SPAIN AND PORTUGAL TERRITORY | NEWSLETTER -SEPTEMBER 2026
NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2026
When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives, we begin to produce fruits that reflect the character of Christ.: “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ” (Galatas 5:22-23). Therefore, the question is not only, “What am I reaping?” Perhaps it is even more important to ask, “What am I sowing?” The Gospel transforms the way we sow. When we understand that we are saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, we stop living centered on ourselves. As Paul declared: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. ” (Galatians 2:20). Those who have received grace begin to sow grace. Those who have experienced the love of Christ can sow love. Those who have been reached by forgiveness can learn to forgive.
WORDS FROM THE LEADERS CHOOSE YOUR SEEDS By Coronels Wilson and Nara Strasse
Those who have received hope can share it with others. What kind of seeds are we planting today in the soil of our family, our church, our workplace, and our community? Every word is a seed. Every action is a seed. Every choice is a seed. May the Lord help us choose good seeds and, guided by the Holy Spirit, be sowers of the Gospel, spreading love, hope,
“ A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7
faith, and life wherever we go. Choose your seeds. The harvest begins today.
In the field, seed quality is essential. A good harvest begins with a good choice. High-quality seeds contribute to healthier, more resilient, and more productive crops. That is why those who work in agriculture know that we cannot sow just anything and expect a good harvest. Jesus and the biblical writers often used images from the fields and agriculture to teach spiritual truths. Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:7-8 that there is a direct relationship between what we sow and what we will reap: “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” This truth also applies to our daily lives. Our words, attitudes, choices, and relationships are seeds. Every day, we are sowing something. We can sow to the flesh: selfishness, pride, envy, anger, strife, resentment, and many other attitudes that harm our lives and our relationships. These seeds will inevitably produce fruits we do not desire. But we can also choose to sow to the Spirit. www.ejercitodesalvacion.es | www.exercitodesalvacao.pt
NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2026
“We are very happy with the outcome, because not only did we have the opportunity to continue doing God's will among the children in our neighborhood, but we were also able to see that, despite their young age, they came to know God and want to continue discovering more about Him and how He can be part of their lives. Out of the 12 children, five decided to talk with their parents about starting to attend our Coruña Corps.” Five children who want to learn more about Jesus. Five seeds planted. Five opportunities for God to continue working in their lives and, through them, in the lives of their families as well. At La Coruña Corps, we are sure that our ministry to children is essential. They are our present, but they will also be part of the future of God's mission. For this reason, we want to continue opening the doors of our Corps, creating safe spaces and sharing the message of Jesus with our children and their families. When we sow
AN OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW JESUS
into the heart of a child, we do not know how far the seed that God has placed in our hands may grow and reach.
By Lieutenant.Aitor Garcia
From 4th to 7th August, the La Coruña Corps opened its doors to host an urban camp, where we welcomed 12 children from our community. For five of them, this was a special opportunity, as they did not know God and did not have a close relationship with the Church. For four days, we shared many hours filled with games, group activities, and various events, but also moments dedicated to talking about our faith. We had the opportunity to explain, in a way that was appropriate for their ages, what Easter means to us, why we remember Jesus' sacrifice, and the significance of His giving Himself for our lives. We created a safe and welcoming environment where each child was able to share what they knew about God based on their own culture, family background, and personal experience. Together, we explored the ideas they already had about Him and discovered who Jesus is in their lives. For us, this camp was much more than a summer activity. It was an opportunity to sow the Gospel in the hearts of a new generation, showing that the Church can be a place where children are heard, valued, and loved The results filled us with joy. As Lieutenant Aitor García, Corps Officer of the Coruña Corps, stated: www.ejercitodesalvacion.es | www.exercitodesalvacao.pt
NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2026
CATHERINE PROGRAMME By Lieutenant.Aitor Garcia
Lieutenants Aitor García, Zuleica Padrón, and Salatiel Ferreira, from the Spain and Portugal Territory, together with Captain Aguilera serving as translator, participated in the Catherine Programme, held in the Netherlands. This experience brought together The Salvation Army officers, employees, and volunteers from 18 countries, creating a unique opportunity to share experiences, learn together, and reflect on the history and legacy of our
DOMINO’S PIZZA SUPPORTS THE PIZZ’ AND LOVE PROJECT
organization. Throughout the programme, they had the opportunity to
By Nuno Ferreira
deepen their understanding of the history of The Salvation
The Salvation Army Shelter and Reintegration Centre, as
history continues to shape our mission today. It was also an
part of the Pizz’ And Love Project, welcomed the Domino’s
opportunity to meet colleagues from different territories
Pizza team for a training session focused on pizza dough
and cultures, discovering that, although our contexts may
preparation.
be different, we share the same mission and the same desire
Army, learn more about its origins, and reflect on how that
This
provided
participants
with
the
opportunity to acquire new skills and gain firsthand
to serve God and others.
experience from professionals in the industry.
