LOPES FAMILY - Missionary News / Jul–Sep 2026

 

From the height of summer to the beginning of autumn, there were gatherings, celebrations, activities for all ages, the deepening of relationships, and much more.

CELEBRATIONS

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1. July 9th marked a major milestone for us—our 10th anniversary—which we celebrated alongside other couples (both believers and non-believers) in the church garden in Limanu.

2. Everything was simple yet beautiful. Ana Lídia, a missionary from another organization, and her sister, Sara, were visiting on vacation; they enthusiastically helped with party favors and decorations, and also looked after Karen and Kaléo throughout the event.

3. Airton and Luminița also traveled from afar to join us. They surprised us with their culinary skills—preparing the main menu—and even styled Jaci’s hair. In this way, we continue to join forces and strengthen our relationships.

6. Kaléo’s birthday party had a Noah’s Ark theme, which gave us the chance to invite families who do not share our faith.

7. For Jaci’s birthday in August, we hosted a barbecue in our backyard, bringing together both Romanian and international friends to celebrate with us. It was a golden opportunity to deepen our relationships with those who do not share our faith.

8. On another occasion, we also hosted a group for a Bible study at our home.

RELATIONSHIPS AND OCCASIONAL EVENTS

9. Our home always has Romanians at the table. Every week, we host both believers and non-believers, which fosters deeper relational, linguistic, and cultural connections. They even joined us to cheer during the World Cup!

10. Karen has begun her schooling, and our prayer is that the precious seed of God’s Word will take root in her heart—and that other children may come to know Jesus, and entire families may have their lives transformed by the power of our God.

11. Among nearly 100 children, she is the only foreigner; she has become a favorite among both the kids and the staff.

12. Throughout the year, Karen was well-prepared for the transition to being at school on her own; her first day was filled with great joy and positive anticipation.

13. Although the program is full-day, we decided it wasn’t necessary for Karen to stay the entire time, so we pick her up at 1:00 PM, once the daily curriculum has been completed.

14. Jaci frequently meets with friends—some who are believers and others who are non-believers from abroad. On one occasion, while Eurico spent time with the children, the women gathered for another get-together. The conversation turned to the sovereignty of God, with questions arising such as, "What is the difference between believers and Catholics?" It was a rich opportunity to share the pure, simple Gospel and to explain God’s desire to preserve a people for Himself—a people who will worship Him alone. As the Gospel was presented, tears began to fall. People at nearby tables fell silent to listen, and it was only when our profound conversation concluded that I noticed the owner of the establishment turning the background music back on.

It was a unique moment, with many people listening intently.

MINISTRY: CHURCH PLANTING IN LIMANU AND BRAGADIRU

15. God is providing us with opportunities and bringing people our way—individuals who visit us at least once or twice a month. To foster this, we are focusing on deepening our relationships on a daily basis; here, growth depends—naturally, alongside the Lord’s grace—on consistent, day-to-day interaction with people.

16. We have the support of the church in Mangalia, as well as brothers and sisters from other denominations who attend our services and contribute, in various ways, to the ongoing life and operations of the church.

17. We continue to hold our Sunday services, welcoming both believers and non-believers. We are also praying for a group of teenagers, with the hope of beginning a discipleship process with them at the right time.

18. We are supporting the Stefan family—Daniel and Oana, a Romanian couple—who are leading a church-planting effort in a city that currently has no evangelical churches. Please pray for and support this family, who contribute so much to the advancement of the Gospel.

SPECIAL EVENTS AT OUR CHURCH

19. Together with our team, we held a camp for children and adolescents, centered on the theme of "Friendship" and emphasizing a relationship with Christ. About 40 participants attended over the course of four days.

20. Most of them are from our own town, Limanu. Some came from the capital, Bucharest, while others arrived from the neighboring town of Mangalia.

21. This turnout was a great miracle, as parents here are generally very wary and reserved when it comes to evangelical churches.

22. Consequently, doors have opened for us to build relationships with the campers' families.

23. We are planning to hold separate camps in the future—one for children and another for adolescents—as well as an English-language camp for those with a basic to intermediate grasp of the language. May the Lord grant us the grace to implement all of this at the right time.

24. A Brazilian team came to carry out activities in support of our plantation. It was a 10-day period, including two weekends. They carried out a great deal of work in Mangalia and Limanu.

25. They held a 3-day Vacation Bible School (VBS)—in the mornings for children and teenagers in Limanu, and in the afternoons for those in Mangalia.

26. They conducted activities at a nursing home, as well as in public squares and parks; they preached at both churches and led Bible studies for teenagers and children.

27. They assisted us with meetings for women—in Limanu during the mid-afternoon, and in Mangalia in the evening. There was also a barbecue with the men, during which we sought the Lord together.

28. They strengthened us daily through devotionals and shared testimonies during our worship services.

29. They served as instruments of the Lord’s grace, helping us during our busiest and most demanding season: the summer.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF OUR MISSIONARY JOURNEY!

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Our family;

2. Karen’s adjustment to preschool;

3. People who were served through the "Happy Health" (Saúde Alegre) project that took place in October;

4. Progress in language and culture;

5. Sound strategies, and the wisdom to execute them at the right time and in the right way;

6. Our relationships: expansion, depth, guidance, and new opportunities;

7. That more laborers may be sent into the Lord’s harvest.