PORTUGAL TERRITORY
WORDS FROM THE LEADERS
RENEWED AND STRENGTHENED
“That is why we never give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 ERV
The year moves forward, the seasons changes, and so do many things in our lives. Perhaps, like me, you have looked at the calendar and realised that we are now entering the final quarter of 2025 October reminds us that time does not stand still, and perhaps we can already see that what began with enthusiasm at the start of the year may have cooled off, been forgotten, or that what once seemed stable may now need to be strengthened Family and ministry situations often bring forth our fragility. Sometimes it feels as if the world was unstable under our feet, and the Lord reminds us that He alone is our solid rock (Psalm 18:2)
We have to recognise that we cannot move forward without His grace, nor rely on our own strength. Our weak points may be many, so it is wise to act in time and seek God to find renewal and strength. We cannot change others or our circumstances, but we can steady our hearts and allow God to work within us Spiritual renewal does not begin outwardly; it starts within in the soul that humbles itself before God and seeks His presence.
Let us allow the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into what has withered or worn out into faith that has grown cold, joy that has been lost, or prayer that has become routine The outlook may seem uncertain, and we may not know how God will work in these remaining months of the year, but He calls us to trust, for He is working behind the scenes
We can shine again with new strength, faith, and commitment. Let us make this month a time for reflection and spiritual renewal through gratitude, prayer, and service to others, preparing ourselves better for what is yet to come.
ANGEL TREE 2025
On October 9th, The Salvation Army launched the 2025 Angel Tree campaign (anjinhosdenatal pt)
To all the partners who make the logistics and image of the campaign possible, thank you very much.
A special thank you to VML Portugal, author Raquel Vieira, illustrator Teresa Patinha, and Art Director Teresa Oliveira for the fantastic campaign they created and the wonderful ebook “The Christmas Secret ”
A big thank you also to Alberto Fernandes (TotalMobility) for making the launch at the Maia Business Association possible.
And thank you to all of you who make December 24th a truly magical night.
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY
The Salvation Army – Accommodation and Reintegration Centre marked the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty with a visit to the National Pantheon, a space where history, art, and collective memory come together. Culture is also a path to inclusion: it brings people closer, inspires, and helps to rebuild life journeys
Each visit, each conversation, and each discovery are opportunities to learn, to belong, and to believe in a different future
Because fighting poverty also means ensuring access to culture.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the National Pantheon for their kindness and availability in allowing us to carry out this visit, providing us with a truly enriching experience.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ EVENT
On Saturday, the 4th of October, a Sunday School Teachers’ Event took place in Madrid under the theme “Go and Make Disciples”. Participants from different Corps gathered to renew their vision and strengthen their ministry with children. The event brought together 23 teachers who enjoyed a time of fellowship, learning, and renewal. The event began with lunch at 2:00 p m and concluded with dinner
Guided by the vision of the Children’s Ministry in Spain to share the gospel with children so that they may put their trust in God , the purpose of the event was to encourage, renew, and challenge those who teach children, helping them to continue sharing the gospel and making disciples. Through guided conversations, the participants had the opportunity to listen to one another and to reflect on their experiences in the ministry with children in each Corps. In addition, new ways of evangelism and discipleship were presented through a puppet workshop, which was highly practical and enabled teachers to discover their own gifts and talents. Basic materials were also provided to support the development of this method of evangelism among children.
The event was a time of inspiration and thanksgiving to the Lord for this ministry and for each teacher who dedicates their life to ensuring that the new generations know the marvellous deeds of the Lord and put their trust in Him.
WOMEN'S MINISTRIES OUTREACH GROUP- TENERIFE CORPS
“Mothers Who Pray, Children Who Stand Firm”
Fear often invades our minds We fear pain, illness, failure, financial difficulties But perhaps one of the greatest fears that fills our hearts with worry and despair is having a child who is unwell, trapped in addictions, without hope, and without God
Many mothers and fathers suffer in silence without any support, comfort, or without words of encouragement they so deeply need But Jesus tells us that we can rest in Him from our heavy burdens, and that He has the power to deliver us from every fear that troubles our lives.
In Mothers Who Pray, we learn to pray and to trust the One who has control over all things the sovereign God, Jehovah our Lord. There we learn to let go of our fears and to fix our eyes on Jesus, who sustains us, listens to us, and intervenes on our behalf
One of the most wonderful things about prayer is that it not only changes situations it changes us.
“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
VISIT TO THE CARMEN DE MIRANDA MUSEUM
On October 23rd, the clients of The Salvation Army - Porto Community Centre visited Marco de Canaveses, where they explored the Carmen Miranda Museum and learned more about the life and legacy of Carmen Miranda Afterwards, they headed to Baião, to the welcoming Quinta das Susandas, where a wonderful lunch awaited them full of authentic flavours and joyful moments. The afternoon became even more special with a traditional corn husking (desfolhada) activity, bringing joy, memories, and a strong sense of togetherness.
A day filled with culture, gastronomy, and sharing moments that warm the heart and strengthen community bonds.
A special thank you to the Ramalde Parish Council for the excellent organisation and for promoting this initiative in support of the senior community. Here’s to many more days like this!
