Spain Hosts First District Conference

The Wesleyan Church of Spain took an important step forward by hosting its first district conference/convention, a three-day celebration held April 23-25.

The ministry in Spain began in 2001 under the leadership of pioneer missionary Rev. Daniel Ortega from Argentina.  In 2006, the ministry joined The Wesleyan Church with one congregation. The vision of church multiplication lead by Rev. Ortega has resulted in the formation of seven additional young congregations located in southeastern Spain. The total Sunday attendance in Spain is approximately 375 people. 

During the three-day event, held in Elche, Spain, praises to the Lord rang out under the theme: New Wine in New Wineskins (Matthew 9:16-17). Global Partner missionary Rick West read congratulatory letters from the Board of General Superintendents, Dr. Jerry Pence; Global Partners, Dr. HC Wilson; Area Director Rev. Jarvis Ferguson; and Rev. Benjamin Galarce, President of the Ibero-American Wesleyan Fellowship. Rick and his wife Clara spoke, along with president of JIBACAM (the Ibero-America Wesleyan Missions Movement), Luis Azofeifa, and his wife Zulay, president of Wesleyan Women for the Ibero-American Area. The Azofeifas are pastors and leaders in Costa Rica. 

The spirit of revival is evident in the Church in Spain. Recently a young Muslin student from Africa put his faith in Jesus and is now a strong personal evangelist. The young congregation in the city of Hellín converted a former tavern into a place of worship.  People are coming to know Christ in Spain, the mother country of Latin America. 

Pray for Rev. Daniel Ortega and the newly elected district board of administration as they plan the next steps of church planting, discipleship, and provide for the preparation of pastors.

—Reported by Rick West