It was such a privilege to take part in serving the Lord in the Basque Country of Spain last week! Our main goal for the trip was simple: “The Next Step.” We hoped and prayed that our efforts would help the Willis family, their church plant, and the local ministry where we helped host a Vacation Bible School/English camp to take the next step in their outreach. We also prayed that God would do a deep work in those who came on the trip. And I certainly believe that God answered our prayers. 

​

We ended up with an enrollment of 46 children for the week, which blew away our expectations. So many gospel seeds were planted in an area that is within the edge of the “10/40 Window,” and is considered an “unreached people group.” The Willis family were such excellent hosts. The Aierdi Farmouse was the perfect accommodation for our group. And it was such a joy to serve and then see some of the sights of Spain in the evening. 

​

Now that we are back home in Blue Ridge, it might be tempting to think that our “missions mode” is over. But nothing could be further from the truth. We are to be on mission every day here in the Roanoke Valley. And specifically, we have the opportunity to do much of what we did in Spain right here at our own church. What do I mean? Colonial Bible Time is coming up in just 5 days!

​

On July 14-17, from 6:45-8:30, we are hosting our “Wonder Junction” form of Vacation Bible School. It’s a Wild West theme, which is bound to be exciting! Our decorations are getting prepared, our lessons are being studied, and we are almost ready to begin a very important part of our home missions. And then for the first time, this year we are hosting a “Family Rodeo Night” on July 18, also from 6:45-8:30. 

​

Whether you had the chance to join our team to Spain or not, Colonial Bible Time is an incredible opportunity for our church to be “On Mission this July.” Will you pray for the ongoing work that is being done back in the Basque Country? And will you pray and get involved with this year’s Colonial Bible Time? 

 

In Christ,

Pastor John Wiley