Jesus said: "...there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." Jesus gives three parables in Luke 15 regarding the importance of just one life. As you study the four gospel accounts you see how although Jesus ministered to the multitudes, He always made time for the individual. These kingdom principles best summarize the month of February...
I started meeting once a week with Mike. Mike (48 yr.old Englishman) attends the church on Sunday mornings and comes to the mid-week home fellowship I teach on Thursdays. We are going through the book of Daniel one chapter at a time. We also grab some lunch and pray together. Please pray for him as he openly asks for prayer with his ongoing battle with alcohol.
Just recently I met Nicholas (51 yr.old Spaniard), who I was assigned to give a ride to the Spanish service that takes place on Sunday evenings. He knows a little English and wants to practice it. I speak to him in Spanish and he answers in English, good deal. I am looking forward to getting to know him more.
Then there's Johnny, my new roommate. This first month living with Johnny has been a blast. Almost every night we have a nice dinner together and spend hours talking about many things. 95% of our conversations are in Spanish. I have also been able to answer many questions that Johnny has concerning the Lord. Continue to pray for Johnny's growth as he told me the other day he is actually one year old in the Lord.
While working out at the gym, I met a young Spaniard named Alberto. He knew only a few words in English but was very gracious with my broken Spanish. We have had two conversations so far and he asked me what my "mission" was. I had shared where I work in the community, that I am a Christian, and why I came here to Mallorca. He said he was interested in Christianity because his family was Roman Catholic and he personally wasn't interested. He also has struggles with alcohol and when visiting South America Christians shared with him.
My tutor Toni (48 yr.old Spaniard) just recently started sharing more of her life with me. She said when she was 17 she helped in Catechism class then soon after went to the other extreme of living a wild party life. Now, she is in the middle with many questions. She said she would like to meet outside of class to ask me these questions. However, just today during our lesson she asked me what the differences were between Roman Catholicism and Christianity. She also inquired about other religions. Please pray for the seed of the gospel to grow as I was able to share with her that it wasn't about religion, but about a real love relationship with Jesus Christ.
In closing, the winds of change blow my way again. No longer will I be helping with the youth group on Friday nights. This past month Raf and I started to co-teach a home Bible study with a couple from Uruguay in Palma. They also come to the church Sunday evenings. We are teaching through the book of 1 Samuel. For the time-being Raf translates for me when I teach, but I am getting more practice speaking Spanish in our times of fellowship. Last month I also attended my first board meeting. It was exciting to hear the vision for the church and Bible school. Pray for me as I continued this month working like crazy in regards to learning how to be an "accountant." The Spring semester students also arrived last month. I am teaching Missions again this semester. The students seem genuinely excited to be here and I look forward to what God will do in their lives.
Well, I am signing off for now. Please remember to pray for these lives. Once again, I am continuing to learn what it means to really pastor or shepherd people. One life at a time...
By His Grace,
Eric
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Learning New Things
Someone once said: "Unless we accept lifelong learning as a habit, we're shortening our lives." How true that is especially for the Christian. I am reminded of what Moses prayed to the Lord in Psalm 90:12: "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." As January marks the start of the new year of 2008, it marks yet another chapter in this God story. This month coming back after my two week visit to California, I continued in the things the Lord has set before me as well as learn some new things along the way...
I had the privilege of teaching God's Word many times this month. As Trevor (youth leader) was in California himself for the holidays, I was able to teach one Sunday morning as well as two Friday nights. It was such a privilege to answer their questions and just hang with them. This opportunity reminded me of how it used to be to teach youth, and how I really do miss this age group! I also taught four times for Pastor Rafael while he was in California and Germany. I taught on two Sunday mornings as well as evenings for the Spanish service. I hadn't taught the body here since last October and I was reminded of how gracious they are! It was also great to fellowship with people afterward and to just listen to how the Word of the Lord connected with their hearts as truth was spoken into their lives.
I also helped with many practical things this month to prepare for the spring semester students. Everything from church cleaning to running errands, putting up shelves to cleaning flats. With this came learning new things. I had to really learn to drive manual transmission in order to use the church cars for ministry purposes this month. Brenda (woman in charge of the flats)who gave me a refresher course, has survived to see another day! It was fun. I also met with Rick this month to continue learning the accounting tasks and bookeeping that will soon be handed over fully to me in regards to the church and school. So far, it is going well and we accomplished a lot for our first meeting. Steve Flores you are amazing and thank you for the lessons I learned from you in this field!
