Coria grows through pain

Our second church-plant, Coria, has been through a lot over the past few years. Started by the ministry of Mercedes Urrutia and a German family, in 2001 leadership passed to David and Cecilia Molina, from Argentina, who moved up from Castuera, in the south. The group has also been blessed by the conversion of two brothers. José Luis is the husband of an established believer and group member, but he lives in Switzerland because of his job. When his contract ends this summer he will return to Coria. Over the past summer, when José Luis was home, his brother Antonio also made a profession of faith. We rejoice over the growth of the Coria group, which occasionally reaches an attendance of 20 and is usually up to 15. Considering they meet in the living room of a small flat, this is now a real squash. They are praying for the possibility of renting rooms or a building for their activities. However, for the time being there is a much more urgent need. The Molina family have never had too much over from their 1000 Argentine Peso monthly support, but over the past few months this has now dropped on conversion from about 1000 Euros to less than half that amount. OM has a special fund to help the Argentine workers for a short time, but we urgently need to find alternative medium to long-term solutions for them. Please pray that the Lord would provide for both the family and the growing needs of the Coria church. Should we see the Lord’s clear answer to the above, we hope to repeat Trujillo’s anniversary exhibition with one in Coria, to coincide next autumn with other events commemorating Spain’s “Golden (16th) Century” which the local council hopes to hold. Meanwhile, pray for results from the distribution of the Jesus video to friends and neighbours over Easter and contacts from the weekly book stall at the open air market, started 18th April.

More happening soon!

In Talavera de la Reina the church is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. A number of special events are planned and we hope the authorities will join us in several of them. They include such things as a Gospel concert (yes, the Madrid choir) and distribution of a special anniversary brochure to every home. Also in Talavera, on April 1st our social outreach team took possession of a newly rented apartment to provide both office and accommodation for needy families. Thanks to a special donation to cover the first year’s rent. More on this and the La Vera campaign in the next issue!