Ojajärvi, 21st of August 2026
I am writing to you once more from Finland, where we arrived on Wednesday evening, the 19th of August. We had left Spain on the 12th, amid fires, smoke, and ashes, and, as if this were insufficient, the solar eclipse came in, adding an extra touch to the unusual scenery we were experiencing. Actually, when the eclipse took place, we were near Burgos (in northern Spain), where the obscuration was nearly absolute.
Travelling North
By God’s grace, our journey through Europe went well, despite the rare heatwave seen in these lands, especially in France, where all records were broken. Actually, it was hotter in the interior of France than in the South of Spain, which is absolutely exceptional, but gladly, after three days of travelling, we arrived in Belgium, where brother Koen and Annemie hosted us for three nights. On Saturday, the 15th, we had a day of relaxation, enjoying the Belgian nature. And to close it all, I preached at two meetings on Sunday in the city of Antwerp, namely, at a Flemish congregation in the morning and at a Russian-speaking church in the afternoon.
(With brother Koen and brother Hugo, Annemie took the picture)
The winter
Now let me look back and highlight the main news from the past six months.
Against all expectations, the winter challenged us with interminable rain and squalls, which is very uncommon in the South of Spain. Our camp was thus turned into a waterlogged zone difficult to live in. Needless to say, these tempests considerably interfered with our evangelistic efforts. Yet every occasion was seized to proclaim the Gospel in the open air, not only when the weather was propitious but whenever we could brave the elements. Through it all, we continued our feeding program for the homeless people in Seville who had to endure these stormy upheavals.
Evangelisation
As our custom has been for more than 50 years, we kept focusing much of our effort on evangelisation, reaching out to whoever was willing to listen. Fortunately, there are still people eager to examine the state of their souls and search for deep meaning, finding their ultimate answer in Christ. Few as they may be, these people deserve our compassion and love, as well as our availability. As Jesus, let us seek and save the lost, for this is our calling on this side of eternity.
In collaboration with Operation Mobilization
Amid all our evangelistic activities, we distributed—in collaboration with Operation Mobilisation—more than 5000 copies of the Gospel of John in the locality of Pilas alone, that is, one in every home. Pilas is one of our main points of focus at the moment, both in evangelisation and prayer. Our goal is set high for this community, and our gaze is fixed on the Saviour whose arm is still stretched out to save.
The congregation in Pilas
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, we established a Christian community in Pilas last year, a locality situated in the far west of the province of Seville. Our first meeting there was held on the 8th of June, 2025, in a little meeting place we had rented, which could seat only 30 people. At the time, we didn’t know how things were going to turn out. We were simply following the Lord’s leading. Since then, that little hall has grown too small, and we were challenged two months ago to find a bigger meeting place, a place where we could have an independent room for Sunday school as well. Two months ago, that place was found in a very strategic emplacement, infinitely better than our previous meeting place. Some work had to be invested to make the place suitable for our needs, but happily this was finished in three weeks. The walls were fixed, painted, and a wall was built to create a room for Sunday school. We also bought 12 more chairs—just 12—because we wanted the congregation to sit close together. But at the very first meeting, the 42 chairs were all occupied. So we are planning to buy another 12. Actually, there is room for more than a hundred people.
( Our first meeting in the new meeting place. The three empty chairs are the chairs of the speaker, photographer, and of William standing in the back.)
A wedding
At the beginning of June, we celebrated the union between Debora and George. Debora is the daughter of Rogelio and Mercy from El Salvador. She was born and grew up in the team. George is from Romania but grew up partly in Italy. He joined the team a few years ago. Both of them are a blessing to us and to many others, including the homeless of Seville. May God continue to guide them, providing all their needs.
Prayer requests
Please continue to pray with us regarding our future. A few more options have been set before us. But each one of them will have to be investigated when I return to Spain. I will keep you informed.
Pray for the community in Pilas. Some of the members need special attention and much counseling.
Pray to the Lord of the harvest to give us a few more workers, for we are fighting on many fronts; the immediate need not only compels us to pray, but also demands it.
And at last, pray that we can be spiritually fit to fulfill the ministry God has put in our hands.
