ONELife Spain Trip

In Spain evangelical Christians, as they call them, have been few and far between. Some of the older generations have even told us of times when being an evangelical brought risk. Persecution is not so far away, and the things many Christian’s face today could be considered forms of it. 

I have helped with God’s work in Spain for several years now and thought I was aware of the situation Christians experience here. I had heard stories of the trials and difficulties that Christians in this part of the world face. One can feel a different heavy spiritual atmosphere when in this country. But during these first two weeks the realization of their situation has been greater than ever before. In one of the youth meetings, we had a chance to just talk with the youth about their lives and their backgrounds. While conversing, I heard a girl about 17 years old explain that outside of her church she has never met another Christian in her life. IN HER LIFE! When I really started to think about this I was astounded. To have never met another Christian outside of your family and church is unimaginable to me. I could only picture trying to be a young follower of Jesus and have what seems like everyone else fighting against you. Imagine trying to live a pure life for God when everyone else is telling you not to do that. I heard almost all of the other youth talk about being bullied in school and/ or not having friends. One family talked about raising their daughter as a Christian without a community of other Christians. 

All these things made it so clear to me that when they say, it is so encouraging to have us here, and how refreshed they feel to spend time with other believers. they really mean it!