I also moved this month to the capital city of Palma. There are about 1 million people on this island and half of them live in the city. The city reminds me a lot of mainland Spain. I moved in with a 76 year old Peruvian man named Johnny. Johnny is 6 months old in the Lord and hungry for the Word of God. I met him at the church as he has been going there for three years. Although he speaks English, he told me this:"you give me the Bible, and I will give you Spanish." The Lord totally provided this place to live through many circumstances. I also see this as a ministry opportunity as well as another avenue to practice speaking Spanish.
In closing, the Lord also provided a car for me to commute in as well as to serve the body. It is a purple 95 Volkswagon Golf, which has become to be known as "the purple people eater." That is a crazy story as well! I continue to be amazed everyday as God continues to meet my needs every step of the way. How I enjoy being a missionary to this country of Spain! I love you all!
By His Grace,
Eric
I had the privilege of teaching God's Word many times this month. As Trevor (youth leader) was in California himself for the holidays, I was able to teach one Sunday morning as well as two Friday nights. It was such a privilege to answer their questions and just hang with them. This opportunity reminded me of how it used to be to teach youth, and how I really do miss this age group! I also taught four times for Pastor Rafael while he was in California and Germany. I taught on two Sunday mornings as well as evenings for the Spanish service. I hadn't taught the body here since last October and I was reminded of how gracious they are! It was also great to fellowship with people afterward and to just listen to how the Word of the Lord connected with their hearts as truth was spoken into their lives.
I also helped with many practical things this month to prepare for the spring semester students. Everything from church cleaning to running errands, putting up shelves to cleaning flats. With this came learning new things. I had to really learn to drive manual transmission in order to use the church cars for ministry purposes this month. Brenda (woman in charge of the flats)who gave me a refresher course, has survived to see another day! It was fun. I also met with Rick this month to continue learning the accounting tasks and bookeeping that will soon be handed over fully to me in regards to the church and school. So far, it is going well and we accomplished a lot for our first meeting. Steve Flores you are amazing and thank you for the lessons I learned from you in this field!
I also moved this month to the capital city of Palma. There are about 1 million people on this island and half of them live in the city. The city reminds me a lot of mainland Spain. I moved in with a 76 year old Peruvian man named Johnny. Johnny is 6 months old in the Lord and hungry for the Word of God. I met him at the church as he has been going there for three years. Although he speaks English, he told me this:"you give me the Bible, and I will give you Spanish." The Lord totally provided this place to live through many circumstances. I also see this as a ministry opportunity as well as another avenue to practice speaking Spanish.
In closing, the Lord also provided a car for me to commute in as well as to serve the body. It is a purple 95 Volkswagon Golf, which has become to be known as "the purple people eater." That is a crazy story as well! I continue to be amazed everyday as God continues to meet my needs every step of the way. How I enjoy being a missionary to this country of Spain! I love you all!
By His Grace,
Eric
Monday, January 21, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Close of a chapter
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 6:8a: "The end of a thing is better than its beginning..." How true this verse is in our lives walking with Jesus and serving in ministry. Well, it was a close of another year and my first semester serving here at Mallorca Bible School. December was a month of mixed emotions...
The first two weeks of December were the last two weeks of the Fall Semester here at the Bible College. Not only did we have to wrap up finals and classes, but also make sure the apartments were clean for the next semester. The staff and any remaining students also did one big church cleaning before the semester break. We also had a staff lunch and spent the day together.
It was hard to say goodbye to all the students, but it was comforting to know a good portion of them would be coming back in the spring. What a privilege and honor it was to be a small part of their lives with Jesus.
My Spanish lessons with my tutor Toni are going very well. I am learning so much from her and truly enjoy the journey of learning this new language. The ultimate goal of course is to share the gospel message with the people in their own tongue. It has been said before that "one's first language, is the language of their heart." I plan on continuing with my tutor and prayerfully I will be fluent in the language within the year.
