Merry Christmas

God has enabled all that we have accomplished during our deputation travels and therefore to Him goes all the credit.  Just this week I noted that we have visited twenty-four churches and have an almost equal amount scheduled for the upcoming year.  Our support continues to jump up which places us at well over 17%.

This week begins a well needed break for us during the holidays.   On Monday Lorena and I fly out to Peru for Christmas to visit my father and stepmother (click here to view their missionary blog). I have not been back to Peru for almost five years and Lorena has never been there.  You can expect a little update from way down south where we will enjoy a little summer weather for a change.

Thank you again for your support and prayers for us.  We wish you all a Merry Christmas as you celebrate the coming of our Redeemer.  

 God's Word is sharper than a two-edged sword.

Lorena and teens from our home church.

 Pray for the Templetons in Spain

Lorena teaching a song.

Latin Americans in Spain

If we have been in your church to share of our excitement for ministry in Spain, then inevitability you will have heard us talk about the robust Latin America population in Spain.  Perhaps one of the statistics you heard me give was that there are 5.6 million immigrants in Spain, predominately from Latin America and North Africa (Operation World 2010 "Spain").  Due to this fact and a moderate evangelical background, 60% percent of evangelical churches in Spain are composed of Latin.  It came as a surprise for me to find Ecuadorians, Columbian, and even Peruvians in my father-in-law’s church.  

However, the European economic crisis shows a reverse emigration.  Only a few years ago Latin American’s sought job opportunities from tourism and construction here.  CNN recently released a news clip showing that not only are some of them returning to their native homes, but even some Spaniards are seeking job opportunities outside of Spain (click here to view news clip).  Many Latin Americans, nevertheless, have established permanent roots in Spain. 

As each one of us looks back we see more clearly the hand of God orchestrating events and experiences for His missional purposes.  Scott and Juli Fulk’s background in Peru and Ecuador as well as mine in Peru will be an advantage to the spread of the Gospel among those living in Spain.  None of these “advantages” came about of our own doing.  Rather, God in His undeserving kindness has enabled them in our lives for His proclamation and worship.

“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:7)

Christian Ladies (70% Latin American)

Youth Leaders in a church in Salamanca

Latin America

Church Planting Movement

One of the most enriching aspects of deputation is the ability to see Christ at work in local churches.  We have now been in over twenty distinct churches, and in every case God is at work.  At times it is more subtle, while in other occasions it is quite obvious.  We are given a front row seat as we travel from church to church.  Perhaps our front row view is more like a roller coaster vista for we see both the up and down times for churches.  Some bodies of believers are searching for a pastor while others are being fed from God's Word in a systematic manner.  In every case, however, Christ is at work leading and growing His people in grace.

The more time we spend in local churches, the more our desire to be part of Christ’s work of grace in Spain strengthens.  Our passion is to facilitate a church planting movement in the Northwestern region of Spain.  One day, in perhaps the not so distant future, we will begin to see a body of Spanish believers with the desire to be discipled and to grow into a church. This church will have a "church-planting DNA ingrained in them from their inception" (Viral Church, Stezter & Bird p. 161).  Built into the DNA of any church ought to be the Gospel for it is at the heart beat of God for His worship and this compels multiplication.  Our desire is to lead believers through the systematic training of God's Word and enable them to rise up as leaders in their church.  We pray they will catch the vision of planting more churches for God’s glory.  We covet your prayers in this endeavor.

Leaders in a local church

Iglesia Evangélica Bautista de Tormes

Northwestern Region of Castilla y Leon

La Universidad de Salamanca

One of the oldest universities in Europe resides in Salamanca, Spain, and hosts more than 31,000 students each year.  The university boasts of being a “focal point of culture and learning” since its founding in 1218 A.D.   Many renowned men have come from La Universidad de Salamanca.  The famous author, Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote “Don Quixote," graduated from this university.  And if I might brag a little, Lorena received her degree from the University of Salamanca in 2009 with a B. A. in Occupational Therapy.  This center of academia remains a prestigious school for not only the Spanish but also for many foreign exchange students.  In fact, during our deputation we have met parents who have had children in this university. 