Escacena del Campo, 21st of November 2025
My wife Eija and I returned from Finland a few days ago. Our tour there was once more blessed, and the fellowship with the brethren has been refreshing and encouraging. We also had the opportunity to meet, after some years, Toimi and Terttu Louhelainen, who stand as our greatest collaborators in this Nordic land. Many in Finland have blessed us during these last 42 years, but this dear couple has exceeded all expectations. Toimi is now 91 years old, and Terttu 89. Their daughter Iikka was with us for many years. Their unfeigned love will forever be remembered.
The community of Pilas
As you can imagine, many things have happened since my last newsletter. The first piece of good news is that we have established a Christian community in Pilas, a locality located in the extreme West of the province of Seville. The name of that little community is, Afesis (Aphesis), which means, forgiveness and redemption.
Since June, we have been renting a small meeting space in that locality where weekly meetings are held, which aim to edify the emerging community.
This is not the first time we have established a local church, but it is the first time we are doing it as presently, for in the past, when a meaningful number of people got saved in a community without evangelical witness, we would entrust them to a church situated in the vicinity, typically 50 to 100 km away. But this procedure didn’t always give the expected result, which was to establish an evangelical community in a needy area. For although these churches began the work with great fervor, their zeal would occasionally be unable to outlast the demands of time, and the community members (since some of them had cars) were asked to travel to the church that was taking care of them. Obviously, this approach frustrated our purpose since no local community was established where the need was most pressing. I am not saying this happened all the time; nevertheless, the experience left us baffled. For this reason, in Pilas, we will take care of the new community ourselves until an efficient eldership can be established, which will probably take several years. Please! Pray for this nascent church, asking God to give it the increase needed, both in numbers and maturity.
Newcomers
Last June, Christian and Valerica, together with their daughter Sarai, joined our team. They were with us in the past and have now decided to return after more than a decade. They are originally from Romania but have lived in Spain for more than twenty years. They represent an answer to our prayers, for more workers are needed to fulfill the ministry God has entrusted to our hands. For the saying, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few” has not vanished with the passing of the years: .
Another good news is that Sylvia, from Finland, will spend a year with us. She graduated from high school this summer after having spent a month with us in the spring. She is 19 years old and full of potential. Her coming is an encouragement to all of us.
A new project
We are also promoting the “Think about Jesus Movement”, a ministry founded by sister Lidia Santa, who worked for years with the “Christ is the Answer” team in Romania. The movement has spread to more than 15 countries, and Mélodie, a member of our team, is responsible for promoting it in Spain. You can read about this movement in the following link https://thinkaboutjesus.org/.
Mélodie with her husband, William
Escacena del Campo, 20th of February 2025
Three months ago, amidst rainy days and unstable weather, we managed to move our camp from “La Palma del Condado” to “Escacena del Campo” where we should remain for at least a year.
At the moment our strategy is unfolding successfully, which consists in evangelizing the eastern side of the province of Huelva, and this, in spite of difficulties and opposition. Yes! We are determined to press on and declare the Gospel far and wide to whosoever is willing to listen. The streets and squares continue to be our cathedral and our voice is being heard way beyond the social walls of conformity.
Working with continuity
This area is not new to us. We have labored in it for a few decades and many contacts have been established through the years, i.e., people who are not far from the kingdom of God. We pray that our presence here, and all what it entails, will serve to usher them through the gate of glory where there is forgiveness and divine assistance. It’s this sort of unremitting effort that brings lasting results and turns the spiritual forests into fields.
Our tour in Finland
The time spent in Finland last fall has been, for the least to say, glorious. And you can be sure I am not overstating the case. This was our 40th tour, and through the years these visits have become an important part of my ministry. During this lengthy period our awareness have matured, leading us to a greater comprehension of the spiritual needs of the land. We also became familiar with the different trends evolving in the churches, some positive, others negative. All this makes us the more fit to minister to the brotherhood. May God continue to prosper our time there in the years to come.
New recruits
For the moment, two new disciples have joined our ranks, namely, Isabella from Finland and George from Romania. We are grateful to God for these new workers, for indeed the old saying is still standing: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Brethren! Let’s continue to pray to the Lord of the harvest, asking Him to send out workers into His field. If you are out there, desirous to participate in God’s glorious harvest, please contact us.
A project in formation
We are presently praying, asking God to direct our steps in regard to a possible attempt to establish a Christian community in Pilas, a locality we have evangelized for a few decades. With its 15,000 inhabitants, Pilas has been unusually open to the Gospel message. Several contacts have been made in the past and we are thinking to hold, for a four months period, a weekly meeting in a public hall as a first step to see the response of the population. If interest is shown we will eventually rent a meeting place and establish a mission point in the locality. Another thing that contributes to our objective is the fact that another locality, called Aznalcázar (5000 inhabitants), is only seven kilometers from Pilas, which makes our project the more important. Please, join your prayers to ours and let’s see what God is going to do.
