HOPE FOR SPAIN’S LARGEST CITY

Dear Friend,

In a little over a week, I’ll be in Madrid, Spain, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This capital city is a mix of the ancient and the modern. Glass and steel skyscrapers tower over centuries-old brick and limestone buildings—including many churches. While the cobblestone streets are lined with small cafes and shops, nearly 12,000 international businesses have headquarters or offices there. Madrid has one of the strongest economies in Europe—but there is a great spiritual need here.

Although the metro area’s 7 million people live in the shadow of two cathedrals and dozens of churches, many have no relationship with God. They’re caught in a culture that pursues riches and pleasure and embraces much of what Scripture calls sin. In fact, Madrid hosts one of the largest Pride festivals in the world every summer. Yet God has not turned His back on the city. Bible-teaching
churches are growing, and I am so grateful that a group of them invited us to host the Festival de la Esperanza on 30 and 31 May.

I am eager to proclaim the Good News that Jesus Christ “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4, ESV). We praise God that over 9,800 believers have taken our Christian Life and Witness Course and more than 1,400 have signed up as prayer volunteers. These brothers and sisters in Christ—from over 850 churches—are working hard to prepare for the Festival.

 “From the very moment we learned about [the outreach], we decided to actively join in,” said one leader of a small church two hours outside the city. “We believe in evangelism, and we quickly mobilised our church and also pastors throughout our city. More than 100 people from our church will serve as counsellors during the Festival.” And as they reach out to their neighbours, they have big prayers: “We are expecting to bring six full buses to the Festival—using the transportation that BGEA is providing.” Will you lift up this Gospel outreach? Please ask God to prepare hearts as Christians invite their lost friends, family members, and co-workers to the Festival.

LIVES TRANSFORMED BY THE GOSPEL IN JAPAN

My son Will recently returned from Shikoku, Japan. The smallest of Japan’s main islands, Shikoku is known for its stunning mountains and shorelines—and its 88 Buddhist temples. People from across Japan—and the world—flock to this island for Buddhist pilgrimages every year. Only a small portion of the population knows Jesus Christ.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Will preached the Gospel during Love and Hope Shikoku. In the weeks leading up to the Celebration, pastors and congregants from nearly 60 churches worked tirelessly to make this outreach possible and invite their unsaved loved ones.

Will shared a message from John’s gospel before inviting those filling the auditorium’s seats to surrender their lives to the Lord in repentance and faith. Yoshiko* was among those who stood and walked forward. She was invited to the outreach by a friend who has been telling her about Jesus for several years.
Yoshiko’s decision was a bold act of faith because her community—and even her husband—are opposed to Christianity. “This is Japan—everything’s based on Buddhism,” she said. “To go outside of that framework is a really difficult thing, especially living in a rural area.” Even though she was afraid of being rejected by her friends and family, she made her way to the front to publicly declare her relationship with the Lord.

Will you pray for Yoshiko and for all those who made decisions for Jesus Christ during the Celebration? Please ask God to embolden these new believers so they can reach their neighbours with His love. Next, Will is preaching the Good News during the Regina Look Up Celebration on12–13 June in Saskatchewan, Canada. Will you also lift this event up to the Lord in prayer? Thank you for your partnership in the work of the Gospel. God is using you in powerful ways as He draws people to Himself all around the world.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

God works through people like you to change the world by the power of the Gospel. The Gospel changes lives—now and for eternity. When you designate a gift for Where Most Needed, it is available for immediate ministry opportunities and needs, including the personnel, resources, materials, equipment, and support services vital to the work of evangelism around the world.

God Bless You,

 Franklin Graham

President & CEO