Otto and Marjorie Ekk grew up in Brazil, where there was always a tense relationship between the locals and their former colony—Portugal. When the MBMS International team asked Otto and Marjorie how they felt about going to Portugal, they almost fell of their chairs. Portugal was the last thing on their mind. They committed a month to praying about that, and within a few days they felt God’s peace and direction towards Portugal. They first decided to commit to 10 years in Portugal—they have been there for 17 years and counting.

1. What’s the strangest food you’ve eaten in your country of ministry?
Octopus and Snail, they are sold in the market and even fried as onion rings.

2. Who is the most influential living person in your life?
My parents were very strong believers. My father was a very influential man with a grade six education. He passed away the same day I decided to go to seminary.

3. If you could take one characteristic from the life of Jesus and excel at it, what would that be?
Patience. I would love to imitate how he approached people.

4. Favourite passage? Why?
1 Peter 2:10
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
God chose me. We did not choose to be his people. He made us the priesthood.

5. Tell me about a memorable time where you took a risk in your ministry?
Going to Portugal. The risk we took was that we were heading to an unknown place.  

6. Why did you choose this part of the world to serve in?
We were convinced God wanted us there. It was a stretch for us at the time, but we have been there for 17 years and we love it.

7. What is the most challenging aspect of your ministry?
Discerning where God is going and then following. That’s where the action is. If I go my own way, there will be no fruit and I will lose vision. 

8. What motivates you when you don’t see fruit in your ministry?
God’s calling over our lives. Stories of God moving really affirms to us God’s sovereignty in Portugal.

9. What do you love most about the country where you are serving right now?
The people, location, history and food. Portugal is a very ideal place to do missions. 

10. Finish this sentence in the context of your ministry…
“Five years from now, I hope…”
I hope to be found faithful. For God to open his arms and welcome me because I have been a faithful servant.

Back to main country representative page