How long would you wait for a promise?
I have the privilege of working with some very inspiring people. People whose lives make me stand in awe; caring people who are planting seeds of faith; people who will forever be in my heart and prayers.
One such couple is Jesus Geraldo and his wife Esther. They were living in Madrid and playing significant roles in their local church. But on October 23rd, 1990 they heard the call to leave the security and comforts behind and…move north to lead a Salem church in Bilbao. With the call also came this promise; they would see this church grow and prosper.
They would be an integral part of bringing the Gospel to the Basque people. But there would be trails and hardship along the way. The church in Bilbao was in disarray. This community of believers had been living with turmoil, leadership issues, and multiple church splits.
Stepping out in faith, a short time after they arrived in Bilbao, Jesus Geraldo left his job as an English teacher to lead the church full time. For 16 years Jesus Geraldo and Esther saw no growth in the church. For 16 years they remained faithful. For 16 years they clung to the hope of a new day. For 16 years they prayed the church in Bilbao would be reborn as a living testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness and as a place of hope and love in the community.
In 2005 something began to change, something shifted, and God began to make a way. By 2006 the church began to come alive. As the Holy Spirit began to birth something new in the church in Bilbao, Jesus Geraldo was instrumental in inviting NLI to engage with the Salem church movement. This was the beginning of a God-ordained relationship. We love the fact that we are able to walk together in great intimacy as we seek the heart of God for the nation of Spain.
Since 2006 the Salem church in Bilbao has seen radical changes. The church, with 90% of its members having South American roots, is a vibrant, thriving, committed, and beautifully diverse picture of Jesus’ Kingdom. Jesus Geraldo and Esther have poured their lives into those they are leading. It is beautiful to see how in the last 5 years those being lead have themselves begun to lead. They are receiving from Jesus Geraldo, Esther, and the Holy Spirit the empowerment, love and life needed to share with those in their own world. This core group of emerging leaders has also received a significant investment from Salem and NLI in the form of training and is being released into the Salem movement.
On Oct. 23rd, 2011 the church in Bilbao had an opportunity to publically share a miracle in the official opening of their new church facility. God’s hand could be seen in every facet of the project; the continuing provision, the renovation, and the ability to purchase the building in the first place. This community could now see how the vision of the Holy Spirit and the perseverance of Jesus Geraldo and Esther brought forth as a place of Jesus’ love, mercy, and grace. The hurting and seeking of Bilbao now have a refuge. But it doesn’t stop here.
Jesus Geraldo and Esther have a new inspiring and beautiful vision; to see church planters developed and released all over Spain and around the world. We are committed to walking this road with them, to see these dreams come true, to see His Kingdom at work in Bilbao, to see church planters equipped and released throughout Spain, and to see kingdom transformation take place.
However this is not a road we can walk alone. We need you! We need people to join with us and allow their gifts; abilities, prayers, finances and generosity overflow from them to the nation of Spain. Together we can see His kingdom come, His will be done in Bilbao and beyond, In Jesus mighty name.
Ronnie Zerr †
*If you would like more information on how to join us in the work that is taking place in Spain through prayer, finances or giving of yourself please email ron.zerr@nlieurope.com