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Church Planting - Madrid‘No city on earth is more alive than Madrid, a beguiling place whose sheer energy carries a simple message: this is one city which really knows how to live.’ Lonely Planet It is hard to overstate the influence and vibrancy of Madrid. One of the top 50 largest cities in the world and the 3rd largest in Europe. It is not only the capital, political and major educational centre of Spain but also home to over 10% of its population - some 5.8 million people. Home to the headquarters of 3 of the world’s 100 largest companies, it has become the major financial centre of the whole Iberian peninsula. It is also exceptionally green and beautiful. So much so that the Madrileños have a saying, ‘Desde Madrid al Cielo’ – ‘After Madrid there’s only one destination left, Heaven’. Most people know that Spain has a strong Catholic religious heritage but Madrid also loves to party. Each year its gay pride celebration is described as the ‘largest party in Europe'. Madrid thrives on its cultural scene with museums, art galleries, theatres, and exceptional live music. It has been described as, ‘a rebellious ex-convent schoolgirl who grew up, got sophisticated but never forgot how to have a good time.’ What a great city – a highly exciting and strategic place to plant a church. For all its energy and zest for life, it is only Jesus who knows how to give 'life in all its fullness' (John 10v10). And so, after clearly hearing the call of God, Kevin and Vanessa Bartlett, who planted Salisbury City Church over 6 years ago, are now planning to move their family to Madrid. They will go in Autumn 2010 firstly to learn the language and culture, and in time start to gather a team before eventually planting a church. They sense the strategic importance of Madrid, for Spain as well as other parts of the world (it also has a large immigrant population from South America and significantly North Africa), and invite you to play a part –
If you would like to find out more, you can contact Kevin via the email form in the right hand column. Or get the latest updates at the Madrid Church Plant Facebook page, by clicking the link. Or you can sign up to become a prayer partner at http://www.salisburycitychurch.org/madrid/index.php |
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