Portugal

Following its heyday as a world power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the loss of its Brazilian colony in 1822. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six decades repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal entered the EC in 1985.

This country occupies 15% of the Iberian Peninsula along the Atlantic coast. A little more than one tenth of the population resides abroad as guest workers in other European countries. The Portugese are predominately Catholic, with a strong need for renewal within the church.

Political upheavals and social changes since 1970 have transformed the nation from a backward dictatorial colonial power to a modern industrial democracy. Portugal is however the poorest of the countries in the European Union, yet enjoys unprecedented religious liberty.

Since 1974 the number of missionary workers has increased, but evangelical missionaries are still half the number of the Mormon missionaries.

YWAM in PORTUGAL:
YWAM Portugal has catalysed national events and movements such as the National Prayer Campaign, the Torch Run and March For Jesus. Other ministries are DTS's and sports ministries.

prayer needs:
-Pray for the perseverance and fruitfulness of the Christian workers there.