Arise, January '06

One thing I ask of the Lord in 2006

Bulletin nº27 (January '06)

The Bulletin of the Prayer Network for the Evangelisation of Spain

“and this is all I aim for: to dwell in the Lord's house every day this year” (Paraphrase of Psalm 27:4)

'Just one thing is necessary', the Lord told Martha, 'and that is what your sister Mary has chosen.' It's the best of two options, the part which no one can remove. What part is that? To sit at the feet of Jesus, listen to His Word, hear His instructions, experience His sweetness, receive His warmth and tenderness. Dear brethren who are praying for the evangelisation of Spain, why not choose as Mary did or the Psalmist that one thing which can most benefit you this year? To be in His presence! Jesus called the twelve firstly to 'be with Him' and only afterwards did He send them to preach the gospel (Mk 3:14)

We pray: Dear Jesus, one thing we ask of you, one thing we want to do this year, is to seek your presence more than anything else: more than our activity, our ministry, our comfort or relaxation. Dear Lord, draw us to you with irresistible cords of love. We know that it is in your presence in our life which will draw others to you.

Events

Jan 7th Alpha Workshop in A Coruña This will include working with adults and young people. It is a seminar for pastors and potential group leaders, who are interested in getting to know the course and how to run one in your locality. We have a special burden for the youth of our nation, praying that the Lord would give them a spiritual hunger, a desire to know Him; also for the leaders, that they might have the wisdom of God and His protection as they start up Alpha courses for young people and attempt to reach them for Christ. We also ask prayer for our teen team (Alba, Silvia, Isabel, Jairo, Izar, Erick, David, Sara, Jenny, Narayán & Ana) who we are training to help churches which want to begin Alpha courses around Barcelona. So far 21 churches across Spain have signed up to run courses. More here.

40 days of prayer and fasting 15th January to 23rd February. (Fasting 6 a.m. to mid-day) 'Blow the trumpet in Sion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly, gather the people, consecrate the assembly, bring together the elders, gather the children, those nurturing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, the bride her chamber. Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, O Lord. Do not make your inheritance and object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?' ” ' Intercessors for Spain ( “España Intercede” ) calls all God's People to fast and pray aat the start of this new time in the history of Spain, with the following objectives: 1.That the church come out of its inertia and sleep and enter a new dimension of power and authority, such that God's Kingdom may be seen in power and glory at this time. 2.For the nation: that the Holy Spirit change the course of political, social, moral and economic degeneration which we are currently experiencing. It is a good moment to prioritise prayer and seeking God's will. We encourage you to join this initiative and bring others, too. Open Air in Valencia The Baptist church will continue its monthly open air Sunday mornings, starting 22nd January. Thanks are given for your prayer over the past year, which has been noticeable.

Materials, Aids and Opportunities for Evangelism.

Evangelical Tours Ted Blake of Decision, together with Gabino Fernández of CER and Protestantes.net, together with Ansar Travel have worked out a number of fascinating tours for all, Spaniards and English speakers, who are interested in the history of the evangelicals in Spain. At the same time, the tours will put you in touch with pastors and churches on the forefront of Spanish evangelism, thus encouraging them. This is a great opportunity for Pray4Spain readers to get involved. 1. You could join a tour yourself. 2. You could send others. 3. You can pray that those who join the tours will never be the same again, being transformed through all they learn and see. We pray that among them there will be people who take up the call to commit themselves long-term and full-time to the evangelisation of Spain. Currently 3 tours are envisaged: 1. Andalusia. 2. Spain 3. Europe – the steps of the Spanish reformers who had to escape into exile. Ansar Travel, 902 500 435 congresos@ansartravel.com

Evangelistic Films Decision has announced a series of newly arrived DVDs from World Wide Films, which can be used as evangelistic tools. It is encouraging churches to offer the films for showings on local TV channels. Decision has the film rights for Spain and thus permissions are easily obtainable. pray that these films will be mightily used by the Lord. In particular, they suggest several titles, new and old, which can be shown on the international day of this and that, for example: The Hiding Place on 'Holocaust Day' or Joni an 'International Disability Day' (to cite some better known, older films).

Training Event Decision, together with two other organisations, is holding the 2nd Training Course for Evangelism Teachers. It will take place 6th to 10th February. Pray that many sign up and that it will have a significant long term impact on the country.

In our Spanish language Prayer Guide for Spain, we quote Billy Graham: “The Spirit gives us the message, guiding those He has prepared; it is He who also produces conviction of sin and who can give us a new life.” Dear brethren, with the help of our Wonderful Counsellor, let us seek that one thing we need and He will draw others to Jesus as Lord and Saviour of their life.