The university, more significantly, has also become a focal point for ministry.  One of our future coworkers, Jodi Harrison, has targeted this ministry.  Working under Campus Bible Fellowship of Baptist Mid-Missions, Jodi has determined to integrate herself into this academic world and culture so as to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Grupos Bíblicos Universitarios (Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in Spain) wrote an article figuring that of the 78,000 University students in this region approximately 50 know Christ as their Savior. That’s over 1,500 unsaved students for every one Christian student.

Lorena and I had the chance to spend a few days with Jodi while in the New England area and to hear of her excitement for the joy of the Gospel in the University of Salamanca.  We are eager to one day work with Jodi for the glory of God in Spain.  Check out her website at www.salamancaforchrist.com or send her an email at jodiharrison81@yahoo.com. 

Lorena on Graduation Day

Jodi Harrison

Living Stone Baptist Church

In all of our updates we have failed to tell you of perhaps the most important aspect of our ministry.  We could not accomplish or even begin the deputation process if it were not for Living Stone Baptist Church in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, our home church.  Living Stone has more than simply affirmed our call into full time ministry and service for Christ in Spain.  They have enabled it and encouraged it!

Living Stone’s history begins nine years ago when the idea for planting a church came up at First Baptist Church of Perkaise, Pennsylvania.  The idea developed into a reality in January 2003, when they held their first worship service in a building adjacent to First Baptist.  Tim Vander Stel was appointed as the pastor of this fledgling church and has served there since.  Approximately sixty members uprooted themselves from the comforts of a familiar church and rooted themselves in a new church plant. 

Lorena and I have an excellent example to imitate as we seek to multiply by church planting in Spain.  Pastor Tim has been a mentor, a leaer, and a shepherd to us.  We are grateful to God for a church and leadership that has affirmed God’s leading in our lives and has enabled us to seek other partnerships for the joy of the Gospel in Spain.  Acts 13 cannot be overlooked as Living Stone Baptist Church has done much like the church in Antioch did for Paul and Barnabas.  “Then after fasting and praying they laid hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:3)

Quebec, Canada

Bonjour  from Quebec, Canada.  We have been here visiting family and speaking in their church just outside Quebec City.  It is the first time I have had to be translated.  Not that I am always easily understood in English!  As a young people, we always were the ones doing the translating for pastors or friends that came to visit us in Peru or Spain, but now I needed my brother-in-law, Benoit, to translate into French. 

Being here reminded us of Spain.  In many ways Quebec and Spain resemble each other…cobblestones, quaint shops, and even a castle. But what stood out the most was their spiritual state.  Believers here in Quebec quickly understood when I said the Spanish are like Catholic atheists.  For in Quebec people claim Catholicism but practically God does not exist to them.  Our hearts are knit together understanding the need for the joy of the Gospel in both Quebec and Spain. 

We also wanted to share with you two pieces of good news.  First, our teammates, Scott and Juli, welcomed Dominic Joel into the world last Tuesday morning.  He weighed 6 pounds and measured 19 ½ inches.  The second piece of good news is that our support jumped this week from 11% to 13.5%.  Every time it jumps it puts us closer to Spain and makes us just a bit more excited.  Thank you for partnering in praying with us.

Deputation is a daunting task, but..."to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever an ever. Amen." Eph. 3:20, 21

Faith Baptist Church

During three years of my college experience at Northland International University, I and several other students piled into a car and drove three and half hours to Faith Baptist Church in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.  Every weekend Pastor Steinmetz and his wife poured themselves into us students.  When the time came for me to prepare my first message, it was he that I ran to for help.  We sat in his office for over an hour combing through my sermon outline.  In fact my very first message preached in a church was here at Faith Baptist. 

