One year ago, Kristi and her church received the news that their pastor and his wife may be deported due to being a “national security threat.” Three weeks ago, word came for the pastor and his wife to head to the immigration office in the province’s capital on Christmas Day. Hoping that this would be a good update, instead, they received the news that they had 10 days to leave the country. Praise the Lord that he was not arrested like others in the country. This is heartbreaking and the second major event in the church's life. A few months back, one of the most influential couples in the congregation left in anger, sadly slandering everyone after they cut ties. This too was heartbreaking, but what followed was a new season that was far less divisive and dramatic. It felt like some barrier had finally broken through. Peace had come to the church at last, only now to be threatened as the church’s pastor has now been forced to leave the country. This church is the only church in the city and nearby region.
Dan has been Lead Preaching Pastor at Holland Church for seven years. The church continues to experience unity, fellowship, and love for the Lord throughout the body. People are eager to serve, and Sunday morning gatherings are full of joy-filled worship. Praise God! In the last update, Dan asked for prayer regarding a long-time member who died this past year. One fruit of this has been that one of her neighbors, who attended the funeral, began attending the church. She has since been saved and was recently baptized and brought into membership.
Multiple parents in the church are still grieving over children who have gone astray deeply into sin. There are also many significant health concerns among members of the church, especially among elderly people. Praise the Lord that many new people are coming to the church. Also, the church is sending a mission team to Honduras this month.
As the local church, it is our responsibility to help fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20). We go because Jesus reigns and we want the whole world to know and submit to His reign. The Immanuel College Collective is an arm of Immanuel that seeks to help her walk in this mission, which means going out to find, connect, and share with students where they are.
Location:
Spain
Population:
3,731,000
Ev. Christian:
0.04%
Main Language:
Catalon
Spiritual Beliefs:
82% Catholic
Bible in Heart Language:
Yes
Catalonia is one of the most prosperous regions in Spain. Barcelona is its capital. Most Catalonians are classified as Catholics but many do not go to church regularly and are largely secular.