McKinstry E-News Spring 2020 Update
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1) Thank you for your support of our ministry! It’s hard to believe that our first term in Spain is almost complete, and we will be heading home for furlough within six weeks! And we want to see YOU! We can’t wait to tell what we have been up to, so I’ll give you a little insight now.During the two and a half years we have spent in Barcelona, we have learned language, culture, and ministry context. We have adjusted to being empty-nesters while meeting and ministering to people from across the globe. We welcomed many into our home; people from Iran to New Zealand, from Nigeria to Colombia and, of course, many who are from Europe and Barcelona. Each one of these is a soul (or two) that we have been able to point to Christ because of your generosity. Your investment is making a difference in people like Paulo, David, Esteban, Maria, Ernesto, Clara, Pepe, Pepi (that’s not a duplicate), and many more! During this crazy time of quarantine, we have been reaching out to our neighbors in new ways. Mark had the idea of offering to help all of our neighbors, to go to the grocery or help in any way they need. Although no one has asked for help yet, one neighbor, Montse, responded with a kind note, and sent “virtual hugs!” As we’ve been giving flowers and notes of encouragement to our neighbors, it’s been fun to receive notes and gifts back from them. One things is for sure, choosing to walkthrough uncertain times with others deepens those relationships and creates opportunities to share our hope. We talk with our neighbors outside on our balconies almost every day. On Good Friday, we invited one neighbor from India, A****** (AP), over for Easter Sunday lunch. AP and her friend S***, came, and asked about the Christian faith. We were able to explain what Good Friday and Easter were all about. We were shocked they had never heard and excited that we had the privilege of sharing!  This coming week in Barcelona, April 23rd, is normally the biggest celebration of the entire year. It’s called San Jordi (Catalan for St. George). Unfortunately, we will not be celebrating as usual, because we remain on strict quarantine. But, God gave Heather an idea last year of writing a book that connects the story of San Jordi to the truth of the Gospel. The project is complete! Because of the situation the world is in right now, we had to use even a little more creativity. The book is currently on the Kindle store and will be offered for free from April 21-25, in digital format. You can get the book, El gran amor here. You can also view the video versions of the book in English, Spanish and Catalan. We printed 500 paper books which our ICB team and church will be able to distribute to neighbors within their own buildings. Please pray as this evangelistic tool is dispersed, that many would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Again, we thank you so much for you love, prayers and financial support. And seriously, we want to see you! We’d love to meet you for coffee or a meal. You can continue that conversation to connect with us by simply replying to this email and letting us know what dates work for you. |
| CLICK HERE TO GIVE ONLINE TO OUR WORK IN SPAIN Spring Ministry Highlights Besides our weekly teaching, preaching, administrative, and mentoring opportunities, here’s some of those “special moments.”     Pictured from Left to Right and Top to Bottom Friday Night Prayer Meeting … We started our year off at the International Church of Barcelona with two weeks of prayer and fasting. Over 70 people joined together to pray for our city at one of four prayer meetings. Awaken Young Adult Retreat in February … We ministered through preaching and God moved so wonderfully in all of our hearts. These young adults are amazing! Nigerian Naming Ceremony … We have the privilege to do life with people from over 70 countries at ICB. Some friends from Nigeria held a special naming ceremony for their new baby girl. We loved being a part it! Good Friday Prayer Meeting … So much ministry around the world has moved to online platforms. We thank God for technology. We are reaching further than we’ve ever reached before connecting with thousands upon thousands every week. We had over 170 attend our Good Friday Prayer Meeting on Zoom. International Church Plant, Malaga, Spain…Fall 2021  God is giving us a strategic framework for the plant and revealing visions of what He wants to do amongst people in this amazing city. We are grateful that God is calling and people are responding to come and be a part of our church plant team! Please continue to pray with us for timing, favor, and resourcing. We love this city and believe that God is up to something marvelous!If you’d like to know more about how you can be a part, just message us at mark@mckinstrysinspain.org  We Need Your Prayers … Here’s How: 1. For our many supporters, both individuals and churches. For needs to be met, creativity in life and ministry, and peace in these anxious moments. You are on our hearts! 2. For the new International Church plant in Malaga. For people we have connected with there, for new team members coming and praying about coming, for God’s timing, and for all the necessary resources.If you are interested or you know someone who may be interested in being a part of the team please contact us at our email: Mark@McKinstrysInSpain.org We believe God is calling others to step into this with us. 3. For friends in Barcelona that are new in Christ or have yet to accept Him. Please pray that they will grow in their hunger for Jesus, for faith to be sparked, and for each to look to Him in trust and hope. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).  We had a fantastic visit from our daughter, Ashley. She was able to come see us during her spring break and we were able to spend a couple of days hiking through the country side of Catalunya. It was a whirlwind, seven-day visit culminating with the shutdown of flights from Europe to the States. Thankfully, with the help of some friends in Lisbon, she was able to make it back home. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN TOO! |