Sam Schwartz writes from Lisbon, Portugal: "It's been over a month since we moved to Lisbon and time is flying by.
In this beautiful city we've chosen to live in the historic downtown area in order to reach a segment of society that has been generally ignored by Christians. The building where we live will turn 100 next year, and sits amidst small businesses, an elementary school, and a tiny city library.
Although major monuments and touristic destinations are within a few minutes' walk of our front door, we also live close to a drug and prostitution dominated neighborhood. We often go as a family to a nearby city square to skate and play in the water fountains on hot summer days. This square is full of food huts with delicious international food aromas wafting through the air. A DJ plays music in the background to set the mood for the locals and passing tourists taking pictures of the castle on the hill above. The peoples of the square represent dozens of cultures and almost all of the major world religions.
Pray for us as we begin to plant and water gospel seeds in this spiritually desolate neighborhood.
Tracey starts her "other job" as a 7-8th grade English teacher this week and will receive students on September 3rd. Pray that Tracey will quickly create good relationships with the faculty and be successful in planning her school year.
Pray for the children, Caleb and Ema, as they begin in a new school and face the challenge of making new friends and getting comfortable in a new scholastic setting.