Fast forward five years. I have come back to Wisconsin Rapids for the purpose of preaching and sharing our vision for ministry in Spain.  Several new faces now sit in the pews.  Pastor Steinmetz still greets everyone as they funnel towards the exit after the service.  No one can escape him as he stands at the door.  Not much has seemed to change except that men and women are growing.  God has used Pastor Steinmetz’s investment in his member’s lives to grow them closer to Himself.

I am typing this out as we drive back to Pennsylvania on our sixteen hour trek back home, and I have plenty of time to reflect on the events of the weekend.  I realize how Faith Baptist and Pastor Steinmetz have continued investing in our lives. I echo Paul’s words with Faith Baptist Church in mind.  “I thank my God in every remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3). 

Prayer Requests:
      1.  Scheduling church meetings for the next year.
      2.    Continued financial support from churches and individuals.
      3.   Safety as we travel many miles

"My Little Jerusalem Shot"

It was a rainy and dreary Sunday morning when Lorena and I pulled into the church parking lot of Crossroads Baptist Church.  We hadn't been there more than five minutes when Bob drove up in his car.  The church was still locked so we carried on a conversation between cars with our windows rolled down.  Bob shared with us how he had come to know Christ and how his life had been completely turned around because of God’s undeserving kindness.

When we finally got inside the church and out of the pouring rain, the atmosphere was noticeably different.  The folks were so kind to us.  They treated us well and asked good questions about Spain and missions in general. God's hand is at work in this small congregation.  The believers there desired to be in fellowship to learn about God.

Later that afternoon I found out why.  In the picture below you will see Pastor Becker and his wife.  He took us up to this little spot that sits looking over the city of Allentown. "There's our one little skyscraper," he said as he pointed between the trees to the city of Allentown.  He called this vista of Allentown his "Little Jerusalem Shot" for here he would at times come just to pray over his city.  The folks in his church are a direct result of the power of prayer and dependence upon God. What an example for me to follow while on deputation.

Prayer Requests:

·          Finalizing our move this week.

·          Scheduling meetings with churches for the next year.

·          Individual supporting partners.

Castilian Spanish

Many have asked me if my Latin American Spanish is any different than the spoken in Spain.  There is a slight variation, though not much of one.  Lorena’s Spanish is known as the Castilian Spanish.  The most noticeable difference between the two is what is called the “theta.”  Most “C’s” before i  and e as well as the letter “Z” are pronounced with a “TH” sound.  Here is an example using the word heart:  Corazón vs. Cora(th)ón.

Linguist debate where this subtle variation came from.  Some have suggested a Spanish King once had a lisp, and his subjects then took on the lisp in deference to him.  This is perhaps more mythical than anything.   Another suggestion by linguist scholars is that it is “related to a local pre-Roman language, or perhaps Basque.” (The History of Spain, p. 11)  In any event, my Spanish is now changing to the Castilian with Lorena’s help.  I have preached and carried on many conversations in Castilian without any significant problems. 

But if we went back a bit further in history, say a few thousand years, we would find a story that actually gives us insight into the origin of languages.  Genesis 11:1-9 explains to us not just the origin of languages but their purpose.  God in His mercy and grace exposes the builder’s sin of pride and fragments their one language into many so as to continue with His ultimate plan to redeem mankind through Jesus Christ.  So if you ever hear someone speaking another language, with or without the “theta,” let it be a reminder of God’s mercy and grace.

Prayer Requests

·          We will be moving to cut expenses as we travel. 

·          Fruit from relationship building with churches and individuals

·          Our sending church, Living Stone Baptist Church, as we grow alongside them.  

Candidate Seminar

Tax ramifications and government red tape for living in a foreign country are just not my particular field of expertise.  For the last week and half Lorena and I have saturated our minds in the Baptist Mid-Missions candidate seminar in Cleveland, Ohio.  We have been exposed to more legal documents than a mind should  be allowed to assimilate.  Both of us were missionary children, and we never would have guessed the massive amount of information our parents needed to know before moving to their respective mission fields.  It would be close to impossible for us to keep track of at minimum 10% of what our mission agency cares for us.  

