Eric & Naomi Sparks

Lisbon, Portugal, has a large and welcoming expat community, making it a popular destination for those relocating from abroad. The city offers a high quality of life, a vibrant culture, and is highly attractive to expats. Although it has a long history of Catholicism, less than 2% of the total population is evangelical, making it challenging for expats to find a church home. The members of Bethany International Church seek to make their home in Christ, so they can be a home for the world.

Raised on the mission field, Naomi has a particular identification with globally mobile people and other expats, giving her a unique way of connecting with that community. Eric grew up in a home where missions was always important; his parents have led short-term missions trips for over 30 years. Together Eric and Naomi have gone on and led trips for 15 years, and have served as mobilizers in their churches. Now they have been called to work long term with Bethany International Church in Lisbon, where Eric will lead music and assist the pastoral staff. Naomi will use her gift of hospitality in discipleship of women, and MTW member care and respite for other missionaries. Their three youngest children will live there with them.