During a TeenStreet event in Porto, participants were reminded of Christ's love for them and that they are not alone in their faith.
In April 2025, teenagers in Portugal had their first experience of TeenStreet during a day-long event in Porto. The 16 teenagers gathered in three small groups, where their leaders challenged them to have fun, go deep and be bold. Volunteers joined teams such as kitchen, cleaning and KidsStreet to give the young people who signed up the opportunity to experience a day in the world of TeenStreet.
The theme of the event was SEVEN Kick-Off, looking into the seven letters to the churches of Asia in Revelation 2 and 3. To prepare for a deeper study planned for the summer, the kick-off event gave an overview of the book of Revelation and delved into chapter 4.
The day's programme mirrored what would happen at the larger TeenStreet event in Europe, including the Main Hall, where the main teaching was shared, along with moments of praise, fun and worship. The teenagers ate meals together and visited a stand with TeenStreet products and the Snackaria, an area to buy food and snacks.
Hearing from God
The teenagers also enjoyed Shhh Time and small group time, with periods of silence, time alone with God, group sharing and devotionals.
Isabela, one of the participants, said, “During TeenStreet, in Porto, I felt God speaking to me in a very intimate way. In the moments of worship, in the messages and even in conversations with people, it was as if He was reminding me how much He loves me and that He has something for me.
“But I also realised how much I have been neglecting my time with God. Sometimes I get distracted by so many things and end up not getting closer to Him as I should. I returned home with a full heart, but also with the awareness that I need to seek Him more, to connect with Him more in my daily life. And of course, I really enjoyed exploring the theme of Revelation.”
Josias, another participant, also enjoyed the Interacts sessions, when workshops, sports, games, art and music were available to try.
“TeenStreet was a very good experience for me, as I was able to talk and play football with people my age who share the same faith as me,” he said. “This was rewarding for me, as I don't have much contact with other people of my age who are Christians.
“I really enjoyed the small groups, as I was able to study the Bible and discuss topics that I always wanted to discuss. So, to conclude, I think the TeenStreet experience was incredible and I would go again.”
The day ended with The Throne Room, a session filled with praise, testimonies, prayer and sharing.
Something extraordinary
Small group leader Larissa said the event was valuable for the young people and a blessing to those who helped organise and run it.
“The TeenStreet event in Porto was truly special. Sharing the presence and power of our Lord is something extraordinary, even more so when you see teenagers with hearts thirsty to know more and more of Him,” she said. “Teenagers need to experience for themselves not only the moving of the Holy Spirit, but also to realise that there are other people, just like them, who are intensely seeking the same God.
“Holding a local event like this is essential, as it shows that there are young people like them, from the same city, from the same country, who want to deepen their love for the Lord. Participating in this is a real privilege and an honour that the Lord has given me. Being present, crying, laughing and sharing moments with them is essential for them to know that they are not alone on this journey.”
Small group leader Rúben described the chance to walk alongside the teenagers in their Christian journey as “a privilege.”
“Honestly, it was amazing to be able to serve God in a ministry that I am so passionate about,” he said. “Guiding and accompanying young people at such a significant and often complicated stage of life is a real challenge, but it is also deeply motivating. Knowing that, even in our limitations, God uses us to touch the lives of those He places in our path is priceless.
“I had the opportunity to see up close how God works in hearts, how He speaks personally and transforms lives. Being there, alongside the teens, listening to their struggles, praying with them, laughing and sharing the Word was a huge privilege.
“I leave this TeenStreet with a full heart, grateful for everything I have experienced, for the people I have met, and above all, excited for the TeenStreet Europe event. God is good, and I continue with a renewed desire to serve Him with all that I am.”