With us during our training are Scott and Juli Fulks, our teammates.  Every evening after eight hours of candidate school, we have either prayed together, laughed together, or sorted through hours of video footage and images for a our dvd presentation.   Both Scott and Juli have encouraged us so much.  Almost every idea, pondering, vision, or insight is bounced off of them.  We could not have asked God for more fitting teammates.

To add to our excitement during our time here, we met a third couple now decided to go to Spain.  Jonathan and Hannah Romaine have exciting testimonies of God's grace.  We are thrilled to work on the same mission field as the Romaines and see His undeserving goodness in all our lives.

Old & New Spain

Did you know that 40% of Spanish men admit to having solicited a prostitute (La Vanguardia TV)?  According to the Menéame, 50 million Euros are spent every day on prostitution.  77% of Spanish adolescents, the upcoming generation, approve of homosexuality (El Mundo).  In approximately thirty to thirty-five years Spain has moved from a country emphasizing monogamy to a country emphasizing sexual liberty. 

Sin only becomes more obvious and more radical with every successive generation.  An older generation simply chose to conceal their sin while a new generation is more than indifferent.  They now accept and embrace sexual sin.  Only the grace of God can take a man or a woman ravaged by sin, fully pursuing their sinful passions, and make them a new creation in Christ.  "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:1-5

Isn’t this where we all once were before Christ?

Peckville, PA

This weekend we were in Faith Baptist Church in Peckville, Pa.  It was only a two hour drive, but we decided to go up a day early to spend time with Pastor Vigil and his church family.  As soon as we arrived we were whisked away to a picnic where we stayed for a couple of hours getting to know some of these brothers.   
 
Sunday was even sweeter as we spent the morning and into the afternoon in worship.  After the service I was offered what I consider an opportunity of a life time…to ride a Harley Davison.  That afternoon Pastor Vigil on his Honda Rebel and I on the Harley took a ride through the countryside.  As I rode along, I remember just thanking God for this small treat to encourage me. 
 
But there was one other encouragement.  Buster and Karen, long time friends of mine, drove two hours to spend the day with us and in their previous home church.  I met them over a dozen years ago while still a little boy in Peru.  Now they traveled to Peckville, PA to hear me preach.  God always has the right timing in encouraging us.

Tia (Aunt) Toña

When my mother-in-law, Belen, came to know Christ in her teens, she became the only believer in her family.  Many of them at first shunned her.  A few have now accepted her despite a different faith.  Tia (Aunt) Toña is one of those family members.  This week Lorena and I were faced with the decision of whether we should go back to Spain for a few days before Lorena’s Tia Toña passes away.

Some time at the beginning of the year Toña was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  The cancer has now spread throughout her body leaving her only a short time to live.  This past week she was taken to a local hospital for patients who are terminally ill.  Since Tia Toña is so close to Lorena, we struggled at knowing whether we should go back.  I was ruled out because my passport just expired.  After praying and seeking advice, Lorena and I decided it would be best if she stayed home.  Many factors played into this decision.  One of which is that next week both Kent and Belen, my in-laws, will be coming back to the U.S. to visit.  We have determined to make their time as restful and relaxing as possible.

Please pray for Tia Toña and family.  

Islam in Spain

As part of our continuing preparation for Spain, Lorena and I sat in a class this week on how to share the Gospel in a Muslim community.  We cannot tell you how much this class has opened our eyes to the power of God’s Word and its ability to touch the hearts of those darkened by Islam.  Our Professor, Dr. Zaka, pounded into our hearts and minds the importance of preaching Jesus Christ.  Only He has the power to change lives. 

During the week we visited a local mosque and created conversation with those Muslims in attendance.  As we sat and observed their prayers offered to a distant Allah, we were struck by the number of men who showed up.  There were easily two-hundred and fifty plus men in this small building.  This doesn’t include the women who were left unseen behind the dividers.  