The Catherine Programme represented, for all participants,
This initiative represented more than just a technical
a challenge, a reminder, and an opportunity for learning: a
learning experience. It was also an opportunity for sharing,
challenge, because every training experience invites us to
connection, and investment in the development of Pizz’ And
step outside our comfort zone and continue growing; a
Love as a project focused on empowerment, skills
reminder, because looking back at our history helps us
development, and community participation
understand where we come from and the commitment
We would like to thank Domino’s Pizza for their availability,
involved in being part of The Salvation Army; and an
the knowledge they shared, and above all, the confidence
opportunity for learning, because there is always something
they have shown in our project and in the people who are
new to discover when we walk alongside others.
part of it.
The lieutenants from our Territory successfully completed
We will continue to learn, develop our skills, and strive to do
the programme, enabling them to broaden their knowledge,
even better, because while our pizzas may not have a price,
strengthen their character, and enrich their preparation for
they have great value.
the ministry that the Lord has entrusted to them.
www.ejercitodesalvacion.es | www.exercitodesalvacao.pt
NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2026
Soldier Sydney Imohita Participating in the TMI was undoubtedly one of the most blessed experiences I have ever had. At the same time, it was also a significant personal challenge because, from the very beginning, I wanted to give my very best, to grow, and to make the most of the opportunity that God had given me. But beyond the music and everything that comes with participating in a camp of this nature, I am taking away a completely different understanding of what it means to worship and serve God as a young person.
TERRITORIAL MUSIC INSTITUTE - ASBURY UNIVERSITY Testimonies by Soldiers Sydney Imohita and Joana Anastácio
The Salvation Army Spain and Portugal Territory was represented at the Territorial Music Institute (TMI) held at Asbury University, USA, from 26th to 2nd August. The Territory was represented by Soldiers Sydney Imohita and Joana Anastácio, who were awarded a scholarship provided by The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory. Their testimonies follow.
One of the things that impacted me the most was seeing so many young people from my generation praising the Lord with such freedom, energy, and passion. Watching them sing, pray, raise their hands, kneel, and simply not be afraid to show how much they love Jesus touched me deeply. It is something that, unfortunately, we do not always see with the same intensity in our context in Spain and Portugal. For this reason, TMI was not just an experience I lived through for a week, but something that made me return home with a new vision. It made me realize that we too can live out our faith in this way and that we have much to contribute to our generation.
SS Joana Anastácio Having the opportunity to attend the TMI was a great blessing from the very day I was awarded the scholarship. It was far more than I could ever have imagined. Things did not unfold the way I expected them to, yet the experience
In summary, I would describe TMI as a wonderful and deeply blessed experience that taught me, challenged me, and, above all, inspired me to return home eager to carry with me everything I learned.
exceeded all my expectations! All the doubts and fears that arose along the way were met with God’s constant presence. He was with me every step of the journey. I travelled alone and arrived safely on every flight, including one that was delayed and even one that I missed, which unexpectedly took me through London. I was reunited with people I had not seen for more than 16 years and whom I did not know would be there, and I also made new friends. It was a time of learning and new experiences, but above all, it was an opportunity to deepen my walk with God. The TMI was a powerful reminder that God is in control of all things and of His perfect timing. Even though I asked myself many times, “Why am I here when there are others who are better than me?” I eventually came to understand why God had brought me there. www.ejercitodesalvacion.es | www.exercitodesalvacao.pt
NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2026
Highlights
TERRITORIAL YOUTH CAMP By Captain Gildo Governo
From August 12 to 16, young people from Portugal and Spain gathered at Peña de Horeb, Spain, for the Territorial Youth Camp. A total of 65 people attended, including both the leadership team and participants. Of the 54 young people present, 22 represented Portugal and 32 represented Spain. We were privileged to have two special guests who led part of the workshops: Major Rob Reardon (IHQ Program Resources Under Secretary) and Kevin Oliver (IHQ International Specialist for Children and Youth), whose energy, enthusiasm, and dynamic approach were a great encouragement to everyone. Major
Sandra
Carreño
represented
the
territorial
leadership, bringing the messages during the meetings. These were days of fellowship, learning, and sharing, in an atmosphere marked by friendship and enthusiasm. Under the theme “Upgrade,” inspired by Jeremiah 29:11 and the story of Joseph, the camp tried to challenge each young person to place their dreams and their lives in God’s hands, allowing Him to guide them along the right path. The programme included plenary sessions, workshops, small-group discussions, and a variety of recreational activities, such as games, swimming, and a special kayaking activity. More than just a camp experience, the TYC 2026 was an opportunity to grow in faith, strengthen relationships, and look to the future with hope. It also serves as a challenge to continue investing in a generation of young people who dream, grow, and seek to live out their life plans with God. www.ejercitodesalvacion.es | www.exercitodesalvacao.pt