Though Christianity came to Portugal early, the nation resisted the reformation forces of renewal. Consequently, today the Portuguese continue to live in a pre-reformation society. The public is discouraged from reading the bible, and people are taught to believe that suffering, devotion, and penance are the paths leading to forgiveness and salvation.

Though most have heard about Jesus and the cross, they scarcely understand the message of salvation. Otto and Marjorie Ekk, missionaries with MBMSI in Lisbon, Portugal are learning that when they provide the public with bibles and encourage them to read God-breathed scripture, they are waking up to a truth that they have never known before.

Pray that the eyes of the Portuguese would be opened and they would be drawn into the presence of Jesus.