Several Spanish and U.S. families and individuals make up the IberoAmerican Ministries (IAM) Team for evangelism and church planting in Spain. Many have been serving the Lord in full-time ministry for more than 20 years.
Even though it is a modern European country, in many ways Spain is a difficult country to minister to because its religious and cultural heritage is tied to Roman Catholicism. A majority of Spain's 41 million people consider themselves Roman Catholic, a religion that has been handed down through generations and dates back more than 500 years. Thirty years ago Spain’s 40-year dictatorship ended, gradually leading the country into a constitutional democracy. Despite this fact, many of the people retain their affiliation with Roman Catholicism because it is now part of their national identity and cultural background.
Baptism in Spain.
IAM planted a church in the town of Baza in the Southern region of Andalucia. Baza has a population of 24,000 and is located close to 40 additional towns with about 300,000 unreached people. The work in Baza began in 1990, and the Lord has raised a small congregation of 60 strong Christians. The church hosts youth activities, a strong youth baseball outreach, and evangelistic campaigns and concerts in surrounding towns. In addition to these outreach activities, the Baza team teaches English and computer classes, sponsors foreign mission teams, and develops new methods of connecting with families in their communities.
Monte Olivos Bible Center (MOBC)
Monte Olivos Bible Center (MOBC) was founded by a U.S. family team of missionaries in 1980 to serve the community of God in this area of Spain. An interdenominational organization, the main ministry of Monte Olivos hosts camps, retreats, and conferences. Children, youth, and families come to Monte Olivos throughout the year to spend time in fellowship and worship as part of the retreats and conferences that are hosted in this picturesque location.
The Spanish hillside near MOBC.
Located in southern Spain and close to an international airport, MOBC is an ideal place for training those who seek to serve among Unreached People Groups in this part of the world. Monte Olivos seeks to mobilize workers to enter countries located in the 10/40 Window, while continuing to host camps and conferences. Plans are under development to build a live-in training center to meet these needs. Monte Olivos is currently developing partnerships with other mission organizations and churches to build a world-class training center for missionaries to prepare for service in unreached regions of the world.
Reaching the Unreached Through Humanitarian Works
The IAM Team in Spain also has a vision to reach Unreached People Groups in surrounding countries through humanitarian means that include working with the disabled. This work includes creating rehabilitation centers, a vocational training facility, and a special school for children with Down’s syndrome and other mental disabilities.