Shared Times
To share ministry time with family members is immeasurably special and rewarding. Mark and Kim are gifted teachers, and, our grandkids enthusiastic participants, so it was a bonus to spend a weekend together at the Salem Church in Ponferrada, a four hour drive northwest of Madrid where they have lived for the last 2 years. Mark’s Friday evening thoughts, characterizing the lives of Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius in 3rd John, created an open and responsive atmosphere for personal sharing among the primary leadership team. ‘Shepherding a Child’s Heart’ was the focus of Saturday’s workshop as we endeavoured to support parents with their many concerns and challenges.
From ‘Fear to Faith’ was the story of the children’s lesson that Kim and I co-taught Sunday morning. Alyssa and Maddy were a great help as they acted out Gideon meeting the angel and then worked with their team to compose a song from the verse in Philippians, “I can do all things!”
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Ministry also includes fun and friendship. Together with Pastor Vanessa and elders Javi and Ángeles we toured the local historic castle while Pastor Samuel stayed home to prepare the sausage, chicken and rib barbecue.
Still Investing
In Áviles, Maxi and Ángela continue to invest their lives in the northwestern coast of Spain as they focus on relationships with the Spaniards of Spain. That may sound odd, but most evangelical church growth over the last 10 years has been as a result of Latin and South Americans who have immigrated to the country. By involving themselves in social work in the community, Maxi and Angela are able to earn credibility and gain friendship with the Spaniards, those most resistant to the Bible message.
Maxi and Ángela are presently facing some major challenges. Please pray with us that they would receive God’s direction, peace and financial provision as they move forward.
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With a 40 % unemployment rate, food distribution is still greatly needed.
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Hotel for Seniors
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Bilbao: Celebrating 23 Years
Following the completion of his studies at the Peterborough, PAOC College, Pastor Jesús Giraldo had the audacity to pray, “Lord, send me to a hard place… so You will receive all the glory.” Along with Esther and their 2 daughters they moved from Madrid to Bilbao in the northern Basque region, known for its separatist attitudes and independence. Now, 23 years later, Jesús never wants his congregation to forget to appreciate and value the many years of hard work, initially with apparent fruitlessness, it has taken so that they can now be a part of a thriving and forward-progressing congregation.
The buzz of conversations throughout the leadership workshop gave evidence to the relevant discussions taking place as we developed the theme of character from which flows ministry – all in balance with gifts and abilities.
Spanish Hot Chocolate:
There are a few traditional drinks one always looks forward to when in Spain: in the hot months it’s a refreshing ‘horchata’ made of ‘chufa’ nuts and in the cool months a wonderful dark, thick hot chocolate. I was thrilled when the expected Ladies’ Tea I was asked to speak at was actually a hot chocolate evening!
We really admire how this church in the southern Andalusia Region of Cordoba keeps growing, reaching out to new people, and always worships in such a way as to have a powerful sense of God’s presence.
Salem Madrid
The newly built facility in Madrid is a strong gathering point for some 750 people each Sunday morning and for various activities throughout the week. Lead Pastor Marcos Vidal openly asks the Lord for wisdom to minister to so many varied needs.
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First ever Eurasia Retreat in Malaga
Attending the annual Eurasia retreat of PAOC Global Workers was convenient for us this year as it was held for the first time in Spain. Wednesday evening we were surprised to receive recognition for 30 years of service with the PAOC. Again, it was special to have Mark and Kim, who know us well, honour us with their words of affirmation.
Eurasia Retreat 2016
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Celebrating 30 years as GWs with PAOC
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Mark & Kim Affirm Ministry
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Following the Eurasia Retreat fellow Global Workers Alexei, Tonia and children spent a few days and connected with us in Madrid before heading back to their home in snow-covered Siberia.
Connect with us:
Dan and Mardell MacTavish
Global Workers Eurasia
14166 Malabar Avenue,
White Rock, BC V4B 2Y3
www.mactavish.blog