May 14, 2006
To our faithful friends and supporters,
We have experienced our first “Holy Week” in Spain. Even though we had heard of idols paraded through the streets, it was still shocking to witness it in person. We went downtown to the processional with a group from the Spanish church here in Almería to hand out tracts. About 2,000 tracts were handed out, and we pray that God would change lives through the Gospel message. On Easter Sunday, we had a young person saved in the service and God again allowed us to open our home for a time of fellowship through breakfast and an egg hunt.
The construction is nearing an end, and there has been much preparation for a special inauguration service on June 11th. Please pray with us for God to direct every detail. This is an incredible opportunity here in Spain. Because of their customs, many Spanish people will attend an inauguration service, if only out of their “good manners.” It is for this reason that we are spending so much time in preparation and prayer for the service. Please contact us if you would be interested in praying by name for individuals who have been invited to come. We have seen God answer prayer this week through the salvation of “Cristina.” People at church said they have been praying for her salvation for 6 years, and our family has been praying for her since we arrived here last July. It is exciting to see how God can take a heart that is so cold and change it through His Spirit! We praise God for the two salvations in the Spanish church since our last letter, and ask for prayer for their continued spiritual growth.
Bill preached at the African church on April 2nd. Two men raised their hands to profess Christ as Lord and Savior. Every Tuesday the men have been praying for a bigger place to meet. God has answered that prayer! They have located a building for rent that is about twice the size of the current building and also has a separate room for the children, but there is work needed to make it ready for worship. Please pray that the men will be able to complete the necessary work in a timely fashion.
On a personal note, we have had struggles with sickness, a broken-down van (it was covered by warranty) and clothes dryer (still not working at this time), as well as computer problems. Those things, as well as struggles with language study and the preparations for the inauguration have caused a lot of added stress in our lives. However, God has given us the grace that we need for each day. Candice, a 17-year old from Louisiana is here to help with the children and some of the household chores until July. She has been a blessing to do preschool activities with the younger two children in the mornings and is always willing to help with whatever we need. Although she does not know Spanish, she has enjoyed interacting with the young people in our neighborhood when they come to play with our children. Jordan is now playing on a baseball team right after school on school grounds. Please pray that God will give us wisdom to know how to reach these new contacts for Christ. Also, please pray for Bill that he can pass his test and finish the required driving course before our insurance runs out in July. He must have a Spanish driver’s license in order to renew our van insurance. Thank you for your prayers and support for our family.
Striving together,
Bill & Dena Rose with Brianna, Kelsey, Jordan, Joshua, and Josiah
