CMS missionary Lauren Raiter serves Jesus and his church in Madrid, Spain. Here, she details witnessing God moving hearts in her many recent ministry opportunities.

“God has so abundantly and graciously answered our prayers. There’s a real sense of excitement as we faithfully step into this initial year together.”

My number one prayer for Spain is that the hearts of Spaniards would be filled with the true God who has made, welcomes, loves, redeems and directs us. Recently, I’ve been encouraged to see God working in so many ways as I continue with life and ministry in Spain. 

Church growth in Spain

I’ve spent more time recently with beautiful people from my church, some of whom lived through the early years of the post-Franco Spain. They’ve watched the evangelical church change over the last 50 years.  

Even if you’re pretty new to praying for Spain, like I am, we are part of a legacy of faithful partners in the gospel – the fruit of which I’ve witnessed. The church is growing! While there are still large areas of Spain with no evangelical churches, and only a handful in the big cities, there is a beautiful, strong base.  

I’d love more passion for evangelism and discipleship in Spain. This will empower believers to boldly go out and encounter people whose hearts God has softened.  

A new church

A couple of weeks ago, my new church Ekklesia had an inaugural meeting where members were formalised (including me!), the church name was decided, a leadership team was elected, and a statement of faith and other formal structures were approved. I think I’ve now voted more times in a church meeting in Spanish than I have in English! 

Throughout the meetings we’ve had, I’ve seen God’s peace, sovereignty and wisdom so strongly guiding us all. God has so abundantly and graciously answered our prayers. There’s a real sense of excitement as we faithfully step into this initial year together. 

Ekklesia — those who were able to make it to the inaugural church meeting in person.

MOCLAM

As well as settling into a new church, I’m also learning the ropes of MOCLAM this summer. While I’m still challenging myself to improve language by reading and taking online classes in Spanish, I’m also focused on De Creación a Nueva Creación (From Creation to New Creation), a MOCLAM subject that teaches theology through a Bible overview.  

It’s presented at an accessible level – anyone can use it and understand God’s great story and faithfulness to his promises. If you want to challenge your Spanish (and your Bible familiarity), check out this website and see if you can order some key biblical events! 

Youth camp

I was recently a leader on my first Spanish youth camp with GBE! Camps like these have been a big part of my life in Australia, and I was excited while also daunted by the challenge. Samu (the director), the team and I are eager to see how MOCLAM might encourage and train these leaders and volunteers in the future. 

The quality leaders at GBE youth camp!

Camp was incredible and chaotic – some evening activities went until 3 am. There were about 130 youth and 20 leaders. People gathered from almost every corner of Spain – including a group from the Canary Islands – all to serve and learn together.  

It was a linguistic and cultural challenge like no other, and every day I made the most of the chance to have a siesta (nap). Each day got easier as I learned more and deepened relationships with the youth. Through the week we studied Galatians, Paul’s reminder of our freedom by faith in the gospel, and how to live by the Spirit.  

PRAY

Join with Lauren in praying for the passion, discipleship and evangelism of believers in the Spanish church as they’re struck anew by the power and importance of the gospel. Pray that people in the communities in which she serves will grow closer in a deeper knowledge of our loving God.