Spain Update

Testimony of a miracle 

Nate, a Chinese graduate student, attends a university outside of Barcelona. We met in my first Spanish-class and from time-to-time will meet and he will show me a new Chinese restaurant.  

Last fall Nate visited the church with a friend and fellow student. We stayed in touch, but the COVID mobility restrictions kept us from meeting.  

Then Sam received a text from Nate asking if Sam had seen his friend. She had been missing for two weeks, no one knew where she was, and she had not turned in her final exams. Sam has been praying for God to open a door with Nate, and in faith texted him, saying, “…we will pray and God will hear!” 

Twenty-three minutes later, Nate texted me back—they had found her after two weeks missing! Hallelujah! Nate’s reply was, “Oh Sam, I have to say, God heard, we found her.” Nate was in church that Sunday with another friend! He wanted to give thanks to “my God” for helping find his friend. We believe that very soon, Jesus will not just be “my God” but “his God”!  

A growing church 

Denys comes from Ukraine and has lived in Barcelona for five years by himself. He fled as a refugee shortly after the Russian invasion of Crimea. His family still lives there. 

He had come to several youth nights and we had a few Bible studies together explaining God’s beautiful plan of salvation. While he came from a Christian background, he rarely attended church. We encouraged him that it was time to take a step toward Jesus again.  

Our youth director preached a powerful message on repentance and water baptism in Jesus’ name. And when the opportunity to be baptized was presented, Denys raised his hand and stepped forward! It was the first time we saw a genuine look of joy on his face! Please continue to pray for Denys as continues his walk with Jesus.  

Others have been baptized in the last month, and the church is growing. Sam had the privilege of baptizing a mother and son pair, who were invited to church by a husband and wife, who themselves are new converts! God is saving families and the church is growing!  

Youth, family, and fun 

Our biweekly youth nights have provided a great opportunity for the youth to “gel” as a group and stay active in the work of the Lord.  

The youth nights provide a healthy outlet for socialization as well as physical place for fellowship. This is something that has been increasingly important (and difficult) during the ever-changing COVID measures. On several occasions teams of our youth have visited the new building location to help clean it in preparation of construction.  

Benaiah and Xander continue to enjoy every minute they get to spend with their English-speaking friends and fellow Missionary Kids. It is a joy to see them forming bonds and friendships with other children who love Jesus and who have had some of the same experiences as they have.   

Prayer requests 

• Continued revival and harvest in Spain.

• For guidance and direction as we begin to pray and fast over our next steps in the ministry of global missions. 

• That Benaiah and Xander would form positive friendships with their classmates and pick up the Spanish and Catalan languages quickly. 

• That the youth would adjust to and embrace the new ministries and new vision for 2021.