FALL 2010 INTERNSHIP:

University Student Evangelism & Church Planting: Lisbon, Portugal

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS:

Lisbon is an international city, home to people from all over the world. The diversity carries over to the University of Lisbon, where you’ll enroll as a student of the Portuguese language. Studying alongside Portuguese and international students will put you in a position to interact with the local people on a daily basis. As you invest in fellow students’ lives you’ll encounter opportunities to share your faith. This internship will also provide a taste of missionary life and of the local evangelical church. You’ll work alongside GEM missionaries Ron and Dalia Fairbanks, who serve in church-planting activities throughout the Lisbon area and with a team of fellow interns.

Housing: You will be placed in a Portuguese home to give you greater exposure to the culture, language, and people you are working among.

Dates: September 1 – December 15, 2010

Cost: $7,780*

*Does not include airfare to Europe

Location

Lisbon, known as the city on seven hills, is tucked along the Atlantic coast. Its 20 centuries of history have created a rich and diverse culture. The city’s architecture tells the story of its previous Roman, Moorish, and Spanish occupants. As you walk through narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll hear traditional Portuguese Fado music, which mournfully recounts Lisbon’s days of glory and wealth—the result of Portuguese overseas explorations and discoveries.

The Portuguese people are fascinating, characterized by their easygoing, welcoming, and lively way of life. Tradition is a thread that weaves through the people’s lives. The Portuguese have strong ties to their history, family, and the traditions of the Catholic faith. Each town and city annually hosts a festival to honor a specific saint, and while many take part in the ceremonies, music, and food during the celebration, Catholic churches are almost empty the rest of the year. The need for a spiritual revival is obvious, and many young people are searching for answers to spiritual questions. Meanwhile, a small percentage of evangelical believers are working together to reach their neighbors with the life-changing message of Christ.  By doing an internship with GEM in Lisbon, you’ll have opportunities to extend Christ’s love to the people and be a part of what God is doing in a fascinating place.