By Lynn Hutchinson, CBF Field Personnel

One of the things I love about our Portuguese-speaking church is how interactive and affectionate members are between generations and nationalities, families and individuals. It has taken me longer than expected to figure out who goes with whom because there are warm embraces all around and children are frequently held or sit with people who are not their parents. I was still struggling to put names together with faces when I attended a special event organized by and for women in the church. Before I had even entered the building I was warmly greeted with “beijinhos” (small kisses) by women from three different countries. A few weeks earlier, the pastor had given me the opportunity to introduce myself to the church. I was delighted to find that several of the women remembered my name even though it is unusual to them. I took this opportunity to ask several seated near me to write down their first names so I could learn and remember them. 

Three different women had been asked to share testimonies that day. Their ages, experiences and backgrounds were different, but every woman listening hung on to their words because these stories came straight from the heart and testified to the faithfulness of God and his work in their lives. Katrina was the oldest and needed a cane to support her as she made her way slowly to the front. After a few introductory words, she sang all the verses of an old hymn. I was struck by how clear and sweet her voice was, by the warmth of her gaze and the unsurpassed beauty of her smile. When her song came to an end, she slowly made her way back to her seat. For a moment, I thought, “Wasn’t there to be another testimony?” And then I realized that I had seen and heard her testimony already. After the meeting, the women gathered in a small room to share some refreshments. I went to thank Katrina for her song. She took my hands in hers and talked about how grateful she was for her two years in Portugal because of how much more she had learned about God while participating in this church.    

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV). Many weeks have passed, and Katrina has returned to her home country to help with family needs, but I still vividly remember her vibrant testimony to God’s grace and love. Katrina brought light to everyone that day. She seemed to glow from within. Lord, let us shine in such a way that others will be drawn to Your light!