Have you ever said, or heard it said of someone from another country, “If they are going to live here, they should learn to speak English?”
Every time that I travel abroad, I’m reminded of how silly that statement sounds.
I’ve been in Spain since last Thursday and I’m amazed at how many people speak fluent English. I’m equally amazed at the number of people that attend English classes. It’s apparently a big thing here.
I find this fascinating. That somehow, in our American way, we didn’t see the great value in learning multiple languages. I’ve realized that the value of being multilingual is huge.
If I could go back in time, one gift that I would have loved to have given my daughters would have been more international travel and the passion to learn additional languages.
At 59 years of age, I’m committed to learning enough Spanish to communicate in Norcross and Valencia with a bit more than getting by.
I’m also reminded of how big this world is. In planting the Benicàssim Church, the one language that is universal is that God Loves You and He has an amazing plan for you to succeed wildly. Whether in Sugar Hill, Georgia or Benicàssim, Spain every person has the need for hope, peace, contentment and joy. They all have a God-shaped hole in their hearts that only He can fill.
This small church start has so many obstacles to face. Far more than a church plant in the suburbs of Atlanta. But their heart and passion are over the top. They cannot wait to see their heartbeat for growth come to reality.
Whatever language you speak, would you offer that voice to the Divine and ask Him to place His hand upon the work and church in Benicàssim? These dear folks will need our help, our hearts and our earnest prayers to see a healthy church grow into fruition.
Ve en Paz, AChuck
