It began with a simple conversation around a campfire in Alberta, Canada.
Last August, while serving as missionary speakers at the Canada West District Family Camp, Joel and Kristin Burchfiel were invited to join Irv and Cathy Fehr for dessert one evening at their campsite. As they talked about missions and opportunities in the Western Mediterranean Field, something sparked.
“Last summer at our family camp we met Joel and Kristin and just started talking about missions,” Irv shared. “As a result, it piqued our interest, and we went through the process of becoming short-term missionaries to come here, experience a new culture, and minister.”
In March 2026, that conversation became reality as Irv and Cathy arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, to serve for one month.
Originally from Canada, Irv and Cathy are embracing this season of life with open hands. Now retired, they saw short-term missions as a meaningful way to stay active, serve others, and experience the world with purpose.
“We thought this would be an option to be useful while seeing a bit of the world,” Cathy said. “There are many people who need assistance with building projects…this felt like a better way to spend our time.”
During their month in Lisbon, they supported practical needs at Casal Novo Church of the Nazarene, including installing laminate flooring and addressing airflow issues in the parsonage.
But beyond the projects, relationships made the greatest impact.
“It was very nice to get to know the pastoral couple we were working with,” Irv shared. “The friendship that has grown between us and I really hope it will continue.”
Although this is their first official short-term assignment, their story reflects a long-standing heart for service, stepping in wherever there is need. They have participated in a church-building project in Panama and have also been actively involved in ministry in their local community.
Their willingness to step into something new, offer their skills, and build relationships reflects the heart of short-term missions: partnership in God’s work around the world.
As they look ahead, Irv and Cathy are open to what God has next. “This is our first experience doing this,” Irv said. “Hopefully there will be more in the future.”
For others considering short-term missions, Cathy offers simple encouragement:
“You’ve got to try it.”
Their story is a reminder that God uses willing hearts in every season. And sometimes, it all begins with a conversation around a campfire.
-article by Kristin Burchfiel
