Spain | May 4, 2012
So, an update on what we’ve been doing. It’s been pretty crazy here, crazy awesome really! I’m having some of the most fun in my life practicing my Spanish with people.
Spain is highly relational. It’s all about getting to know people personally and living Christ out in their face as opposed to preaching Jesus in their face. It’s a fun thing and I’ve really enjoyed how easily and quickly Spaniards will sit and talk with you and get to know you. In the States, you don’t have a real conversation unless there’s time. In Spain, that’s what time is for. So much of our ministry has been just getting to know people and talking to and encouraging them!
Monday morning was Santificado, or young adults group (18+ singles)! Usually there are about ten that come. We had a great time worshiping together, eating, and getting in the Word with Jared teaching. He’s going through the book of Ephesians (shout-out to Wes)!
Sunday we got to meet the church! In the service, which was all Spanish, the Spanish-speakers sat next to us and translated. We played a worship song in English at the end, Jon on guitar and lead, Mel on keys and backup vocals, Danny on drums, and me in the crowd (since the bass spontaneously decided not to work the moment we started playing)! I think they really enjoyed it, I heard compliments!
For me, the best part of the day was lunch afterwards. I sat next to Mel’s dad, and we conversed the entire time in Spanish. My Spanish is terrible, if you didn’t know, but I was absolutely amazed to find out that I am actually conversational in it! I can hold legitimate conversations in Spanish. I can speak in and understand complete sentences. I’m having more fun talking in Spanish and getting to know people than anything else here by far! Thank you Mr. Widolff!
We’ve not been without practical service as well! We’ve been workin’ up the curb appeal and helping make the insides a little more friendly and a little less institutional.
The team has been hard at work clearing the campus of weeds and making it a nicer place to have church and go to the gym. The workout gym is a major part of the Stayton’s outreach, and they want to continue improving it as people come and they are able to build relationships.
“Cling to the Rock” devo was pretty much amazing. We climbed 90 feet up a cliff face with one of Jared’s friends from Sevilla, the same guy we visited the fair with. I’ve climbed man-made walls before, but I don’t think I’ve ever had as much fun as when I climbed a real, God-made rock! The view from the top was cool, but I didn’t take my phone up to capture it :p The Stayton kids joined the climb and did really well! I think they’re going to be boss climbers.
So what I’ve been learning so far is several things (in no particular order): one, that I try to impress people too much and I need to give my reputation up to God. Two, I really like Spanish. Three, Jesus loves me and His grace is enough, I just need to trust and love Him and get close to Him and stop worrying about my failures. Funny how He repeats things! He is always faithful to remind me of His love and His ability. He loves me – that’s more important than anything else. As long as I’m focused on Him and His love, I will always have peace and joy, because that doesn’t change.
Be on the lookout, because we’re going to be posting some personal video testimonies of certain events and interactions here soon!
