God's own words of love
martes 12 agosto 2025 10:30 It was love at first sight for Ana; it was …interesting for me! I’m not talking about the day we met – that was love at first sight for me. I’m referring to The Mark Drama. The Mark Drama is the Gospel of Mark performed with all the events registered by Mark and all of Jesus’ words in 90 minutes, “no props, no costumes, no professionals, just Gospel.”
By Carlos and Ana Freitas in Portugal
The Mark Drama is an evangelistic tool that churches and other Christian ministries can use and it is used a lot throughout Europe in a Christian Union environment at universities. It has a lot of advantages as it drives the group (church or GBU/IFES/ CU) to have conversations with institutions to try and get a more neutral space. Of course, the performances can happen in a church, but it might be easier to invite someone to a public school, to a university canteen or a city council space. It’s also an easier invite when you ask a friend to come and see a play for free and one where you’re taking part!
The Mark Drama is also a discipleship tool. The team that performs it must memorise the order of events in Mark’s Gospel. It takes Christians to the Bible to wrestle with memorising events, but also thinking more profoundly about the Jesus that Mark wanted us to see; the Son of God. We had a team of 14 young Christians and today, two are in ministry and most of the others are committed Christians serving their local churches.
In 2013, Portugal had the first set of performances in Coimbra, with GBU (IFES, Christian university students). At the time Matt George was the GBU secretary and he invited Andrew Page, the author of The Mark Drama, to Coimbra to direct a performance.
Also in 2013, Ana and I were in our first year in full time ministry with the church in Eiras, Coimbra and with the GBU in partnership with Matt and Louise. Ana translated Andrew Page whilst he directed the first team of Christians in Coimbra performing The Mark Drama.
Ana has coordinated a few more performances, always with GBU students. That is until 2023 when our church, Eiras Coimbra, went ahead to start a church plant in the city. In March 2024 we had the first performance of The Mark Drama by a church group, the mother church Eiras and the church plant, Comunidade da Graça Coimbra.
“ECM has provided the network and the missionaries for the work of the gospel in Coimbra...”
Tina Turner sang “what’s love got to do with it?” and you’re reading an ECM magazine and might think what part did ECM have? Well, Matt and Louise George were ECM Australia missionaries in Coimbra. Matt had attended the ECM Biennial where Andrew Page was invited to come and share The Mark Drama. Ana and I are now ECM Ireland missionaries in Coimbra. ECM has provided the network and the missionaries for the work of the gospel in Coimbra. It’s amazing to think that all who support ECM and its missionaries through prayer and giving are part of what God is doing through His people for His glory.
To find out more about what is going on in Portugal, click here.
Stories from Europe > 2025
diciembre
- 23/12/2025 23/12/25, 11:15 - Merry Christmas from ECM!
- 16/12/2025 16/12/25, 11:03 - Standing with Bitaj
- 9/12/2025 9/12/25, 10:23 - Join the Team
- 1/12/2025 1/12/25, 17:13 - A Continent in Need of Hope
noviembre
- 19/11/2025 19/11/25, 14:22 - Love looks like Jesus
- 12/11/2025 12/11/25, 14:06 - Walking with God, Walking with Others
- 5/11/2025 5/11/25, 11:35 - Joining Forces
octubre
- 29/10/2025 29/10/25, 11:05 - What Is In Your Hands?
- 22/10/2025 22/10/25, 11:58 - Faith Takes Root
- 15/10/2025 15/10/25, 11:49 - Don’t Overestimate What You Can Do in a Year
- 8/10/2025 8/10/25, 17:34 - “Someone Has to Slay the Dragon!”
- 1/10/2025 1/10/25, 17:18 - Unhindered
septiembre
agosto
- 28/8/2025 28/8/25, 9:57 - A New Church in the Heart of Budapest
- 26/8/2025 26/8/25, 11:25 - Sharing love in so many ways! (part 2 of 2)
- 19/8/2025 19/8/25, 11:13 - Sharing love in so many ways! (part 1 of 2)
- 12/8/2025 12/8/25, 10:30 - God's own words of love
- 6/8/2025 6/8/25, 8:56 - Another new worker for Portugal!
julio
- 30/7/2025 30/7/25, 15:26 - One Answered Prayer at a Time
- 23/7/2025 23/7/25, 15:38 - "They may be broken, but God sees the potential”
- 16/7/2025 16/7/25, 16:04 - Prague: From the Giant Peach to the Hobbit House.
- 9/7/2025 9/7/25, 13:42 - Equipping God’s People: A Journey We’re Honoured to Share
- 2/7/2025 2/7/25, 13:35 - Sharing Jesus—and Growing Leaders—at Austria’s Summer Camps
junio
- 25/6/2025 25/6/25, 13:27 - Reaching Romania’s Children with the Gospel of Grace
- 18/6/2025 18/6/25, 13:13 - God’s Word on Campus: Training Bible Study Leaders in Portugal
- 11/6/2025 11/6/25, 13:00 - Equipping for Abundant Life
- 3/6/2025 3/6/25, 11:41 - Groninger Cake in the Court Garden
mayo
- 27/5/2025 27/5/25, 15:29 - From DOS to the App Store: The Story of La Parola
- 16/5/2025 16/5/25, 12:08 - Hope in the Post-Atheist Neighbourhood
abril
- 9/4/2025 9/4/25, 11:30 - Growing a Church that will Last for Generations
- 2/4/2025 2/4/25, 11:43 - Jesus is the Way on the Camino: Pilgrims finding God
marzo
- 26/3/2025 26/3/25, 11:08 - Reaching Hearts Behind Bars
- 19/3/2025 19/3/25, 11:55 - How God Called Us to Stay at Home
- 12/3/2025 12/3/25, 11:39 - How Much my Supporters Mean to Me
- 5/3/2025 5/3/25, 11:33 - An experience I couldn’t recommend more!
