December 9, 2009
by John and Lorraine Young, serving in Spain
John and Lorraine serve with The Alliance in Spain. The following is an adapted excerpt from their December 2009 newsletter.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
“Palpable Anxiety”
In a blink of an eye, we are in another December! Christmas decorations and lights have been hung in Madrid’s department stores and on the main streets of countless small towns around the country. Yet festive facades do not contain the palpable anxiety that lies beneath.
It’s been a tough year here economically. Small businesses have been hit particularly hard. Walking through the streets, we see a lot of storefronts that have recently gone out of business. Those still plying their trade hope that this holiday season will close some of the gap in their losses. So far the news hasn’t been encouraging.
Already physically and emotionally stretched, a number of church members are growing fainthearted, reflected in dwindling church attendance since the summer.
Thanksgiving
Regardless, we felt burdened to open the pulpit to the body to give thanks on November 29. It is our tradition to hold a Thanksgiving service the last Sunday of November; this year it was also the first Advent Sunday. Only a couple of bold souls initially signed up, but once the service began, one after another without pause went up to the mike to share.
Some had tears in their eyes as they talked about the struggles they’ve had, yet all wanted to give thanks. Their testimonies demonstrated that our Lord is active and continues to work in touching and changing lives even in the midst of trials and difficult times.
For us, it was uplifting and a great encouragement to be reminded that we work for an amazing God!
Learn More
Check out our work in Spain.