By Eric Villanueva
All glory to God!
On the weekend of April 25–26, 2026, the Lord moved in a powerful and unmistakable way, opening doors for Couples for Christ in not one, not two, but three new countries: Estonia, Lithuania, and Slovenia.
What once began as a quiet prayer, a dream in the hearts of CFC missionaries in Europe, and a gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit has now come to life. Within the span of a single weekend, three new mission territories were opened, clearly reflecting God’s hand at work and His guidance in advancing the mission in Europe.
This milestone is the fruit of faith, perseverance, and the generous “yes” of many who responded to God’s call. Mission volunteers stepped out in trust, often sacrificing time, comfort, and resources, in order to bring the love of Christ to new lands. Through their service, new hearts, homes, and families have been reached.
This initiative was a truly international effort, carried out by three dedicated mission teams:
Estonia Mission
Led by Eric and Pat Villanueva (California, USA), joined by Efren and Marivel Bagares (Dublin, Ireland), Goi and Charm Villegas (Rome, Italy), and Ernie and Edith Santos with their daughter Jessica (Helsinki, Finland).
A significant highlight of this mission was the participation of Fr. Tomasz Materna, a Polish priest who delivered the first two sessions of the Christian Life Program (CLP). Among the participants was Jaanus Jalakas, a local Estonian and recent Catholic convert who was formerly a Lutheran pastor, a powerful testimony of God’s transforming grace.
Lithuania Mission
Led by Roger and Josie Santos (New Jersey, USA), joined by Eric Batalla (Brussels, Belgium) and Alberto Kalayko (Warsaw, Poland).
In a powerful testament to God’s providence, one couple shared that they had begun their CLP journey in the Philippines, only to have it interrupted by their move abroad. They expressed profound gratitude, recognizing CFC’s arrival in Lithuania as a “divine pursuit,” a clear sign that the Lord intended for them to complete what they had started even thousands of miles away from home.
Slovenia Mission
Led by Don and Cris Sarmiento, joined by Glenn and Gamai Figuracion, Marc and Charm De Asis (Vienna, Austria), Ralph Salvaleon, Rowell Tabajonda, Arnie Omallao, Mark and Che De Asis, and Jeff Geroso.
Volunteers from Vienna also supported the mission by preparing meals and serving as facilitators throughout the CLP. A notable highlight of the Slovenia mission was the diversity of participants, including a Russian who was highly engaged and demonstrated a strong commitment to the community.
Together, these teams embodied the theme: “In the One, we are one,” demonstrating unity across nations, cultures, and communities in service of a common mission.
New members in Estonia, Lithuania, and Slovenia are welcomed into Couples for Christ as part of God’s unfolding plan. They represent the seeds planted in their respective nations, seeds that are expected to grow, flourish, and bear fruit as more families encounter Christ through the community.
This development marks not an endpoint, but a beginning. The same God who opened these doors is expected to continue guiding, sustaining, and providing for the mission. The expansion of the work remains rooted in a simple but powerful response: a faithful “yes” to God.
And when that “yes” is given…
God moves.
To God be all the glory!
