Missionary Project Portugal
For twenty-seven years, Gilson and Nadir Santos have served Igreja Batista da Graça in São José dos Campos, as well as various ministries supported by it. Igreja Batista da Graça is currently experiencing the most fruitful season in its history. In March 2026, it will celebrate its fortieth anniversary, marking the years since its earliest gatherings in private homes that shaped its beginnings. The church now has a well-established leadership, is growing steadily and multiplying, has built a strong network of fellowship, established strategic ministry partnerships, enjoys substantial and expanding assets, and faces bold ministerial challenges ahead. One of these challenges is to expand its missionary reach.
The couple is now entering a new phase of ministry, having accepted an invitation to serve in the coming years as missionaries in Portugal. This missionary project arises from a long-standing aspiration of the couple for the mature stage of their lives. Gilson has ministered periodically in Portugal since 2001 and, in recent years, has also served as a regular lecturer in theological education in the country, with a focus on practical theology. The project involves the Martin Bucer Seminary and the Reformed Network in Portugal, and, in the city of Lisbon, the ministry base will be in partnership with the First Baptist Church, a centennial and active congregation located in the heart of the Portuguese capital. The project begins in 2026, with transitional measures now, and local commitments starting in April.
The couple is now seeking to form a network of partners for this project. Support may be offered in two ways:
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Intercessors: Churches, groups, families, and individuals who commit to praying regularly for the missionary work.
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Financial Partners: Churches, groups, families, institutions, companies, and individuals who commit to contributing regularly to the missionary work. Both Igreja Batista da Graça and the Portuguese brothers, given their significant challenges and limitations, are not able to cover the full cost of the project. For this reason, the couple is now seeking to complete the project budget by inviting the support of those who identify with its objectives and are willing to become regular financial partners in the years ahead.
Support our mission in Portugal: Click here to learn how to support the missionary ministry of Pastor Gilson and Nadir Santos in Portugal.
More updates will be posted on this page soon.
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