Brethren! Let’s work while it is day. The night is coming and the shadows are lengthening.
About our future
To conclude I want to say: we are still believing God for our future, i.e., for the acquisition of the hotel I mentioned on my blog for the last two years. God knows our situation and only Him can bring the miracle in the land of reality. In Him we rest our mind and heart.
La Palma del Condado, 2nd of June 2024
I write this letter from “La Palma del Condado” where we are still encamped. The local authorities have been, and continue to be, very patient and kind to us. But happily for them and for us, we have found at last a new place where we should move in about two weeks. The new lot is located in “Escacena del Campo” where we have held four campaigns in the last fourteen years and where a growing church has been established. As a matter of fact, two years ago, I had the privilege to ordain elders in that young congregation, the only one in that area.
Actually, our move to “Escacena del Campo” is being delayed by a number of factors, one of them being that our future location is, at the moment, full of grain that needs to be harvested before we can occupy the lot. Secondly, we need to replace the engine of one of our trucks (see picture below). If everything goes well brother Pepe should get the work done in a few days.
A glad return
We are looking forward to the time we will spend in “Escacena del Campo”. We have dear brothers and sisters there and we are well known by its population. Added to it, we will reenter our sphere of accomplishment, which will enable us to continue to deepen our impact on its inhabitants and those of the surrounding towns. The Lord is indeed good to us and the opportunities He provides are absolutely amazing and well orchestrated.
Our evangelistic effort
Throughout the winter and spring we have continued to proclaim the Glad Tidings in a large number of communities. The winter rains has slowed down our progress, but seizing every opportunity we have advanced nonetheless, plowing and sowing, speaking to God about men and to men about God in the attempt to fulfill our ministry at the best of our possibilities. Plenty of literature has also been distributed and only God knows what the result of this effort will be.
About our future
As I wrote on my last newsletter, we are still praying in view to pass from a mobile camp to a permanent location. Our prayers have been triggered by the fact that it has become nearly impossible to move our camp from city to city; not to mention the financial burden such moving imposes. Indeed the whole thing has become a real challenge. If you want to know more about our present situation click here.
Life in the camp
The summer heat is surely arriving on the Andalusian soil and we are preparing ourselves for an exceedingly hot summer. By the time we will move our camp, that is, in about two weeks, the temperatures should exceed forty degrees Celsius. Last year the thermometer reached 48°C in the shade. Needless to say, to live and work under the sun in that intense heat is indeed challenging and very consuming. At the moment we are focusing on maintenance activities to improve the general aspect of our camp, a very needed step after an unusual long and humid winter.
A very appreciated worker
Sister Anna, from Italy, has joined our ranks for the time being. She has visited us many times in the past and has always been a real blessing to all of us. We rate highly her help and her relentless effort to serve in anything needed. If there are other Annas over there please come to visit us. Who knows, maybe you will join our ranks too.
La Palma del Condado, 2nd of February 2024
Here is some fresh news of what is happening with us.
As you may remember, we arrived in La Palma del Condado last July and were able to remain here until now, evangelizing the southern part of the province of Huelva. But a few weeks ago, the municipal authorities told us it was time to begin to look for a new location, which we have done in these last few weeks. As I have explained before, with the passing of the years this search has become extremely difficult due to a huge increment in the bureaucracy involved and the ever-changing laws that are becoming increasingly stricter. Yet, in spite of the difficulties, we are searching assiduously for a location to move our camp in the near future. Please! Join your prayers to ours. We need to find a solution and find it soon.
Working to find a permanent solution
As you may already know, during the last four years we have attempted to establish a permanent base from which we could evangelize and establish churches in some of the most needed areas of Spain. This project has been, and continues to be, an amazing challenge. At first we thought to modify our containers and turn them into little cabins in view to establish ourselves in a rustic area. But this option proved to be impossible due to recent regulations regarding permanent housing.
Our second attempt was to buy a few houses located near each other in some rural area, but the fact that the water supply of these houses is provided, most of the time, by illegal wells, and that the authorities are cracking down on such wells due to the severe drought Spain has experienced in the last decade, this alternative is nearly abolished. The only option would be to find houses having legal wells, but to find such houses, near one another, is nearly impossible.
