Although a small country in population and size, Portugal was once a powerful force in the Christian evanglization of the world. During the "Age of Discovery," Portugal spread Christian thought and faith worldwide. Often seen only though the eyes of exploration, Portuguese explorers were also the first to bring the Christian message to millions of people, both at home and abroad. The Portuguese, as opposed to other colonial powers, sought to prioritize the church first and commerce second, thus leaving a legacy of Christian faith that stands to this day. Today, there are remains of the Portuguese church throughout Africa, Brazil, and the Far East. This book examines each country of Portuguese past patronage and seeks to find the physical presence of the Christian church and the faith that remains to this day. We will explore Portugal's role in changing the course of human history and bringing advancements in religion and culture. We will notice that Portugal and the Portuguese speaking people of the world have went through periods of renewal, revival, and
restoration. Today, Portuguese people are again poised to be on the forefront of Christian evangelism as they advance into countries where the church and the message of Christ's love is unknown. This book explores the past history of Portuguese faith and Christian expansionism and asks the question, "If they did it before, can they do it again?" The answer is a resounding, "yes!" The missionary movement of the Portuguese was not without its challenges and we will openly discuss the failures and successes of the first Portuguese missionary movement that still continues to this day. However, the Portuguese people have always been a people of faith, but at times, sand and the refuse of time has filled the wells that once flowed out of the Portuguese people's heart with living water. We pray that now is the time to reopen the wells, renew our faith, and join with the Portuguese in bringing hope to the nations of the world once again.