Hey Friends! We wanted to give an update on how we have been doing with all the craziness that is going on around the world. |
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We are still in Portugal taking lessons, but things look a little different of course with the virus happening. Our classes have switched to online instead of in person, and we stay home most of the time. Portugal has been in a state of emergency for about three weeks now, so everyone is to stay inside except for things like groceries and medical visits and some exercise. We have adjusted fine and have continued chugging along in language learning. A few things have changed with our visa situation due to country borders being closed for a while, but we are talking with immigration to see how this will affect us. Portugal's state of emergency is set to end on May 2nd, so at that point we will be able to get more info. Our plan is to stay a few more months to keep learning the language, unless for some reason Portugal requires us to leave. |
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We are healthy and safe here in Portugal! We have never been afraid during our time here and that is still the case. It's our privilege as children of God to always live by faith. Even when things are hard or confusing we can remind ourselves of the things we know about God: He is good, He is faithful, He promises to never forsake us. It’s simple but it’s true! We know the nature of God, we know He’s good. So we hope you all are staying encouraged in this time, trusting the Lord, learning something new or taking on a project you’ve never had time for. Stay connected to your local church even though you can’t be in the building! We have been having church here in our house, worshiping, praying together, sharing from the word or listening to a service. The ability to go to a building doesn’t need to affect our ability to stay connected to the church or the people around us, even if it looks different and maybe takes more effort. |
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Overland's team around the world has been in various degrees of lockdown in the countries where they are stationed. Our leadership doesn't want to put people at risk especially in remote places, BUT!, over the past year or so our team in Angola has given out solar powered audio devices to some of the people in the villages where they do ministry. These are full of stories from the Bible recorded in the local language (Omukuvale). So even though our team can't currently get out there in person, the people they have been meeting with are still able to hear the word of God and share it with the people around them. God isn't hindered by any sickness, but is always bringing people to Himself! (This is a map of the places that they have given out these devices.) |
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We got to video chat with the whole Angola team last week, some of whom are in America, some in England, and the rest in Angola. It was such an encouraging time to see their faces and hear what the Lord has been speaking to them. As a team, we are full of faith that people who have been discipled in the remote places of Angola (and everywhere else in the world!) are continuing to grow in their faith even now. Even though missionaries and ministry partners alike are stuck in place, we're believing that God is using this time to encourage and strengthen new disciples in unusual ways, and to prepare hearts to receive the word! Our team confidently expects that when they get back to their areas of ministry, that they will find believers more ready than ever to carry the Word, and people more hungry than ever to receive it. (Photo on the right from when we were in Angola in August of last year.) |
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Thank you so much for all of your continued support and prayers! We will keep you updated on how things develop with us here in Portugal. As always, feel free to reach out to us. With love, The Benders |
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