At last we could acquire a hotel which is being sold in a very strategic area, namely, in San Bartalomé de la Torre (here is the link), but only a financial miracle could permit us to purchase such an ideal place. Of course God is well able to open the windows of heaven (Malachi 3:10) and provide what we need. This is our prayer and our hope.
If you would like to participate in this very challenging project here is the information. And if you want to know more about this project click here.
News about Aracena
Twenty-two years ago, we held an evangelistic campaign in Aracena, a city located in the northern part of the province of Huelva. At the time a married couple got saved, namely, Paco and Manoli. They were, back then, the only evangelical Christians in that locality. But through the passing of the years other people got saved and we began to hold meetings regularly in different homes until 2015, in which year a public place began to be used. Today the church is autonomous, having its own pastor and elders (Paco being one of them), and counts more than 40 members. It is the only church located in the northern part of Huelva’s province, all other churches being situated in the extreme south. (Below is a photo of Paco and Manoli, which was taken a week ago during one of their visits, and a photo of the meeting place in Aracena.)
Yama and Mari Paz
We had also the privilege to receive the visit of Yama (from Japan) and Mari Paz (from Spain), a dear married couple and old friends. We have come to know them in 1998 when we had an evangelistic campaign in Alcalá de Guadaíra, the city where Yama pastors a church since nearly 30 years. Both, Yama and Mari Paz, have been a blessing to us for decades and have assisted us in multifarious occasions. Yama is also director of a center which helps people with drug problems. Their daughter, together with her husband, serves as missionary in Japan. And their son, together with his Japanese wife, serves as missionary in Spain. Their entire family is an example of dedication and zeal.
Ojajärvi, 24th of August 2023
Several months have passed since my last newsletter. Since then the course of events have been quite exacting and complex. You may remember that we set our camp in Niebla in mid-December. Our evangelistic campaign there went well, with numerous open doors, and the Gospel was preached far and wide.
However, we were supposed to be out of Niebla by the end of May and everything was well organized to actualize our departure, for we had been authorized to set our camp in another city. In fact, we had begun our move when suddenly the authorities canceled the agreement. This shift was triggered by the nationwide local elections which were going to take place at the end of May. The problem was now to try to find another place; and in a time of political upheaval the difficulties are multiplied. To make things worse, in Niebla, our camp was set on the fairground and a fair was due to come at the beginning of June. Happily, the authorities offered us a temporary place where we could go, but there was no water or electricity there. Gladly, a minimal part of our camp remained on the fairground where we had water but no longer electricity since our authorized time had ended. So our camp was split in two and we were left in a haphazard situation. Those living in “camp two” were coming to “camp one” for showers, laundry, toilets and so on.
Meanwhile, brother Rogelio, who is in charge of public relations, was doing his uttermost to find a solution to the plight we were in.
After some twenty days, a location was found in La Palma del Condado and it seemed everything was going to return to normality. The authorities there were glad to hear we had found a private location in their city and were favorable for our coming. A written authorization was going to be written and we were told we could begin our move anytime, which we did speedily. But when our entire camp was up, unexpected problems began to occur. We had to pay 1.300€ for the water connection, and there was disagreement in the city hall about giving us a written authorization, without which the electric company could not provide us electricity.
After some days, we were told the written authorization could not be given due to the fact that the piece of ground we were occupying was not categorized as urban. It follows that the electric company could not connect us to a power supply. At the time, our generator was not working properly, but by God’s grace—after a few weeks—we had it fixed and had access to 15 kilowatts. This means the team has survived the last two months with a single air-conditioning situated in our public dining room. With temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, no homes had access to the refreshing devise. And since some of us are passed 70 years, our living conditions were rather deleterious. Of course these sorts of inconveniences are to be expected when a team like ours battles on the frontline. Yet, in spite of it all, the grace of God was present and we managed, and are still managing, to keep ranks amidst dire straits and setbacks.
An ordination
While we were in Niebla, during the winter, brother William was ordained as elder in the team. William joined the Christ is the Answer ministry in May 2000 and served faithfully all these years amidst easy and difficult times. Please keep him in prayers, for the responsibility laid upon him entails very many things.
