One recent blessing of acquiring Portuguese in Portugal was that we were able to attend the WELS European Chaplaincy Reformation Retreat.  While we enjoy the blessing of fellowship with the Lutheran Church of Portugal, we also appreciate studying God’s Word, worshiping, and having fun with other WELS members who likewise live a fair distance from “home.”

Over 50 members attended the retreat in Germany’s Black Forest.  The retreat was attended by people who live in England, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, and also Portugal.  Many of the families currently serve in the US Armed Forces, others are working for international companies, and others have a European spouse and have made Europe their home.  Additionally, some attendees are Europeans who for a variety of different reasons have come to call WELS their church.

Pastor Josh Martin and his wife Katie did much of the organizing and preparation for the retreat.  Pastor Martin serves the WELS members in most of Western Europe as if they are all part of one single European congregation, and these twice yearly retreats are the only opportunities for this congregation to worship together in one location.  Normally, over the course of each month, Pastor Martin leads worship in three distant locations within Germany, and also once per month in England and in Switzerland.  Many of the families of this “broad” congregation also contributed by bringing snacks and drinks, organizing musical accompaniment and choirs, and helping with Sunday School.

The retreat was refreshing and encouraging for us and our families in every respect.  We met some old friends and made quite a few new friends.  Worshiping in a “large” group in English is always an extra special experience when it only occurs occasionally.  Our children also enjoyed Sunday School lessons, songs, and projects with kids their own age, who speak the same language.  This is also a rare occasion for them.

We appreciate Pastor Martin and his family, as well as the ministry Pastor Martin has been called to, and we also appreciate the OWLS who right now are generously supporting the European Chaplaincy program.