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