OAC Publications
Borderlines
April 1998

TOGETHER - IN TEAMS

by Chris Mathieson

Teams in Spain? That was the goal when I began my roving ministry sixteen years ago. We have tried almost everything to recruit people from Britain: Easter teams, September teams, an all-summer team, a team at the Olympics... These were great times, but I was still a one-man nation.

Then came the end of bachelorhood, and Hilde and I became a team. We looked at several alternative ministries, including training for Religious Education in schools. Finally we linked up with Operation Mobilization, with whom we have an effective relationship which involves us in summer outreaches, team training opportunities and other activities.

Then we found ourselves saddled with our very own national team! Our "Mefi-boset" ministry to the disabled has so far attracted thirty volunteers, sixteen of whom live in Madrid.

Volunteers are frustrating! They are inevitably the most committed people in their churches. Some are never at home, and you can't meet or even phone them to co-ordinate activities, but they turn up trumps on the day in typical last-minute Spanish fashion. Yet without full-time support, we believe this ministry will fail to reach its potential.

Over the coming year Mefi-boset is set to become a charitable association, and could easily take up all of our time - and more. Hilde and I are seriously asking how we should move ahead. Open-air evangelism and ministry to the disabled are both highly rewarding, and we cannot think of a better way to serve the Lord - despite the frustrations!

So right now we believe the time is ripe for some full-time help. It would be wonderful to have Spaniards join us. Perhaps you could help to support one. But we are more than willing to have people from abroad, too. Please pray for workers for Spain.

We need evangelists, administrators and disability specialists. The itinerant aspect of our work needs to continue, but there are many other possibilities to get involved. Can you help? Do you know someone who can help? Contact Europe Now, now!