Christians ministering to a mourning Spain
Spain - International security rose following a deadly terrorist bombing in Madrid, Spain on Thursday. While the country mourns over this serious tragedy, Christian organizations around the area are making efforts to comfort the people through the Gospel.
Thursday's attack killed at least 198 people and left at least 1,400 injured and many facing questions about their own mortality. David McCreary of Trans World Radio (TWR) says their ministry will provide some of those answers along with stability. They'll continue broadcasting Bible teaching programs on a partner network. "We just will continue to broadcast our programming from this network, so we don't really think that there are any security issues that will be involved there."
The incident has been a huge shock to the nation and a huge wake-up call to the potential of terrorism. It produced a profound sense of horror, anger and loss throughout the country. McCreary says it goes deeper than that. "There's a spiritual vacuum that exists in Spain. It's being filled by things like secularism, materialism and drugs, even gambling. The evangelical community there is quite small, and that's why we feel like radio is so important and can be so effective."
Meanwhile, Greater Europe Mission (GEM) spokesman Doug Bozung said the tragedy could lead to greater spiritual openness. "As many grieve the loss of loved ones and deal with the pain of recovery, it affects their psyche," he says. "Spaniards, like most people, love life. And something of this magnitude has got to shake the society. I would hope, it would be my prayer, that Spaniards begin to consider their own mortality and their need for Christ."
Although Thursday's attack was a great tragedy that led to the loss of many, the hope is for this incident not to end in that way, but to lead to the salvation of many.