William & his wife Mélodie
Finland
Eija and myself are presently in Finland for our annual tour. We have arrived here the 17th of August and as every year our first location is near Alajärvi in a beautiful little cottage near a lake. We are grateful to the Lord for the safe trip He gave us from Spain to Finland. This Finnish tour has become an yearly marker for us. Next year, the Lord willing, we will make our 40th tour in this part of the world. Needless to say, we have made many friends and the tour has become, through the years, a little ministry on its own.
Niebla, 21st of March 2023
More than two months have passed since I redacted my last newsletter. Indeed, the days are passing rapidly and one must be quick off the mark to seize the fleeting opportunities.
Yes! We are still in Niebla and will remain here until the end of May. The local authorities have been conducive to our activities and we are grateful for their kindness and solidarity. We don’t know yet where our next destination will be, for to find a place where to stay for approximately six months is indeed a challenge surpassing our capabilities. Only God can find such a place and we are trusting in Him, for we know He is well able to substantiate that sort of miracle.
We have already knocked on different doors and some answers should be coming our way in the following weeks. One of the possibilities is to return to Chucena and erect our camp on a lot belonging to two construction companies. We have already contacted them and are awaiting their answer. If the answer is positive we might be able to remain there for a meaningful period of time.
Our evangelistic effort
In the midst of it all we are continuing to proclaim the gospel message in numerous localities. Happily, people are more receptive to its proclamation than some years ago; and with the arrival of the spring people are more prone to stop and listen for longer periods of time. Some weeks ago a special meeting was held in La Palma del Condado with some brethren from Seville. They came with amazing flamenco singers zealous to put their talents at the disposal of their Lord and Savior. Here are some pictures of them evangelizing through singing and preaching:
Numerous street meetings were also held in such localities as Trigueros, Valverde del Camino, Bonares, Lucena del Puerto, Candón, and so on. The Lord is opening many doors; actually more than we can handle. The saying still stands: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” The following pictures were taken in Valverde del Camino.
A new worker has enlisted
We are very grateful to the Lord of the harvest for having inspired Lidia to join our ranks. She comes from a Brazilian missionary family. She has integrated into the team rapidly and proved to be very useful in several facets of the ministry. May God’s grace and strength be upon her.
A change of plan
As far as our future base is concerned plan A has shipwrecked on the shore of time. This is due to the fact that one of the three houses, the biggest one, has been sold a few weeks ago. So we are now preparing plan B in the surrounding of Gibraleon. Actually the location is better than the one of plan A, being nearer to the highway leading to important cities without evangelical churches and teeming with migrant workers, most of them being African Muslims. Join your prayers to ours and let’s see what God will do.
Niebla, 31st of December 2022
Before I get to the news I want to wish you a blessed and prosperous New Year, a year of growth, victory and usefulness. We are told we don’t know what a day may bring forth (Prov. 27:1). So what to say about a year? But like king David we can trust in the shelter of His wings (Psalm 61:4) to protect and keep us safe all along 2023.
Our present location
I am writing these news from Niebla, a locality situated in the province of Huelva, 32 km west of Chucena where we were encamped for nearly three years and a half. But as I explained on my last newsletter the owners of that land decided to put it in sale last April. At first we were considering buying it but the proprietors changed their mind and decided to sell all their lands as a package deal which was too expensive for us to purchase. So we had to move out of there and ended up here in Niebla. The move was interrupted by heavy rain—which is not common in this part of Spain—but happily we were able to set up our camp before Christmas. Our intention is to stay here for the following three months, or perhaps more, depending of the decision of the local authorities. Due to the increasing difficulties to find a place where to encamp and the increasing cost a move entails, the longer we stay in Niebla the better.
The Ukrainian team
Another major news is that the “Christ is the Answer” team proceeding from Ukraine will spend the winter with us. Most of them are already here and should stay with us until the month of April. This means the size of our team has doubled as well as our budget.
The picture below shows brother Monserrate Balboa García from Spain, leader of the Ukrainian team, with his wife Inna from Ukraine and their 11 children, among which 7 have been adopted. Monserrate and Inna have been members of the Spanish team many years ago and we are glad to host them and their team in this special time.
