Answered Prayer

Espresso Update: Q1—2026

A New Year!

We hope you’ve had a joyful Christmas and that your New Year is off to a wonderful start! As is tradition in our family, we welcomed the New Year by celebrating Karis’ birthday. We also enjoyed Christmas lights in Lisbon and Óbidos and, thanks to some Christmas gifts, we are preparing for a family trip to Athens and Corinth this February. This will be our first time really exploring Europe beyond the borders of Portugal and Spain, apart from Alaithia’s visit to her piano teacher in Oxford.

One of the highlights from this January was witnessing a man from our church being ordained and prayed over. It is very encouraging to see God raising up more laborers here in Portugal.

Answered Prayer

As many of you know, we’ve been seeking God’s direction for our next steps. While we’ve had several years of fruitful ministry here with Gospel impact, we’ve also experienced some closed doors, particularly in ministry partnerships. After much prayer and discernment, we believe the Lord is now leading us to make a permanent return to the United States. We’re trusting His sovereignty in this transition and are at peace that this is where He is calling our family next.

We’re scheduled to fly back on June 9th, with all ministry responsibilities to be completed beforehand. As we prepare for this transition, we want to share a few needs while thanking you for your faithful support. Your generous spirit and partnership has been a great encouragement to us.

Support During Transition

Reentry into the U.S. will bring several challenges: reverse culture shock, sorting out healthcare, and navigating the logistics of reestablishing life after so many years away. As we walk through this transition, we ask that you would continue your generous financial support through the end of September 2026.

Moving Expenses

While our return will be less costly than our original move to Portugal, international relocation still brings expenses. We plan to use the remaining funds from the Portugal Legacy Fund for moving expenses. If you would be opposed to this, please feel free to reach out.

Ministry & Living

Please pray with us as we seek how we might minister in the U.S., whether in full-time ministry or secular work. We’re trusting God to guide us to where we can best serve Him and others. We also need prayer for figuring out long-term housing and vehicles.

We are thankful for each of you! Your generosity and prayers have not only sustained our family but have directly impacted lives here in Portugal. There would not be a Baptist church in Palmela without your faithful partnership. The fruit of your ministry has reached across the ocean and into various lives.