My last two weeks of December as all of you know, was spent coming back to California. I was so happy to see my family and church family. My time in California was very refreshing. It was great to see all that God was doing on that side of the world as well. I was also happy to see the youth group doing well. Seeing their faces reminded me how privileged I was to be entrusted with overseeing them and teaching them God's written Words. I will always have a heart for those youth and will continue to pray for them.
In closing, I am looking forward to 2008 and what God will do in and through my life. I am reminded of what Joey Buran always says: "the best is yet to come!" I love you all and once again thank you for being there for me in your prayers and friendships!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Open to His leading
Hello everyone! It's that time again to share with you what God is doing in and through my life here in Mallorca,Spain. Thank you for taking the time to read these newsletters every month.
The month of November began with a retreat for the students. We went on the other side of the island to a beautiful secluded spot with no distractions. Some stayed in bungalows while others camped. Our guest speaker was Kevin Fitzgerald, pastor of Calvary Chapel Dublin,Ireland. Kevin shared on "practical holiness." It was a neat time to fellowship with everybody as well as to go off and spend quality time with Jesus. We also had a Thanksgiving Dinner this month with the students. It was a great time of food, fellowship, worship, and a time of sharing what we are thankful for.
I now have a Spanish tutor. Her name is Toni originally from Bilbao which is in Northern Spain. She has lived on this island for 13 years. Please pray for her salvation. I have been able to share through my homework and lessons why I am here and what I do. She seems very open to hear about the things of God. I have learned more in just a few short sessions than 5 weeks of free courses. Talk about the hand of God! When I first arrived here I met Angela, and English lady who works at the town hall in Calvia. She had given me Tonis' number recommending her. Toni had said she wasn't going to take any more students, but since I was a friend of Angela's (who I only met twice), she accepted. I love learning this language!
I have also been practicing and rehearsing for the Christmas play. I play one of the prophets and one of the kings. It has been a lot of work, but fun at the same time. I hope and pray the church is packed out as this will be one of many tools God will use to touch hearts. The staff meetings have been fruitful this past month as well as we have been discussing everyone's fit and function in the ministry here. Starting in January I will be trained to take over the finances of the church and Bible college. I will also be helping out in regards to driving people around and running errands.
The semester ends next Friday and I already miss the students. There has been a lot of good memories and I have been honored to be able to teach one of the classes. By the way, I will be coming home for Christmas and the New Year in 2 weeks! I hope to see you all! In a few days I will finally be putting up pictures on this blog. The slide show will comprise of various things done over the semester, the missions class,the study in Palma, as well as some of the sites of Mallorca.
Until next time, enjoy Jesus Christ and the abundant life He offers!
The month of November began with a retreat for the students. We went on the other side of the island to a beautiful secluded spot with no distractions. Some stayed in bungalows while others camped. Our guest speaker was Kevin Fitzgerald, pastor of Calvary Chapel Dublin,Ireland. Kevin shared on "practical holiness." It was a neat time to fellowship with everybody as well as to go off and spend quality time with Jesus. We also had a Thanksgiving Dinner this month with the students. It was a great time of food, fellowship, worship, and a time of sharing what we are thankful for.
I now have a Spanish tutor. Her name is Toni originally from Bilbao which is in Northern Spain. She has lived on this island for 13 years. Please pray for her salvation. I have been able to share through my homework and lessons why I am here and what I do. She seems very open to hear about the things of God. I have learned more in just a few short sessions than 5 weeks of free courses. Talk about the hand of God! When I first arrived here I met Angela, and English lady who works at the town hall in Calvia. She had given me Tonis' number recommending her. Toni had said she wasn't going to take any more students, but since I was a friend of Angela's (who I only met twice), she accepted. I love learning this language!
I have also been practicing and rehearsing for the Christmas play. I play one of the prophets and one of the kings. It has been a lot of work, but fun at the same time. I hope and pray the church is packed out as this will be one of many tools God will use to touch hearts. The staff meetings have been fruitful this past month as well as we have been discussing everyone's fit and function in the ministry here. Starting in January I will be trained to take over the finances of the church and Bible college. I will also be helping out in regards to driving people around and running errands.
The semester ends next Friday and I already miss the students. There has been a lot of good memories and I have been honored to be able to teach one of the classes. By the way, I will be coming home for Christmas and the New Year in 2 weeks! I hope to see you all! In a few days I will finally be putting up pictures on this blog. The slide show will comprise of various things done over the semester, the missions class,the study in Palma, as well as some of the sites of Mallorca.
