How awesome to preach the gospel and see multitudes responding to the call for salvation all at once! But what particularly thrills me is being able to reach one life, lead the person to know and love Jesus, baptize them, and help them become a fervent disciple of Christ. We cannot track the spiritual growth of crowds, but we can for individuals. It is a great privilege!

Tiago Almeida, a 24-year-old Portuguese man, was unaware of God’s plan for salvation. He is the production manager of an industrial-waste treatment plant and was awakened by the message of the gospel when he observed the life of his co-worker Catarina Conceição, who was raised in our church. During her work breaks, Catarina spoke to him about the love of God.

After hearing Catarina, Tiago became curious, and even though he was still skeptical, he used Instagram to search for more information about our church. He asked for details about our meetings, and I responded with attention and prayer for his soul. God works in so many interesting ways! The following Sunday, Tiago arrived at church, and I was at the door, welcoming him with a hug and a smile.

Tiago was attentive during the worship service, although with some suspicion. It was the first time he had entered an evangelical church. In Portugal, 96% of the population declares itself Roman Catholic. Attending another type of church can be seen as betraying the tradition of one’s ancestors, and Tiago did not yet know his soul thirsted for God. His spirit cried out to know the truth, and Catarina was the channel God used to reach his heart.

Tiago was well received; he listened to the sermon attentively, he received a Bible, and the young people surrounded him to invite him to the youth group the following week.

Tiago went to the youth meetings and continued coming to services. He finally gave his life to Christ, began discipleship and was baptized. He began to grow in his faith like a plant being watered and cared for. Recently, Tiago said, “Pastor, I want to grow in God and learn more, to be a disciple of Jesus, because in the future, I want to be a church planter to win my people for Him.” Praise the Lord!