About our future
As far as our future is concerned we are still planning to buy a few houses to establish our base. God knows our need and we are resting in Him. It is hard to envisage two more years moving our camp around. What we have done for nearly 50 years is now getting nearly impossible and everything has become extremely difficult and expensive. The three houses we have in mind are very near each other. Their location is absolutely fantastic for the purpose of evangelizing. They are situated amidst thousands of migrant workers, most of them Muslims. These houses have been in sale for two years and no one bought them yet. If they are intended for us we are confident the Lord will set them apart until we will have sufficient funds to buy them. Their total cost is 310.000 Euros. This includes an old warehouse that could be restored and used as a meeting place, and 4 hectares of land. As you understand, only a miracle will enable us to purchase these properties, but happily God knows how to perform miracles. So we wait on Him while evangelizing, looking up to see what 2023 will bring forth.
Chucena, 22nd of August 2022
(This letter was redacted a week ago but I had no time to publish it until now)
Dear brethren, again I am writing to you from Chucena where we have encamped for the last three years. At the moment we are planning our immediate future since the owners of the lot we presently occupy have put their piece of land for sale. This turn of events has forced us to look for different alternatives.
The first one was to search for a piece of land we could occupy for a few months as we have done for more than 45 years. But to find such a place is increasingly difficult. Added to it, it would mean we would move our camp at least four times a year, which is, economically and strategically, a deficient approach. Deficient because each move would cost us approximately 1700€, without mentioning the taxes we might have to pay to occupy the lot. Some years ago every thing was much cheaper and easier. Four moves a year also means 40 days a year that are not invested on direct evangelism. In fact, realistically speaking, we might have up to 6 moves a year, not four, which would increase the numbers mentioned above by 33%.
These considerations have led us to a second alternative, namely, to buy the piece of land where we are presently. The authorities of Chucena have been consulted and they have been amazingly receptive to the proposal. They told us we could stay on that piece of land for up to 10 years if we buy it. At the moment we are awaiting to know how much the owners of the lot will be asking for that land. If we would buy it and stay there for 10 years we would save a minimum of 68.000€. I say “a minimum” because the saving might go as high as 100.000€, not mentioning a minimum of 400 more days that would be invested on direct evangelism. In brief, the purchase offers a very good option, for after 10 years we could put the land in sale and get some money back, which means, that piece of land would have been used for nearly free of charge.
Now you may ask: Why only ten years? The facts is: we cannot live in our containers permanently if we become local residents. This is the law of the land and there is nothing we can do about it. In fact, ten years is more than anticipated. That is why we are planning to buy some houses in the future and use them as a base from which to work. But because of financial reasons these houses cannot be purchased at the moment. In fact only God knows when we will be able to buy them. So we are trying to find a solution for our present situation.
About evangelism
All these turns of events have not interfered with our main goal, which is, to proclaim the Gospel message. Meetings are being held regularly in the streets and squares, and although we are few in numbers we are pressing on to fulfill our responsibility.
A month ago we had the privilege to collaborate with some of the members of “Logos Hope”—the ship belonging to “Operation Mobilization”. They came to assist us in our evangelistic effort. They have been indeed an encouragement and it was our delight to have fellowship with them. The pictures above show some of them in action. They were taken while they were collaborating with us in Escacena del Campo. May God bless all of them and renew their strength until the final Day.
Chucena, 31st of March 2022
A few months have passed since my last newsletter and many things took place on the international scene. Yet, in spite of the geopolitical turbulence—which calls for prayers and concern—we are pursuing our evangelistic effort, proclaiming the gospel in the eastern part of the province of Huelva and the western part of the province of Seville. Street meetings are being held regularly in different towns and villages and many are they who can hear the glad tidings of salvation.
Indeed, it is time to renew our commitment in the realm of evangelization, for only God knows the time we have left to fulfill the ministry of reconciliation.
God’s blessing
At last the rain is falling in this droughty Andalusia. It was about time because the reservoirs—most of them artificial—were just about waterless. Happily, the weather forecast announces more rain for the coming days. Of course all this slows down our evangelistic effort but we are nevertheless rejoicing for this divine gift.
Visitors
Two weeks ago we were blessed by the visit of some Italian brothers coming from Sicily. Their presence, together with their practical love, was a great encouragement for all of us. Their deeds and words were highly edifying and we give thanks to God for the beautiful fellowship we had with them.
Unfortunately, brother Samuele Gioeli, pastor of the Community “Salvati per Grazia” in Palermo, had to leave us prematurely since his sister-in-law died the day after his arrival.
Chucena
As for us, we are still encamped in Chucena (see pictures below). This locality, midway between Seville and Huelva, has become our base for the time being. We have been here for more than two years and a half, reaching far and wide with the sole purpose of proclaiming the Gospel.
