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Rivas November Report 9577 Sweet Clover Way, Fishers IN 46038 juan.rivas@wishard.edu May, 2005 Spain and
the 10/40 Window By Juan Carlos Rivas
In 1992, I had the privilege of working
at the World’s Fair held in visitors from all around the world. I
remember one individual from Morocco and his remarks about his vision
for his country. I do not
remember his name, only that he was a sergeant from the Moroccan elite
force. He looked at me, half smiling half serious, and told me in
Spanish: “…we are coming back to reconquer your land…you will
see…” This incident
occurred almost 15 years ago. Today, the present Spanish government
faces one of its greatest immigration crises. Currently, thousands of
Muslims are crossing the Straight of Gibraltar from their countries in
Northern Africa into the Southern point of Spain in search of a better
life. Why is this an issue? Because Southern Spain is experiencing an
unparalleled influx of people from the so called “10/40 Window”
countries.
It’s
the territory around the globe north of the Equator between the 10th
and 40th parallel lines. Missionaries call it the
“Resistance Belt,” because its residents include billions of
Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and other unreached and unsaved people groups.
I
firmly believe Spanish churches will have a critical role to play due
to their strategic location. Part of our vision is positioning
ourselves, with the resources and recruiting of key people, to reach
this needed group in our area of ministry. God can use us to reach not
only the Spaniards, but also one of the least reached people groups on
earth! Pray that Evangelicals in Southern Spain will get the vision
and the boldness to share not just with their neighbors, but also with
the Muslim people. Update Soon,
it will be one year since we started to diligently pray and search for
a support team. God has been so good to us through the ministry of
many dear friends. We are estimating that financially we are close to
40% of our needs. Currently, we have several potential organizations
and churches that are considering our vision. Please, would you keep
praying that God will open doors of partners. Also, another “huge”
door has opened recently. A church in Spain asked us to visit and
interview with them. They have about 50 members and are without a
pastor. We have been informed that they could not support us 100%
financially, but there is the probability of some unspecified support.
We will be leaving on
the 29th of November and returning on the 13th
of December. Please pray for wisdom to discern God’s
thoughts in this area. Especially, pray that Elizabeth and I will be
100% in agreement on whatever decision we make.
Also, pray for my messages during our time in Spain.
Heroes of the Faith
One of our favorite quotes is from a
Scottish missionary who wrote:
“In the vast plain of the north I have
sometimes seen, in the morning
sun, the smoke of a thousand villages
where no missionary has ever been.”
Robert
Moffat (1795-1883), missionary to the interior of Africa
Prayer Requests: 1.
Pray for Elizabeth and her never ending job of homeschooling. 2.
Pray specifically for 3 organizations that are reviewing our
materials. 3.
God’s messages in the Spanish church. 4.
Wisdom to prioratize time due to Juan Carlos’ full time job. 5.
Praise God for the
great missionary conferences that we attended this Thank
you for your help in the realization of our dream to share the true
Gospel about our Lord Jesus Christ with those who have never heard it
in Southern Spain.
Happy Thanksgiving,
The Rivas Family
Juan-Carlos, Elizabeth, Abigail, Gabriela and Jonathan
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