If the amount of Muslims in the Lansdale, PA area has surprised you, it should be even more surprising to hear of the rising Muslim population in Spain.  According to the book Operation World, there are over one million Muslims already in Spain.  This, too, provides yet another opportunity for us to share the joy of the Gospel.

Frankie

I am writing this while it’s still fresh on my mind.  This weekend Lorena and I celebrated our first anniversary a week late.  While on our little getaway trip in Baltimore, we noticed how many homeless people there were.  At one point during our long walks I sat down by a gentleman to take a break.  I struck a conversation with Frankie only to have him begin his chant asking for food since he, too, lived on the streets.  After asking him his name, I offered to buy him  a burger. 
 
Two days later, we ran into Frankie again but this time we had the thrill in sharing with him more than a meal…the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Lorena and I sat down on a bench next to him and explained the Joy of the Gospel and how a homeless man may have a home in heaven with Christ.  We told Frankie how God desires to dwell with us in joy!  Pray that the Gospel would begin to convict this man.
 
What does this story have to do with our ministry in Spain?  The Gospel is God desiring to dwell in joy with us eternally (Rev. 21:2-4), and it is our joy and duty to give the message that transforms lives here or in Spain. 

Inner Harbor Baltimore, MD

Church Campout

So where were we this weekend?  We spent the whole weekend camping out with our church.  Some had a different idea of what camping looked like (tent vs. camper).  Which ever form chosen, it was a great time to spend strengthening and deepening our relationship with our sending church.  We are so blessed to be part of Living Stone Baptist Church.  As frail as Lorena and myself are, we need a body of believers to encourage us along our journey.  Tim, our pastor, has been wisely pushing me throughout the internship and refining my thinking along the way.  Living Stone has already begun to encourage us by praying that we would be able to make connections with churches to share our ministry.  

Well, their prayers are certainly effective.  If you take a look at our calendar you can count at least eleven different churches we will be at in the next five months.  Any open dates are filled with missionary training at BMM, a visit to family, back at our home church for a short rest, or simply waiting to be filled.  So the campout this past weekend seems to be the calm before the storm.  

Royal Treatment

One of the perks of being a missionary is that wherever you go, you get treated like royalty.  Well not quite like Prince William and Kate, but we get taken care of very well.  This week I drove back down to Salisbury, Maryland to speak at First Baptist School’s chapel.  I spent the night with Larry and Ammi Lembeck, and they were very kind to say the least.  Below is a picture of them.  Ammi is from Chile, so we naturally spoke much Spanish together.  She is due her first son in August.  Her husband, Larry, has even been down to Peru where I grew up.  

Then on Sunday we went to Norristown, PA to preach at Rise Up Church.  Here, too, we were taken very well care of.  We had lunch with Pastor Cameron and his family.  They are such an encouragement to us.  Pray for them as they get this small church on its feet.  Inner city ministry is not an easy task to say the least.  

And on a different note, if you would like to follow where we will be at next, you can find our schedule by clicking on this link or copying and pasting it into the browser. http://www.templetons2spain.com/news.html

Graduation

Saturday was graduation day for me from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary.  Everything seemed to be going just fine except that I couldn’t keep my cap on.  It kept sliding further and further back on my head.  I have a small head and an odd shaped one on top of that.  The more the hat slid back the more my head had to tilt forward.  When I finally reached the platform the cap fell off.  Despite the nerves I at least had enough sense to catch it and make it look like I took it off.  
 
When I graduated from college in 2007 I jumped into seminary not knowing a quarter of what a Master of Divinity was.  I had originally planned to finish it in three years, but part way through I had to slow down the pace.  Four years later I have now completed a milestone in my life.  Not to mention I found my wife in the process!  Yet there is much, much more to come.  I have closed one chapter of life but on we move into our next chapter, which seems to have overlapped with seminary.  Deputation here we come!  Or rather, here we are!

