Yesterday (Wednesday), I had the opportunity to play a concert during chapel at the Spanish Baptist Theological Seminary in Madrid. David had to leave early to teach his classes, so Susie and I drove to the Seminary around 10. I was very impressed with the Seminary and especially the students. There was a class meeting in the chapel we arrived, so Susie took me on a quick tour of the campus. The campus consists of a very large 3 or 4 story building. Every inch (centimeter in these parts), was utilized to his full potential. The basement level was where most of the classrooms were located. The next level were the offices and I think a couple of more classrooms. The next floor or two above that was student housing. I use the word “housing” loosely. A very nice lady who was a student’s wife offered to show me her apartment. It was no bigger than 10’ X 15’. In that space was a bathroom, closet, kitchen, desk, and a sofa that also acted as THE bed. A student, his wife, and a cute little girl about 4 years old lived in that room. I believe they said 45 students lived on campus.
At the beginning of Chapel we read scripture together, prayed, and sang, all of course, in Spanish. It was moving to hear the passion with which those 50 or so believer’s presented their offering of worship to God. David introduced me and translated for me. David is a great translator (I assume), and I’m learning more about how to speak in a such a way that I can be translated. It is a little scary when you say something and the translator looks at you and asks you to try it another way – Yikes! The rhythm isn’t a big deal – you just pause where you normally would, but you can’t use a lot of slang unless the translator is also familiar with the slang. David knows the slang so that makes it easy. I didn’t realize until this week exactly how much slang I use and how much I depend on it. Another “rule” is that you don’t look at the translator, but at the people to which you are talking.
The people at the Seminary received me graciously. They all eagerly participated by singing along. Before I came to Spain, I translated the words that appear on my DVDs into Spanish. They were able to sing along in their language. As I looked across that room and saw the hunger for Christ in the those students’ faces, I knew in my heart the Spain is going to be okay - the gospel will definitely continue to go forth in Spain. I felt tremendously humbled and honored to get to worship God with my Spanish brother’s and sister’s.
Spain is often referred to as the “Kingdom of Spain” – while we were singing “Luz del Mundo” (“Light of the World” or as we know it “Here I Am to Worship.”) The second verse really spoke to me as it says, “King of all days, Oh, so highly exalted, Glorious in heave above, Humbly You came to the earth You created, All for love’s sake became poor.” While I played and their singing grew stronger as we began the chorus, I thought in my heart, “Forever, live the KING!”
Today (Thursday) I will be going to downtown Madrid again via the bus. I will meet up with Tim again and he will show me his favorite part of the city, and then I will join one of his cell groups for a Bible Study. Tomorrow morning (Friday), I will be playing a concert at Michael’s school.
Continue to keep me in your prayers – please, and I will keep you updated as I can.
