Divine Appointments in Barcelona and Lisbon: Planting Seeds of Faith
Sometimes the most meaningful moments in ministry are the ones we never plan. A conversation with a stranger, a prayer offered in a moment of pain, or an unexpected opportunity to share the love of Christ can become a beautiful reminder that God is always at work.
During our recent trip to Barcelona, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal, Dawn and I experienced all of these things—and more. We traveled to Europe for leadership meetings with Mission to the World, but the Lord had some wonderful surprises waiting for us along the way.
From sharing the Gospel with people we met in hotels, restaurants, and taxis to encouraging individuals who were carrying deep pain, our trip was filled with opportunities to see God at work.
A Divine Appointment in Barcelona
In Barcelona, we met Natalia, a friendly and welcoming host at the first hotel where we stayed. As we talked, we discovered that she was spiritually open but didn’t have a strong foundation in her faith. She shared that she believed in horoscopes and read tarot cards.
As we shared the good news of Jesus Christ, she was very receptive and willing to pray with us. During our time of prayer, she experienced a sense of God’s power and peace. She even mentioned that her hands were tingling!
Before we left, we showed her how to download the Bible onto her phone, suggested some churches she could attend, and gave her a Gospel tract.
It was encouraging to see how open Natalia was to the Gospel. We pray that the seeds planted during our conversation will continue to grow and that she will discover the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus.
Sharing the Love of Christ in Lisbon
It was especially exciting for me to visit Portugal for the first time because my mother’s side of the family is from there.
My grandfather Manuel, whom we affectionately called Vavô, immigrated from the Azores to the United States in 1919 when he was only 19 years old. Being in Portugal gave me a special connection to my family’s heritage.
While in Lisbon, we had several opportunities to share the Gospel. Since Portuguese and Spanish are similar, we were often able to communicate using a combination of the two languages.
We met several people from Brazil, including Nuvia. As we talked, she shared through her tears that her father had been shot and killed in Brazil. Shortly afterward, her mother died of a heart attack. She had experienced so much loss, and it was evident that she was carrying a great deal of sadness.
Dawn and I were able to encourage her and pray with her. I also shared a Portuguese worship song I enjoy called “Count Your Blessings,” which brought her great encouragement.
We exchanged contact information so we could stay in touch. Since returning home, I have been sending her my devotional Bible reflections from Ecos del Padre, translated into Portuguese. It has been a blessing to continue encouraging her beyond our brief meeting in Lisbon.
People Searching for Hope
Many of the people we met in Portugal were from Brazil. Although they had been exposed to Christianity, many lacked a personal relationship with Jesus, a church community, or Christian friends to encourage them in their faith.
As we shared the love of Christ, they welcomed our prayers. Many became emotional, some even weeping as they reflected on how far they had drifted from their relationship with God.
It was heartbreaking and encouraging to see how God was using simple conversations to touch people’s hearts.
We may never know the full impact of these encounters, but we trust that God will continue working in their lives.
God Is Always at Work
Our time in Barcelona and Lisbon reminded us that ministry is not limited to a church building, a planned meeting, or a particular country.
Sometimes it happens in a hotel lobby. Sometimes it happens over a meal. Sometimes it happens when someone shares their deepest pain and we have the opportunity to pray.
Whether we are serving in Mexico, traveling in Europe, or going about our daily lives, we want to remain attentive to the people God places in our path. We may not always see the fruit of the seeds we plant, but we trust that the Lord will bring the harvest in His time.
What a privilege it is to be part of His work!
Help Us Continue Planting Seeds of Faith
Dawn and I have a heart to share the love of Christ, strengthen churches, equip leaders, and reach people who have yet to experience the hope of the Gospel.
Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us through a financial gift? Your generosity helps us continue investing in lives, churches, and communities across Mexico, Cuba, and beyond.
Together, we can help strengthen those who are faithfully serving the Lord and encourage the families who are making a difference for Christ.
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Thank you for your generosity and compassion in extending your hands to help.
In His Grip, Dave & Dawn Diaso