Car Trouble

Ironically, I mentioned a few days ago that I needed to begin working on our car to prep it for our travels.  Well, Saturday our car decided to take a short break from driving.  On Saturday Lorena rolled into a parking lot and turned the car off.  When she tried to start it back up, nothing, nada, not even a click.  So as a former wanna-be-mechanic I pulled out the jumper cables and got it running again, only for it to die a second time while at the bank. 

This problem plus a rapid loss of oil pushed me over the edge to decide we weren’t going to take our car to visit Victory Baptist in Reading, PA.  Fortunately I had asked some friends of ours, Josh and Rachel Steinmetz, if they would like to come along with us to visit this church.  They had already agreed, so I called Josh up to ask if we could to take his car instead.  

To make a long story short we got to Victory Baptist and had a great time getting to know some of the believers there.  We especially got to know the teens since we stayed after the service to play a few games with them.   Yesterday, I stopped by the mechanics (Earlington Transmission where I used to work almost nine years ago) and picked up our car.  All the car needed was a new battery, and apparently my mechanic skills are not that great after all.  The last time I did the oil change, I left the drain plug a little loose.  So now that our car is fixed we can make it to our next church in Norristown, PA.  Fortunately it’s not too far away.

Victory Baptist Church in Reading, PA

This week I was reminded of the fact that though I graduate from seminary there is still more to be done.  In truth there is always more to be done and accomplished for the glory of God.  We glorify God by sharing the joy of the Gospel, which is God’s vision.  This we attempt to do at every church and with every person we meet.    

So tonight we get to visit a church a little closer to home this time.  We are visiting Victory Baptist Church in Reading, PA. Pastor Rochester invited me to preach in their evening service.  The following Sunday I get to preach in our home church, Living Stone Baptist Church.  Then Sunday the 22^nd we will be visiting Rise Up Church in Norristown, Pennsylvania.  Please pray for us as we begin to rack up a few miles of travel and as we share God’s vision for the Gospel in Spain. 

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Current Tasks

Hello friends,

You might be wondering what we are working on now.  Our first task is to line up meetings in churches.  This takes more time and effort than I had anticipated.  I spend a few hours every week (mostly Wednesdays) calling friends and pastors sharing our vision for ministry in Spain.  Then I try to meet with them to share our vision.  Because of this we have a few more meetings lined up.  Our next church visit is May 22, with a few scattered throughout the summer.  But the majority are in September and October.  Our goal is to have every weekend filled.

Our second task is to get all our missions “stuff” put together.  What is the “stuff?”  Well, the last time we visited a church (Faith Baptist in Salisbury Maryland), we had two weeks to finish prayer cards, brochures, and a short presentation on Spain.  Lorena was even able to finish our website before our visit.  Unfortunately our prayer cards didn’t get printed off in time to have them to give out at Faith.  There is still more stuff we need to purchase or work on:  Purchasing of an HD projector, creating our DVD presentation, readying our car for the many, many miles of travel ahead, and more.  

We are trying to get all this put together so that we can hit the road.  In many ways we are ahead of schedule, but we want to remain ahead.  Yet in all this “stuff” that we do, we are relying on God’s sovereignty to work in His timing.  We cannot do a single thing in life apart from our King permitting it.  

Our Teammates

So who are our teammates?  The last time I introduced Scott and Juli Fulks was at our church a couple months ago.  I was so excited that I told our church I felt like a little kid at “show and tell” with his little teddy bear.  Unintentionally I called Scott a teddy bear!  Well, he is much more than this.  Scott is first of all my cousin.  Like it or not he is family.  But Scott through the last eight years has been my best friend, pointing me continually to Christ.  

We studied together at Northland International University where he met his wife Juli.  All three of us shared similar stories since we grew up in Latin America.  Scott and I in Peru while Juli in Ecuador.  We often found ourselves on campus speaking only Spanish and talking about missions. 

