South Carolina Baptists are spreading the message of Jesus Christ in Spain.

“About one in two hundred people know Jesus. There’s such a need for bringing the good news of Jesus to the world right here in Spain,” Jamie Rogers, Associational Missions Strategist at the Columbia Metro Baptist Association, said. The spiritual need confronted the leaders at every turn amidst the vibrant streets of Spain.

The mission team’s goal was to come and work alongside the International Mission Board to see opportunities for partnership in Madrid and surrounding provinces.

Focal Cities

One leg of the trip allowed the team to visit with IMB European Affinity Leader in Madrid, Steve Marlin, to discuss partnership opportunities in several cities. First, Avila, a city northwest of Madrid, has a church plant in process, but the church plant is without a pastor. Several families meet together at a designated church building, but they are actively searching for a pastor to lead them.

Second, the team is also seeking a partnership in Segovia, another historic city northwest of Madrid, which currently has no Baptist church presence. As Marlin explained, they are looking for teams to visit and help with community outreach. He mentioned hosting Vacation Bible School, concerts, and other evangelistic initiatives to reach the community and begin to open doors for the Gospel.

Another local missionary also mentioned the importance of prayer walking the cities, noting that the battle is not with flesh and bone but against spiritual forces. He also talked about distributing the Gospel of John in various weekly markets.

Serving Opportunities

As the team traveled through Spain, they couldn’t help but reflect on the nation’s complex religious history. Yet, Marlin feels there is hope. “A lot of people come here to find spirituality,” he said. “So people that are searching are here in the city.”

Rogers said there are great opportunities for SCBaptist churches to come and serve alongside what the IMB teams are already doing.

Tim Rice, Mission Partnership Director at SCBaptist, said, “We’re inviting you, South Carolina Baptist, to come on mission with us to reach Spain.” For more information on the Spain partnership, contact Tim Rice or call the Send Team at 803-227-6179.

The team also asks for prayer for the church plant seeking a pastor and for the workers to remain faithful, believing that they will see God’s hand in their work.