Located along the Douro River estuary of northwest Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European centers. Though a Catholic country in name, surveys reveal that few have read their Bible and are unsure of their belief in God. In the last two generations the average education level jumped from fourth grade to a master’s degree. As such, belief in the Catholic God for many seems tied to images of illiterate grandparents. The pull of atheism, eastern religions and relativism increases each year. The number of evangelicals has dropped to 0.4% in the last decade. 

Porto’s church planting team has been engaged in the city. The scope of their ministries include a Sunday gathering, youth group, English conversation, Bible study, and a gospel choir with a focus on friendship evangelism. Their goal is to raise up local leaders to help carry on the ministry.

Specifically, they are looking for those who are not afraid to try new things, and who can make friends easily. Special interests like soccer, music, social media and English conversations are great points of connection.

Not as closed off as northern Europeans, Portuguese value community and family over individualism, and tradition over innovation. They are averse to risk. They have the highest fluency in English among western Europeans. Their winters are cold with no insulation in the houses and learning the language is difficult compared to other Latin languages.

The need is urgent for long term missionaries (2+ years) and mid-term missionaries (6 months-2 years).