“Portugal, fix your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith!”
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(Hebrews 12:2,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Europe
Population | 10.24 million
Area | 92,090㎢, Located at the western end of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, bordering Spain.
Capital City | Lisbon (2.98 million)
People Groups | Total 43 Groups, Portuguese 91.7%, Brazilian 1.8%, South Asian 0.8%, Romani Gypsy 0.7%
Unreached People Groups | 6 (1.1% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Portuguese
Total Languages | 30
Bible Translations | Completed 21, New Testament 2, Partial 4
Religion | Christian 92.8% (Protestant 1.5%, Catholic 87%), Non-religious 5.5%, Hindu 0.7%, Muslim 0.7%, Evangelical 3.5% (340,000 people)
》 About Portugal
Portugal was settled by the Visigoths in the early 5th century. In 711, it was invaded by the Moors from North Africa. In the early 12th century, Count Henry expelled the Moors and unified the land. Portugal became an independent kingdom in 1139. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal grew into a powerful maritime empire through exploration of Brazil, India, and parts of Africa, competing with Spain. However, in 1580, due to a royal succession crisis, Portugal was annexed by Spain and was under Spanish rule for about 60 years. With help from England and France, it regained independence in 1640. In 1910, the monarchy was overthrown and a republic was declared. However, political instability followed. From 1932, António Salazar established a long dictatorship, which was continued by Marcelo Caetano after his death. In 1974, the peaceful “Carnation Revolution” ended the dictatorship and restored democracy. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and joined the European Community (now the EU) in 1986. Today, it operates under a semi-presidential parliamentary system. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has served as president since 2016. Luís Montenegro is the current prime minister.
Portugal’s economy was hit hard by the 2008 global financial crisis. It entered a recession in 2009 and faced serious economic difficulties from 2011 to 2013. After successfully completing an EU-IMF aid program in 2014, the economy began to recover in 2015, supported by strong exports and rising consumer spending. Unemployment peaked at 18% in 2013, but fell to 9.7% by 2017 and has continued to improve. While Portugal has a modern economy, it still lags behind other Western European countries in terms of income and development. Portugal’s GDP per capita is approximately $28,844.
》 Scripture Focus
| Hebrews 12:1-5,26-29(NIV) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.” |
》 Prayer Points
1. About 87% of Portugal’s population identifies as Catholic, but only around 20% attend weekly services. The central and southern regions are more secular, and most university students in Lisbon are nominal Catholics, often atheists or religious pluralists. False teachings like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, and New Age philosophy are spreading. Evangelicals make up about 3.5% of the population. Pentecostal and charismatic churches are growing, but Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches struggle financially. There has been division among denominations, but efforts for unity continue through the Evangelical Alliance of Portugal (EA) and DAWN, which support nationwide church planting. Let us pray that the Portuguese church will fix its eyes on Jesus and run the race of faith, living in holiness and godliness through the power of the gospel.
2. Despite challenges, foreign missionaries and mission organizations are continuing their work. Because Portuguese is a globally spoken language, churches in Portugal have unique opportunities to participate in missions beyond their borders. Local groups like MEVIC are actively sending missionaries. Leadership training is supported by Bible institutes, theological extension (TEE) programs, and denominational seminaries. Let us pray that missionaries will take up their cross and follow Christ, and that many will hear the gospel, believe, and live for God’s eternal kingdom.
3. Portugal shifted from punishing drug use to focusing on treatment, which has helped reduce addiction. Still, drug abuse among youth remains a serious issue. Groups like Teen Challenge and TEAM provide rehabilitation and support. The Children’s Evangelism Fellowship runs Sunday school training and summer Bible camps. Ministries like Agape and Youth With A Mission (YWAM) use sports outreach, and groups like IFES, CCC, and Navigators serve in schools and universities. Many immigrants and refugees are coming to Portugal, and many are more open to the gospel than local Portuguese. Brazilians, West Africans, Chinese, Eastern Europeans, Indians, and Muslims from places like Lebanon and Guinea-Bissau are forming growing communities. Let us pray for devoted believers to rise up in Portugal and bring joy to the Lord through their faithful witness.
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