Terrorist attacks underscore need to evangelize, Spanish leader says_53104

Posted: 5/28/04

Terrorist attacks underscore
need to evangelize, Spanish leader says

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Evangelical Christians in Spain are feeling an increased urgency for evangelism in the aftermath of terror attacks that killed almost 200 people March 11, said Manuel Sarrias, general secretary of the Union Evangelica Bautista Española.

Spanish Baptists–still recovering after four explosions rocked three commuter trains in Madrid–are seeking to end terrorism, Sarrias said.

Ignorance, poverty and injustice lead people to hate established authority and push them to resort to violence, he said. Evangelicals are working to alter lives before they turn to terrorism.

“The church has to have a principal role in changing the lives of people,” he said through a translator. “The message is for everyone.”

The atmosphere in Spain is similar to the United States post-Sept. 11, 2001, Sarrias said. Some do not feel safe. Awareness of uncertainty has increased.

Spaniards are looking to religion for answers.

“People in general realize no one is in charge of their own lives,” said Sarrias, who also serves as the vice president of the evangelical representative body to the government.

This is a prime opportunity for Spanish evangelicals to convert a nominally Roman Catholic nation, he said.

But Spanish Baptists must seize the opportunity, he emphasized.

The attacks have “really encouraged us as evangelicals to double our efforts,” Sarrias said. “Spain is a mission field. Secularism is rampant.”

Spanish Baptists are facing a new world on several fronts, he added.

A nation that has long had friendly relationships with Muslims now sees increasing skepticism toward them.

Though Sarrias sees fundamentalist Islam as the major threat to the Western world, Spanish Baptists are encouraging people to stop associating terrorism with all Muslims.

The Baptists are against terrorism, but love people, he stressed.

“As evangelicals in Spain we're trying to help people understand the difference between fighting terrorism and xenophobia,” he said.

“We're really trying to make it work. It's a very difficult subject, he acknowledged.”

Spain also is facing a new political reality.

Shortly after the attacks, the nation elected Rodriguez Zapatero as their new prime minister, he explained.

Sarrias said he is hopeful the new leader will create a more equitable environment for evangelicals.

Traditionally, Spain's government has favored the Catholic church with financial subsidies and tax-exemptions denied to evangelical congregations.

In this new environment, Sarrias urges Texas Baptists to continue their efforts in Spain through the relationship facilitated by the Baptist General Convention of Texas Partnerships Resource Center.

He specifically would like to see more evangelism teams come to the nation.

Music and choral groups also are effective means of reaching Spaniards, he said.

Many people have responded positively to testimonies following concerts, he added.

Sarrias encouraged Texas Baptists to pray for Spanish Baptists in this new world.

“The Baptists of Spain really appreciate the close ties they've had with the Baptist General Convention of Texas,” he said.

For more information about mission trips to Spain, contact the BGCT Texas Partnership Resource Center at (214) 828-5182 or texas_partnerships@bgct.org.