Until next time, enjoy Jesus Christ and the abundant life He offers!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Moving Along
Hey Everyone! I pray you are all doing well and falling more and more in love with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. October was a month of continuing in my responsibilities here and also the start of other things.
Early in the month we took our semester trip to Rome,Italy with the students. Most of the student body went and everyone had a great time. The trip was six days long and was a great balance in academics and having a fun time. We went to all the major sites from the St. Peters Basilica to the Catacombs. Different members on staff were able to share at different sites and I was able to share at St. Peter's Basilica. We also had a free day to do whatever we wanted. It was sad to see the idolatry in that city and how Biblical Christianity was so distant in that city. If the people would just read the book of Romans to discover God's perspective on salvation and the Christian life. This also reminded me of the spiritual condition of Spain.
This month I also started teaching the mid-week Bible Study in Palma. It has been going very well. The people comprise of both students and people from the church. We truly have all nations there. We have people from England, Scotland, Guam, Norway, Mallorca, and the US. We have a time of praise reports and prayer requests, worship, Bible study, and great food with fellowship. I am so thankful for PJ and Nell, the couple from the church hosting it at their home. PJ has a projector to display the lyrics of the songs on the wall from his laptop and has also taken up the role of worship leader. His wife Nell is such an amazing cook and has a great gift of hospitality. We are currently studying Revelation. With the exception of two, know one has ever studied this book let alone read it. Everyone is genuinely excited about studying this book and taking notes on what God speaks to their hearts. I am so excited about this opportunity.
Missions class is going well as I am truly fortunate to have great students who are a joy to be around. As every week goes by teaching this class, I am personally growing in my excitement of being apart of God's work in a foreign field. I also was able go to Palma this month and register for my "tarjeta de residencia." More and more just settling in as a resident here in Mallorca.
Prayer Requests:
For the salvation of Carlos Bernardez and to come to the Bible study
My Spanish teacher Jose Luis
Growth of the students and those attending the study in Palma
For me to be sensitive to the Lord and His voice in my life
Well, I am signing off. Thank you all for your continued love and support. I so appreciate your comments and e-mails. It just reminds me that you all share in the work as well out here.
By His Grace,
Eric
Early in the month we took our semester trip to Rome,Italy with the students. Most of the student body went and everyone had a great time. The trip was six days long and was a great balance in academics and having a fun time. We went to all the major sites from the St. Peters Basilica to the Catacombs. Different members on staff were able to share at different sites and I was able to share at St. Peter's Basilica. We also had a free day to do whatever we wanted. It was sad to see the idolatry in that city and how Biblical Christianity was so distant in that city. If the people would just read the book of Romans to discover God's perspective on salvation and the Christian life. This also reminded me of the spiritual condition of Spain.
This month I also started teaching the mid-week Bible Study in Palma. It has been going very well. The people comprise of both students and people from the church. We truly have all nations there. We have people from England, Scotland, Guam, Norway, Mallorca, and the US. We have a time of praise reports and prayer requests, worship, Bible study, and great food with fellowship. I am so thankful for PJ and Nell, the couple from the church hosting it at their home. PJ has a projector to display the lyrics of the songs on the wall from his laptop and has also taken up the role of worship leader. His wife Nell is such an amazing cook and has a great gift of hospitality. We are currently studying Revelation. With the exception of two, know one has ever studied this book let alone read it. Everyone is genuinely excited about studying this book and taking notes on what God speaks to their hearts. I am so excited about this opportunity.
Missions class is going well as I am truly fortunate to have great students who are a joy to be around. As every week goes by teaching this class, I am personally growing in my excitement of being apart of God's work in a foreign field. I also was able go to Palma this month and register for my "tarjeta de residencia." More and more just settling in as a resident here in Mallorca.
Prayer Requests:
For the salvation of Carlos Bernardez and to come to the Bible study
My Spanish teacher Jose Luis
Growth of the students and those attending the study in Palma
For me to be sensitive to the Lord and His voice in my life
Well, I am signing off. Thank you all for your continued love and support. I so appreciate your comments and e-mails. It just reminds me that you all share in the work as well out here.
By His Grace,
Eric
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