Yesterday (Friday ) was another day full of wonderful surprises and new eye opening experiences. I played a concert during the chapel service at the Evangelical Christian Academy. It is an English-speaking American school. Almost all of the students in that school are missionary kids. Out of all of the groups of people in which I have had the opportunity to share this ministry, I have never sensed an immediate bond such as did yesterday. Nervous? Sure! After all, I am a PK, I now how we think. When I first got up to play – I felt like a target, but they feeling quickly subsided as the students stood and began to sing with me. There are things about being raised in a Minister’s family that can’t be described or understood by anyone else on the planet. Empathize as you might, but you will never get there. It’s unique for every family, and the kids tend to also express it uniquely, but we feel it much the same.

When I arrived here, and was told about this opportunity, I have spent much time asking God to mold my heart and my compassion for them in a relevant manner. The students and I seemed to agree that while there are benefits to being raised in a Minister’s family, there are also a few downsides to it as well. I don’t feel compelled to re-harsh those with you, but we shared many laughs regarding those. Through the years, I have shared my testimony in many different ways, but yesterday morning, God impressed upon to share parts of it that I have never shared. It was one of the most special opportunities that God has ever given me in this ministry, and I will cherish it forever.

The teachers who teach at Evangelical Christian Academy are mostly independent missionaries. They raise ALL of their salary and expenses on their own in order to get to come here and teach. Can you think of any reason to explain why anyone would take on all of that other than the power of God’s call? Some of them spend years in the states trying to drum up enough monthly support to be able to move their family’s over here so that they can teach missionary kids. Some of the teachers not only teach, but they also serve as house parents to the students who are boarding. These teachers are investing into the lives of these kids as a ministry unto God.

All of the students were gracious, and very well mannered. They participated well, singing wholeheartedly on every song. Even when I was talking, they were listening (or at least looking at me). I feel as though God gave me very special blessing in giving me the opportunity to be in the presence of those young people. If you want to know more about their school check out their website www.ecaspain.org

After we left the school the Dixon’s got me on another bus to go downtown again. I told them that it sure seems to me like they are constantly “sending me away.” Not to worry though, I’m like a dog – I seem to somehow keep finding my way back. I met up with Tim again and he and I meet up with another Tim from the IMB – Tim Wilson. We went to “Lavapies” (interpreted “to wash feet) which is located in another section of downtown Madrid. Years ago it was a large Jewish community and that is when it was named, as I understand it.

In this three block area there are 90 different nationalities represented, and a very large Muslim population. Tim Wilson and his wife, Amber, have two children Levi, and David. They have been here over 2 years working in the Muslim community. They set up a coffee and tea table with all kinds of literature on the table next the tea. As people walk by, Tim and his friends offer tea and coffee to them – this is how they make their contact with the people. This is just one of the ministries in which they are involved. The are wanting to eventually start a church in this area, but the doors have not opened for that yet. I will tell you more about this when I get back to the States and learn more about it myself.

I was more of an observer with the street ministry, because it was a different kind of evangelism in a different kind of area. While I was there, I met a man who is in his upper 60’s who is also an independent missionary from DeLeon, Texas, can you believe it? I have played at FBC DeLeon before and Tim Melton had lived near there as well. Archie Stone, was the gentleman’s name. He has been here for many years, and he just wanders the streets carrying tracks and passing them out to people as he goes through the city. I was grateful that God allowed our paths to cross in Spain.

After the street ministry 4 of us went to a culture eating place in Lavapies. I don’t remember the name of the place, but the food was cuisine from Semegal, Africa. Semegal is a French speaking country in Western Africa. I would have to search long and hard to find ways to describe the food, but for now “interesting” will have to suffice.

I have taken in so much in my time here. It will take me a long time to assimilate all of it. If I don’t get to post another blog before I leave I will continue my blogs regarding this trip when I return home. I will continue including as much information about what I am experiencing here because regardless of all the things I don’t know, I am certain that God will use my Spain experiences to continue to shape my life and ministry. I am equally certain that he may want to use some of these experiences to shape your life and ministry as well. Spain is a mission field and though much is being done to further the gospel here, there is still much to do. There are things that each one of us can do to help. Better worded - God can use each one of us to help. There may be a way for God to use something from my time here to get someone else into this field – it could be you. There are ministries here that are worthy and could greatly benefit from your financial support. All of these ministries covet your prayer support – each of us can pray for the work that is being done here. I will try to be diligent when I return to the states to include specific prayer requests for the work and the people here.

If there is any information in any of these blog posts that you would like me to elaborate on – even the funny stuff. Please email me cliffhackler@cliffhackler.com I would love to be a resource for you, even if it is only to satisfy your own curiosity.

In His Grip!
Cliff