febrero
- 24/2/2025 24/2/25, 11:42 - Three Years of War, but God is Still at Work in Ukraine
- 19/2/2025 19/2/25, 11:10 - From a Bar to the Bible
- 12/2/2025 12/2/25, 12:19 - From War Volunteer Centre to Thriving Church
- 5/2/2025 5/2/25, 11:28 - How was I called to Europe?
enero
- 31/1/2025 31/1/25, 11:49 - From Service to Salvation: Sasha’s Journey in Borodianka, Ukraine
- 29/1/2025 29/1/25, 11:05 - Breaking Barriers: A Christ-Centered Journey with the Roma Community in Greece
- 22/1/2025 22/1/25, 13:12 - How to plant a Church in secular France?
- 17/1/2025 17/1/25, 11:09 - A Place of Hope in Christ: Serving Refugees for 25 Years
READ our stories about what is going on across Europe,
PRAY for the projects and the workers involved!
Churches Unite in Leiria
mayo - 27 - 2026 12:51 More than 200 believers from 12 churches and 9 mission organisations joined together in Portugal’s Leiria region for two days of evangelism, prayer, and outreach — with around 700 people approached and 40 decisions for Christ reported. Seguir leyendoA Life Saved
mayo - 20 - 2026 12:38 What began as a soup kitchen relationship became something far more urgent. When Mr. Dumitru’s life was at risk, ECMI workers refused to give up — advocating, praying, and walking with him until the moment that changed everything. Seguir leyendoThe Sun Shines for Irene
mayo - 13 - 2026 12:34 After years of searching — through religion, spirituality, and personal pain — Irene reached a point where she didn’t want to go on. But a simple online search connected her with an ECMI couple whose open table became the place where everything began to change. Seguir leyendoA Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together
mayo - 06 - 2026 12:05 Across Europe, many live unseen — shaped by disability, anxiety, or neurodivergence. As followers of Jesus, we are learning to notice, to listen, and to create spaces where everyone belongs. Seguir leyendoFaith from the Ruins
abril - 29 - 2026 13:34 When war tore through Irpin, life was shattered. Yet even amid war, God’s work continues—lives changed, churches planted, and hope restored. Discover the story. Seguir leyendoFaithful Presence
abril - 22 - 2026 13:06 Mission in Europe often moves slowly, but God works in unseen ways. This story from Austria reminds us that faithful, patient love can transform lives — even when change seems invisible. Seguir leyendoSearching for Hope
abril - 14 - 2026 12:52 Across Europe, many people are searching for meaning, identity, and hope. Behind the statistics are real lives. Meet Sander. Seguir leyendoCalled? Keep going!
abril - 08 - 2026 12:42 Sensing God’s call to mission can be both thrilling and daunting. Anna’s journey back to Romania reminds us that when God calls, He provides — and you are never alone. Seguir leyendoThe Triumph of the Cross
abril - 01 - 2026 12:23 As we approach Easter, we remember the Cross — the moment that changed eternity — and give thanks to Jesus, the King of kings. Seguir leyendoClaremorris Church Opens Its Doors
marzo - 25 - 2026 11:31 What began as a small gathering in a town hall has become something far greater. On 21 March 2026, the growing church in Claremorris, County Mayo, celebrated the official opening of its very first building — a powerful milestone and a testament to God’s faithfulness. Seguir leyendoStep Into Mission: Opportunities Across Europe
marzo - 18 - 2026 10:55 What could your next step in mission look like? Across Europe, doors are open for you to serve, grow, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re exploring a short-term experience or sensing a longer-term call, there are opportunities waiting where your gifts can make a real difference. Seguir leyendoWomen of Faith
marzo - 04 - 2026 12:27 This March, we celebrate the incredible women serving in mission — women who lift God’s name high, shine His light, and make a difference across Europe. Seguir leyendoA Church Takes Root
febrero - 25 - 2026 11:48 In the fast-paced rhythm of Budapest, a new church is taking root. Through patient relationship-building and creative outreach, Tamás and Virág are seeing lives changed and a vibrant community begin to grow. Seguir leyendoEncouraging Growth in Portugal
febrero - 18 - 2026 12:05 There are hopeful signs of growth in Portugal, as new data reveals a significant rise in church planting across the country — a reminder that God is at work, often in ways we may not immediately see. Read on to see what God is doing! Seguir leyendoThe Heavens Declare
febrero - 11 - 2026 13:17 Berlin Psalm Project’s second album is here! Experience the Psalms like never before, with jazz-inspired arrangements that stir the soul. Seguir leyendoNew Neighbours
febrero - 04 - 2026 12:48 What does it mean to leave a familiar, supportive Christian environment and move to a place where the gospel is rarely heard? Last August, Edward and Trix Landman took that step together with their children. Now, a year later, they look back on their first experiences. Seguir leyendoJoin God’s Story in Europe
enero - 28 - 2026 17:24 At ECM, our work is more than programmes and projects—it’s about people, and ultimately, it’s about God, at work in and through us. Every time a believer is equipped, a community is connected, or a disciple is multiplied, it is His Spirit moving, using us as instruments for His glory. Seguir leyendoA New Beginning in Frankfurt
enero - 21 - 2026 14:12 In one of Germany’s largest cities, a new church-plant is emerging through prayer, presence, and trust in God’s leading—bringing hope to the Oberrad community. Seguir leyendo
