First - this trip is a testimony to the fact that God answers prayers. Everything we have asked God for on his trip He has answered. We have earnestly prayed that we as a family would all feel that this could one day be home. Hannah and Alex have announced they are staying and will be waiting on us when we return fully supported. And it's not just the adventure or the "rose colored glasses." We have had time to talk each day and they point out the things that will be hard, yet it already feels natural to them.
We have prayed that we would have unified hearts and minds as we visit different locations and learn of different ministry opportunities. It has been true 100% of the time. We have all had almost the same reaction to each possibility.
We have prayed that as we stayed in a variety of homes our families would blend together. In each home we have stayed in we have felt at home. The kids have meshed well and we have laughed and shared to all hours of the night.
God is s very faithful!
As for details of the trip....
Yesterday we walked around the entire town of Guadalajara. Guadalajara has a population of about 84,000 people. There are thirteen evangelical churches in the city, 10 of which are very small pentecostal churches. The church plant done by SEND averages between 30 and 50 and is one of the larger evangelical churches. The struggle continues to be how to reach the Spaniard. Immigrants are searching for evangelical churches yet the national has no need. They have beautiful cathedrals and even new modern looking churches, yet they have no relationship. The darkness in the life of Spain can be felt at times as you walk through the streets.
We then drove out to a town named Yunquera. It is about 10 km from Guadalajara. The population is about 15,000 (not including the unregistered immigrants) and there is no evangelical presence there. None. (There is actually no evangelical presence in a 50 km area north of Gudalajara) That would be like there being no evangelical church in Kernersville. (Lexington and Lumberton are also comparable sized towns) This town is part of the strategic plan for the SEND team. It is a little more rural, yet it has its own semi-professional "futball" team (known as soccer to us Americans).
Last night we had merienda (the 5:00 snack) with four families serving here with SEND. The ladies all sat together and shared our stories of how God had called us to serve and how we journeyed to Spain. So encouraging to heart how God is faithful time after time.
Today we went to Arquietectura de Negro. This is an area of Spain where the land is filled with slate. The homes and walls are all made from slate. We stopped and let the kids climb the rocks and walked around. We saw a true shepherd - he was taking his flock of goats and sheep out for the day. It was neat to see. We then saw a bull wandering the streets and eating. A little crazy.
Tonight we are going to kids club. Can you tell why we might have needed a siesta today?
Tomorrow we meet with the entire SEND Spain team for several hours of prayer. What a neat privilege to be a part of that.
How do I sum up the trip so far? God is faithful beyond measure.
Very excited that He is answering prayers for each of you! UNITY in the family!!! Praying for your continued discernment and His divine revelation for YOUR appointed mission field.
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