Sarah Crowther spent part of her summer vacation from college exploring Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, which has been described as “a vibrant European city [where] tradition fuels creativity.” She visited the UNESCO World Heritage destination, not as a tourist, but as short-term missionary. From August 2-12 she sought and found a measure of “spiritual renewal.”
“In Portugal, I was moved by the vibrant church life. The warmth and devotion of the Portuguese believers deepened my appreciation for my own church, highlighting the universal bond we share in Christ,” said the youth ministry leader at Word of God Christian Fellowship, which nine Filipino-American families started in 2017 in the MetroWest Boston City of Framingham, Massachusetts.
“I was struck by the importance of relationships in their culture, especially in a place where the evangelical church faces challenges. The emphasis on building genuine connections is crucial for sowing seeds of faith,” commented the Worcester Polytechnic Institute undergraduate, who is working toward an Environmental and Sustainability Studies degree.
Finding leadership
As a second-year Mission Force participant and currently a leader-in-training, Crowther committed her life to Jesus Christ as a middle-school student not long after attending a BCNE YEC (Youth Encountering Christ) weekend. She supported the 2024 leaders and served the other participants in practical ways, “helping with the mundane tasks. It was through these small acts of service that I found my way of leading.” Servant leadership is a Mission Force key priority.
“This trip wasn’t about physical rest, but spiritual renewal. It allowed me to reflect on God’s incredible work—far beyond anything I could accomplish alone,” she stated. “I return[ed] home grateful and in awe of God’s ongoing work in my life and all the lives working within Mission Force.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Dan Nicholas and originally published by Baptist Churches of New England.
