Once again, my level of updates has been slipping terribly. To be honest, it doesn't actually feel like it's been that long but no excuse!
Well since coming back in January, things have been going well yet again. As a church group, our 2 smaller groups are going very well. The one I don't go to had a guest a week or so ago who seemed to make some sort of commitment to God! We are currently praying for him to see if this could be a real genuine decision but if so, we may have our first convert here!! Very exciting! The group I go to has now moved itself into almost fully Spanish speaking which is brilliant. It tests and stretches us but we are doing very well I think. We've also done a few more socials which have gone really well! I am now "running" them which is good fun too. We've had a fair amount of guests but more importantly we're getting a lot of regulars so we are developing more friendships. We also seem to have found another venue to meet in once a month when we're altogether, such an answer to prayer! It's at a school much nearer to where we all live so we'll see how that goes. We ALSO have just finally launched our website www.nuevasfronterasmadrid.com - a lot of hard work went into it, from our friends in Mexico, so we hope this will now put us more out in the open. As well, we've leafleted(?) the huge university here advertising our small groups so again, we are praying that we get a response from these.
I also had the privilege of going to a prayer and fasting weekend in Portugal with Kevin and Nigel back in February which really shook my view of God -- it's brilliant! It was so good to spend a few days with all the other churches from around Portugal and Spain, to encourage one another and to lift our eyes to see a part of the bigger picture. Also, there are very exciting developments for Madrid which may happen in the next year or so perhaps? Not sure if I'm allowed to say (Kevin??) but anyways watch this space! And please keep praying! Not just coz I'm here :-) but because Madrid really can be a key to changing the future of this dark yet amazing country.
We've also been joined by a guy from Mexico by the name of Antonio -- for those who know Veronica Lovejoy, it's her cousin! He's here for a good 6 months as a part of our team then we'll see what happens :-) there is also another family who are almost on the verge of joining us here in Madrid, experiencing a few problems but are remaining amazingly so steadfast in their calling.
At the end of this week, we are all off to Portugal again for the Iberian Peninsular Conference! We are all so very excited about it. This will be the 3rd year it's happened and they've always got better and better. AND this past weekend we've had the legend that is Oscar Suarez with us. He is the pastor of a Newfrontier church in Guadalajara, Mexico. I met him 7 and a half years ago when I lived there, never expecting to see him over here where I live now! But he's an excellent teacher and we've had a great weekend with him.
Changing tack completely, the next month is going to be a little crazy for me. After the Conference next weekend, I fly to the States on the Thursday to see Lis (my sister) and my nephews and brother-in-law for a week, then see Jon Rowsell get married! Very excited for this :-) when I get back, my parents will be coming out to see me for a long weekend and then some more friends are here the week after that! So pretty crazy time, but I'm really looking forward to it.
Work is going well too, I have a lot of hours now which is keeping me very busy. God has provided me with work already for the month of July when all the academies and schools shut here. There is a slight problem but I hope it'll get sorted and I can work there as it's so very convenient and would help me LOADS. But we'll see...
Football is still enjoyable, when it isn't cancelled! Nothing to do with the weather, Spaniards just don't like playing when it's holiday! I have met some great people in my team and I hope they can develop into good friendships. Talking of football, my incredibly generous Spanish mate GAVE me his ticket for Real Madrid against Man United at the Bernabeu last month! It was the biggest game I've ever been to in my life and it was an amazing experience! Here's a pic :-)
Even better when you're the only united fan amongst thousands!!
I did treat my friend to a curry afterwards, though it was only fair?! And in the process, I've finally found a place that does a decent curry!Oh and I know it's been freezing in England but it's not been all sunny and warm here either. I knew it got cold but this year it's been snowing more than ever, which has been great! So, if you do want to come here to visit, make sure you time it well, although it is (finally) getting a bit warmer again. Can't wait for summer! Anyways, here's a couple of photos of some snow while walking to work one morning.
Anyways, this is getting pretty long ago so I'll sign off now. Thank you all so much for your continued support. I don't think I'll ever have enough words to thank you or I'm not sure you'll ever know fully the results of your commitment but I guarantee that we feel it here and, although it's very hard at times, God continues to be amazing with us, which, as far as I'm concerned, is largely due to you.
Some prayer pointers:
- Fundamentally, we want to see Spanish Christians here. Please pray that we encounter key people who will really take this church plant to a new level. We are hungry to see people's lives here changed.
- Pray for our new "potential" venue that this is where we should be and that we get it for a good rental rate! :-)
- Pray for us as a team, some of us are going through some real battles here and in England. We want to serve the community here with all we have and to demonstrate God's glory to them.
Dave