During college, Scott and I contemplated ministry together in Peru.  But God separately began to work on our hearts and minds causing us to consider other fields.  We both visited Spain and several other countries.  For many reasons Spain, however became our focus for missions.  We then seriously began to pray about going as a team. All through our seminary years (four to be exact) we prayed and consider this new field for ministry.  When Lorena became my wife, we formed a team of four Spanish-speaking, missionary kids eager to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yes, we look very much alike!

Approved

We were up Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. and on the road an hour later.  Praise the Lord, the interview went well, and we were approved with Baptist Mid-Missions.  We are now officially missionaries under BMM.  Thank you to all who were praying for us.  

We are also thankful to the Lord for a safe drive.  It rained pretty much the whole way there and back.  Half way through our drive back home we stopped at a rest area and heard there were even tornado warnings. Thank you also for your prayers of safety.  We have many, many more miles of driving ahead of us. 

Interview in Washington D.C.

This weekend Lorena and I will be driving down to Washington D.C. for our final interview with our mission board.  We had planned to do this last month in Cleveland, Ohio, but had to postpone it because of a bad snow storm.  Now we hope to finalize our approval through Baptist Mid Missions.  Scott and Juli Fulks (our teammates) will have their interview with BMM sometime in May.

BMM is an agency that has been around for a significant period of time.  In fact this gives it some credibility.  This mission board began in 1920 due to the desire of a man to gather more men and women from Baptist churches to carry the Gospel to foreign countries.  It was from his desire that BMM eventually arose.  If you would like to know more about his fascinating story, you can visit their website at http://bmm.org/BMM/AboutUs/. 

They will be the ones who will handle our finances and will serve to keep us connected with our supporting churches.  Please pray for us as we drive there and back. And please pray that we wouldn’t be too nervous.  It’s never fun to have random questions hurled at you for an hour.  Yet it’s a joy because it places us one step closer to getting to Spain.

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Spain: the Least-Evangelized Spanish-Speaking Country

I too was taken back when I first heard this.  There are many reasons that contribute to this fact, but one in particular stands out.  It begins in 1936 when Francisco Franco set himself up as Spain’s dictator.  Franco’s regime was in many ways much like Mussolini’s fascism.  Franco even embraced some of Hitler’s ideals. 

During his dictatorship, however, he “developed a sense that Divine Providence had chosen him to save Spain from atheism and anarchy” (The History of Spain, 155).  Many would add that he also had a desire to preserve a Spanish Catholic country.  Because of this, the doors were bolted shut for missionaries to enter and share the joy of the Gospel.  Spain then became nearly inaccessible to evangelical missionaries. 

It was not until Francisco Franco passed away on November 20^th 1975 that the doors to Spain began to creak open again.  The current Spanish democracy is only 30 years old. The Religious Liberty Law was just signed in 1985 and “evangelical growth followed this freedom” (Operation World 2010: Spain).  Today Spain is open to the Gospel. We are so excited to be part of the growth by sharing Jesus Christ, planting churches, and training leaders in the Least-Evangelized Spanish-Speaking Country.

Francisco Franco

Intentional Relationship Building

A few people have asked us what our strategy is while on deputation.  Typically they ask it like this, “How do you plan to raise the support needed for missions in Spain?”  I explain that our strategy for raising support begins by focusing on building friendships and relationships wherever we go.  In fact this is what Paul seems to model in the book of Acts and even in his letters to supporting churches.  It is clear that his relationship with the church at Philippi was not one sided.  Paul invested just as much in these believers as they did in his ministry.  In fact, Paul knew the believers by name and their struggles; while the Philippians shared Paul’s vision and partnered with him.

 Our desire too is to partner with churches and individuals that share our desire for the joy of the Gospel in Spain.  This first begins by building relationships.  We want to be intentional with these friendships so as to make them lasting and meaningful.  This takes time and great effort not only for us but for the churches.  Even now we are experiencing the delight of creating friendships with people.  All this is done for the joy of sharing the Gospel here and in Spain.