As you can see on the picture, our camp is situated on the edge of the locality which has been an advantage for us ever since the pandemic started. In fact, no member of our team got the virus so far. Needless to say, we are very grateful for God’s amazing protection.
You can also see on the pictures that our meeting tent is no longer up. This is due to the fact that our evangelical effort is presently carried out in the surrounding localities.
On the picture below you can see that the highway connecting Seville with Huelva (E-1) passes half a kilometer from our camp, which makes of Chucena a perfect location from which we can launch out to the eastern side of Huelva’s province as well as the western side of Seville’s province.
So here we are, working with and for Him in these perilous and unstable times. A big ‘THANK YOU’ to all of you who encourage us through words and deeds. May God’s presence surround and protect you always.
Chucena, 1st of December 2021
On the 7th of November, after having toured in Finland for two months, my wife and I began our journey back to Spain. Little we knew at the time that our trip would last nearly six days. The traffic in Germany & France was overwhelming, producing multifarious gridlocks that lasted up to a few hours. It was the worse trip we did in 36 years, but happily the Lord gave us abundant grace and everything went well. At last, we arrived in the “Christ is the Answer’s camp” on Friday the 12th of November in the early evening. We are glad to be back in the battlefield and grateful for God’s protection during all these weeks.
Another good news is that for the first time since the 4th of March 2020 all the members of the team are present. This is due to the fact that sister Nella was caught up in Italy due to Covid 19 and had to prolong her stay afterward for family reasons. But it is absolutely fantastic to have the whole gang together again and to be able to focus once more on our common goal.
Sister Nella
The team’s evangelistic effort
While Eija and I were in Finland the team was evangelizing at the pulse of the present possibilities. Street meetings were held in season and out of season, with authorization or without it, and this, in many municipalities surrounding Chucena. As a result, Francisco began to frequent the Christian community of Escacena del Campo, a community that is slowly growing with the passing of the years. Indeed, every opportunity must be ceased inasmuch as the future is somewhat uncertain.
Since our return, i.e., during the last two weeks, the Gospel has been preached in such localities as Huevar, Sanlúcar la Mayor, La Palma del Condado, Manzanilla and Escacena del Campo. People have been quite receptive and for the most part polite and considerate. Actually, the Mayor of Escacena del Campo told us we didn’t have to ask him permission to hold street meetings in his municipality. So we have a wide open door to evangelize there in all freedom as long as we want.
Surely, to present the Gospel in these turbulent times is no easy task, but by God’s grace the divine message still makes furrows in people’s hearts. Yes! The divine counsel stands firm: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Awaiting a miracle
As for our settlement project we are still waiting on God. A miracle in the realm of finances is needed and we know it will take place at the appointed time. Meanwhile, we follow the divine injunction and seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
We want to thank you all for your help, love and prayers. May God continue to sustain you and may His protection cover you at all time.
Ojajärvi, 26th of August 2021
We left Spain on the 17th of August for our annual tour in Finland. Our first destination was a medical center where we underwent a covid-19 test since a negative result was necessary to travel through Europe. Happily the results were good and we were able to continue our trip. After four long days of traveling we arrived at the port of Helsinki where we had to be tested one more time since our Spanish document was only valid for 72 hours. The test was negative and we were thus allowed to proceed to our first destination were we are presently. We were tested one more time today. We don’t know the results yet but we believe everything will be fine. Happily these two last tests were free of charge. We are grateful to God for having led us safely and for the privilege we have to serve Him in multifarious ways.
A drastic change of weather
When we were preparing for our long journey the temperature in Spain was reaching 48 degrees Celsius and the scorching sun was out week after week. But here in Finland things are quite different. Right now it is 12:55 p.m. and the thermometer marks 10 degrees. It is now raining and the scenery is comparatively very dark. Last night it dropped to 3 degrees Celsius. It is indeed a shocking change that requires a bit of adaptation.
The last few months in Spain
At the end of May we were able to return to evangelism on a weekly basis. Street meetings had been held previously but only sporadically, but since the 28th of May we have been allowed—in some localities—to hold them a few times a week. Some of these towns are quite remote from our camp but we want to seize every opportunity to further the Gospel. Literature has also been distributed at regular interval and a display of evangelistic publications has been set-up time and again. Slowly but surely the doors are reopening and we are hoping to return to normality in the near future.
