During the 16th century Portugal began its own attempt at world domination – invading Brazil and much of west coast Africa, taking as many slaves and as much gold as they pleased. These countries eventually became Portugal’s colonies. Brazil became independent in 1822 and the African colonies in 1975, resulting in a flood of over half a million refugees into the country.

Ruled under a dictatorship for nearly 50 years, Portugal was distanced from the progress of its European neighbours. A bloodless revolution restored democracy in 1974 and since then living standards have slowly improved.

The Roman Catholic Church has always held much power and influence in Portugal. At the moment new laws are being planned that could give more equality to other Christians and all religions.

The Portuguese were the first people to use pay-as-you-go mobile phones!

The number of bible-believing Christians has exploded from 55, 000 to over 300,000 in the last 25 years.

Despite greater religious and political freedom since 1975, many people are still bound up in old traditions of paganism and the occult. 90% of the population consult spiritist mediums for advice.

190 million people world-wide speak Portuguese – pray for a greater involvement and passion for world mission in Portugal.

Few Christians live in the southern provinces of Portugal, which are much poorer than the rest of the country. Less than 3% of people here attend Catholic mass. Pray that Christians will be equipped and supported to bring the truth and love of Jesus into these communities.

Pray for the work of Christians in Portugal’s high schools and universities.