The first step of many
![Shane in Portugal 2022](/l/library/download/urn:uuid:d111b14e-b3ca-42e8-af87-5ceeece37717/stm+stories+%286%29.png?scaleType=1&width=555&height=310)
"I would recommend that anyone who is interested in cross-cultural mission avail themselves of a short term opportunity like this, simply to get your bearings on what life and mission is like elsewhere."
I arrived in Portugal in July 2021, so as I write this I have been here almost a year. My connection with Portugal began in 2018 when I did a month-long placement in a medium sized city called Vila Real in the north of the country. Since 2018 the Lord has given me an increased desire to serve in Portugal. This led me to start a short term placement with ECM last year and God willing I will begin a three year mission with ECM in the same area of Portugal this September.
My short term experience has been very positive. I have been learning Portuguese, immersing myself in Portuguese culture as well as serving with different churches, children's ministries and music ministry. My short term mission has been very beneficial in helping me to adapt to Portuguese culture. It has given me enough time to get comfortable with Portugal before committing to longer term service.
I would recommend that anyone who is interested in cross-cultural mission avail themselves of a short term opportunity like this, simply to get your bearings on what life and mission is like elsewhere.
Shane McGloin, a Northern Irish Short-Termer in Portugal
Stories from Europe > 2022
December
- 22/12/2022 22/12/2022, 10:48 - A New Hope for Ukraine
- 09/12/2022 09/12/2022, 17:04 - Volunteer Centres: showing Christ's love
- 01/12/2022 01/12/2022, 15:12 - Houses for Ukraine
November
- 23/11/2022 23/11/2022, 15:16 - From football... to Christ
- 15/11/2022 15/11/2022, 13:20 - Short Term Gain
- 11/11/2022 11/11/2022, 12:53 - Caring for Ukrainians in Croatia
October
- 25/10/2022 25/10/2022, 14:03 - ECM Prayer Days in Spain
- 18/10/2022 18/10/2022, 12:04 - 14 days of helping refugees
- 11/10/2022 11/10/2022, 12:02 - God is good at all times
September
- 22/09/2022 22/09/2022, 12:18 - Standing Together with Ukraine
- 15/09/2022 15/09/2022, 13:47 - A true life changing experience
- 08/09/2022 08/09/2022, 11:26 - Equipping the next generation
- 05/09/2022 05/09/2022, 13:29 - Summer Camps in Romania
August
- 25/08/2022 25/08/2022, 09:44 - The first step of many
- 04/08/2022 04/08/2022, 12:07 - Summer Day Camp for kids in Lviv, Ukraine
July
- 26/07/2022 26/07/2022, 11:56 - News from Ukraine
- 22/07/2022 22/07/2022, 09:10 - A missionary experience in Spain
- 21/07/2022 21/07/2022, 11:53 - The story of Evgen & Diana
- 14/07/2022 14/07/2022, 11:44 - The ministry of ECMers in Lviv, Ukraine
- 07/07/2022 07/07/2022, 11:33 - "Our children and teenagers haven’t had so much laughter and fun since we left our homes in Ukraine"
- 01/07/2022 01/07/2022, 11:28 - Bringing hope to where it's needed the most
June
- 23/06/2022 23/06/2022, 10:07 - Trusting God at all times
- 11/06/2022 11/06/2022, 11:09 - Life in Ukraine
May
- 31/05/2022 31/05/2022, 17:35 - With small acts of love
- 27/05/2022 27/05/2022, 13:35 - "The worst and the best of humanity"
- 24/05/2022 24/05/2022, 14:22 - Tanya's Story
- 18/05/2022 18/05/2022, 15:23 - From Kiev to Zagrev
- 01/05/2022 01/05/2022, 15:42 - A minibus for Lviv
April
- 26/04/2022 26/04/2022, 11:46 - "There is no way we can get used to the War..."
- 22/04/2022 22/04/2022, 11:31 - A return to Irpin
- 12/04/2022 12/04/2022, 10:00 - The job is too big for one alone...
- 02/04/2022 02/04/2022, 10:13 - A journey into Ukraine: what does it look like?
March
- 28/03/2022 28/03/2022, 14:27 - Shining light into the darkness
- 26/03/2022 26/03/2022, 09:21 - "The aid was a significant relief for our teams..."
- 23/03/2022 23/03/2022, 12:51 - Serving the children in the war
- 22/03/2022 22/03/2022, 12:55 - Through your prayers...
- 21/03/2022 21/03/2022, 12:11 - Praise God for his provision!
- 08/03/2022 08/03/2022, 08:42 - On the ground in Ukraine
February
- 24/02/2022 24/02/2022, 19:25 - ECM Update on the Ukraine Crisis
- 15/02/2022 15/02/2022, 12:55 - Who are we and what we do as a mission?