The Sun Shines for Irene
Wednesday 13 May 2026 12:34 After years of searching — through religion, spirituality, and personal pain — Irene reached a point where she didn’t want to go on. But a simple online search connected her with an ECMI couple whose open table became the place where everything began to change.
Irene grew up in Catholic Seville, Spain, and was raised as such. However, like many in Europe, she became disillusioned with religion. New Age spirituality attracted her, and seemed a response to her search, but it did not fill the emptiness she felt.
“In my worst moments, I didn't even want to live anymore. I was coming out of a painful divorce and had sunk into depression,” shares Irene. In her anguish, she began looking for Jesus. An online search connected her with an ECMI couple in Seville.
“We have a heart for discipleship, which is a high priority at ECMI" say ECMI workers Henk and Hanneke. With a gift for hospitality, their doors were open for all, and through long, regular conversations around their table, Irene came to faith in Christ. She was baptised in the ECMers’ garden pool, surrounded by her family and friends — a joyful celebration!
At first, her family was very suspicious of her decision. Now they see in her a deep peace she had never known before.
“The change had to happen by placing my life in the hands of Jesus”, says Irene.“The sun has finally begun to shine in my life again.”
Her journey continues as she meets biweekly with Hanneke, discovering more of what it means to follow Jesus.
“The sun has finally begun to shine in my life again.”
Archive > 2026
July
- 7/8/2026 7/8/26, 5:36 PM - Together Behind Bars
- 7/1/2026 7/1/26, 4:48 PM - A Place Where Families Are Seen
June
- 6/24/2026 6/24/26, 5:16 PM - Go in the Strength You Have
- 6/18/2026 6/18/26, 11:40 AM - More Than a Haircut
- 6/17/2026 6/17/26, 12:43 PM - Hope for the Overlooked
- 6/10/2026 6/10/26, 10:28 AM - Ready for Camp Season?
- 6/3/2026 6/3/26, 12:46 PM - A New Path
May
- 5/27/2026 5/27/26, 12:51 PM - Churches Unite in Leiria
- 5/20/2026 5/20/26, 12:38 PM - A Life Saved
- 5/13/2026 5/13/26, 12:34 PM - The Sun Shines for Irene
- 5/6/2026 5/6/26, 12:05 PM - A Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together
April
- 4/29/2026 4/29/26, 1:34 PM - Faith from the Ruins
- 4/22/2026 4/22/26, 1:06 PM - Faithful Presence
- 4/14/2026 4/14/26, 12:52 PM - Searching for Hope
- 4/8/2026 4/8/26, 12:42 PM - Called? Keep going!
- 4/1/2026 4/1/26, 12:23 PM - The Triumph of the Cross
March
- 3/25/2026 3/25/26, 11:31 AM - Claremorris Church Opens Its Doors
- 3/18/2026 3/18/26, 10:55 AM - Step Into Mission: Opportunities Across Europe
- 3/4/2026 3/4/26, 12:27 PM - Women of Faith
February
- 2/25/2026 2/25/26, 11:48 AM - A Church Takes Root
- 2/18/2026 2/18/26, 12:05 PM - Encouraging Growth in Portugal
- 2/4/2026 2/4/26, 12:48 PM - New Neighbours
January
OUR IMPACT IN UKRAINE
Discover our impact in the Ukraine crisis and how you can be part of it.
BE PART OF GOD'S MISSION IN EUROPE
STORIES FROM THE FIELD
Together Behind Bars
July - 08 - 2026 17:36 A young prisoner recently gave his life to Jesus through a prison outreach made possible by churches and ministries serving together in unity. His story is a powerful reminder that when believers partner together, the gospel can reach even the most difficult places. full storyA Place Where Families Are Seen
July - 01 - 2026 16:48 In a neighbourhood of Tirana, Albania, mothers and caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities are finding something they rarely experience — support, encouragement, and a community that understands their daily reality. full storyGo in the Strength You Have
June - 24 - 2026 17:16 When the task ahead feels bigger than the resources available, it can be tempting to focus on what is missing. Yet God often calls His people to move forward not with great strength, but with the strength they already have — trusting Him to do the rest. full story









