The first month has been a whirlwind. In some ways, it feels like we’ve been here a year. In others, I can barely believe it’s only been thirty days.
If you’ve ever stepped into something new…a new job, relationship, house… you know how time can stretch and compress all at once. That’s exactly where we are, except for us we have stepped into a new country with a new language where we have been in a new season following the calling God has placed in our hearts.
The First Week: Slowing Down to Let God Move
When we arrived, we started slowly adjusting to life in Spain. A seven-hour time difference and nine-hour flight will do that. Those first days at Bethel, our temporary home, gave us space to breathe, adjust, and begin finding our footing. We’ve been living out of suitcases so far. Of course when you first move this can be apart of the process. It’s been difficult not being able to find what we brought, or being able to use the things we carefully packed. But we are learning that sometimes, before we can fully settle in, God keeps us in a place of waiting. It’s a wilderness season where trust in God and his leading is built. With that in mind we settled into Bethel, our temporary home, while we searched for a place to call our own.
We have been building a life from the ground up, since arriving, in between ministry at Bethel and getting to know the area. The behind-the-scenes work that makes everything possible. Things like opening bank accounts. Securing Spanish phone numbers. Navigating appointments. Finding a place to call home.
Each step has been necessary and brought small progress toward establishing ourselves. Next week, we finally move into our own place.
This past month hasn’t just been about getting settled. If we looked at it only from an earthly perspective, that is what you would see. However, walking with God is always about more. This is a part of the time that God is using to lay a foundation. The kind that allows us to live, serve, and step fully into what God does through us while we are here.
Because this journey isn’t just about relocating.
It’s about purpose.
Ministry in Motion:
How God Is Using Us Hands-On and in Spirit
Practically: Serving with Our Hands:
Ministry-wise, we’re seeing God use us in a personal way; both through our hands and through His spiritual presence. It’s a beautiful balance of practical service and spiritual surrender.
We assisted with a weekend retreat held here at Bethel. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was meaningful. Kyle helped wash dishes while I kept the kids out of the way and then handled laundry after the retreat wrapped up. Simple tasks. But in those moments, we were serving. We were part of something larger than ourselves.
In addition to the retreat, Kyle has been helping with various grounds work around Bethel. He was apart of a team that helped removed a tree. Then, he fixed some of the sports equipment, and set up two awnings for the patio that will be used this summer during the camps. Moving plants, mowing…. Every task, no matter how small, is a way of saying, This place matters. These people matter. God’s work here matters..
Spiritually: Seeking and Sharing His Presence
On the spiritual side, we’ve attended several Bible studies and prayer meetings. We’ve also resumed hosting our regular prayer meeting online each week, once we finally got our internet established. Praying for Spain and praying for the things we have been facing since we arrived here. It’s been a gift to connect with others and discipleship with others and ourselves, even in the chaos of relocation.
Kyle also joined a street outreach, and God opened doors in ways that surprised us:
- A young couple who were spiritual and seeking deeper meaning. They were open to discussing and praying with the team.
- Two college students studying for exams. The team stopped to chat with them. One was more open than the other, but both were reached.
- In the neighborhood we’re moving into next week, they connected with a young man and an older lady. The young man is already set for follow-up conversations. Be praying for him; that God would open his heart. The older lady seemed open as well.
- They also talked to a man who was spiritual but not open to discussing anything about Christ. Not every door opens immediately, but every conversation matters.
The Beautiful Coincidence That Wasn’t Coincidental
Here’s what’s so cool: We found our apartment on Tuesday. The outreach was Wednesday. And the team Kyle was assigned to? It was the same team that went to our neighborhood to talk and pray with people. They had originally set out to go to the Library and that is where God took them instead without Kyle’s leading or prompting.
It feels like God is highlighting this space. Like He’s preparing us for whatever ministry is coming there. Like He’s saying, You’re not just moving into a house. You’re moving into a mission.
Prayer Request for You
As we move forward, we’d love for you to pray with us:
- Spiritual warfare—that God would protect us and our new home. Especially mentally and emotionally. There is a weight that has seemed to hang over us the past few weeks that feels like battle. Physical protection. Several times Jairus has been minorly injured, but the accidents themselves could’ve been much worse. We see God’s hand in this, protecting him and reminding us he is here protecting us.
- Homesickness—that He would anchor our hearts in Him, even when we feel far from where we’ve been.
- Discouragement—that we’d keep our eyes on His purpose, even when the bags stay packed and things around us seem chaotic.
- Upcoming – Please be praying as we move and for the camps that are starting here at Bethel. Children and young adults are coming to learn about Jesus and get in the word. We know God will use this time to make an eternal impact and we are excited to see how he moves.
- Wisdom – We have been and will be making a lot of decisions that affect us and the children. Please be praying for wisdom in those decisions. Not knowing the outcome, it is difficult to weigh which is the right one, so we go forward trusting God to lead us through each one.
Lord, thank You for using us in both the small and the significant. Thank You for preparing this space before we even arrived. Help us to serve with our hands and to trust with our hearts. Bless those at home and those here. Prepare hearts for this summer and use us as you will. Amen.
You can help us bring hope, truth, and practical care to families in Segovia.
Every gift fuels Bible studies, street outreach, retreats, and homes like the one we’re preparing for summer camps. When you give, you’re not just supporting a project—you’re stepping into a mission God has already started.
Your generosity helps us stay focused on what matters: serving people and sharing Christ.
Discover more from flintoutreach.org
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.