Missions
Barry & Anita Beiles, Missionaries to Spain
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The Coronavirus has shown us that we cannot trust in ourselves or lean onto our own understanding. It has changed our daily paths in so many ways: how we “do” shopping, how we “do” family and social activities, and even how we “do” church. Acknowledging with our hearts that it is God who directs our paths and not a virus is a great comfort in these days of uncertainty. It has been a blessing to see how churches have found creative ways to continue being a part of the lives of their congregations. How we “do” furlough has certainly been a new learning experience. We have loved visiting our supporting churches via Zoom meetings, Facebook video chat, live streaming, and YouTube videos with opportunities to give virtual updates and help provide music.
How we “do” medical appointments has also changed. Anita’s latest appointments have been via telemedicine video. Her recent medical adventure started in early December 2019 with numbness in her face. Many paved our way with prayer as needed doctor appointments with specialists were difficult to schedule. Anita’s completed lab work showed that her blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight were all lower. What was the end result of all medical appointments and testing? She had a flare-up of the multiple sclerosis that was first diagnosed 20 years ago. The MS specialist is recommending a medication (retail amount $7,300/month, with insurance adjusted amount $50.00/month – praise the Lord). The medicine is designed to decrease the possibility and severity of future flare-ups.
Many have asked how our congregation in Spain has been doing. We have kept in contact with our church people via phone calls and video chat. The country has been under a very strict lockdown since March 15. Children had not been allowed out of the house. The restrictions are gradually and cautiously being lifted, moving towards a return to normal life. People are now able to go for walks, but only within a 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) radius of their home. Police have been patrolling the streets and giving out fines or jail warnings to those not complying. Missionaries report a closeness to neighbors with whom they previously never had contact … and are looking to capitalize on the “shared experience” of the Coronavirus to share the Gospel.
We have been blessed with wonderful housing, kind notes, flowers, and plenty of prayer and communication with friends and family. As such, we continue to trust our sovereign Lord and lean on His understanding.
PRAISE
1. Completed reporting to supporting churches.
2. Presented ministry to twelve new churches.
3. Added two new supporters – we welcome Heidelberg Bible Church and the O’Neil family.
4. Barry has continued to work on his seminary studies, specifically his thesis.
5. Anita obtained diagnosis after 4.5 months – good doctor reports even with MS flare-up.
6. Spain church congregation remaining faithful and strong through Coronavirus pandemic.
7. We praise God for how He continues to meet our daily needs beyond measure.
PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Rescheduling nine churches postponed due to Coronavirus.
2. Needing to raise $500 per month additional support.
3. Travel mercies once able to resume furlough meetings.
4. Continued advancement on Barry’s studies.
5. Anita’s ability to tolerate MS medicine and for beneficial results.
6. Wisdom for return date to Spain on account of Coronavirus, furlough meetings, and Anita’s follow-up medical appointments.
7. Guidance for rescheduling our Spain church preachers cancelled during Coronavirus restrictions.
Field Address: Carretera de Ávila Urbanización la Avellaneda 14
05400 Arenas de San Pedro (Ávila) SPAIN
Internet Phone (732) 798-7167 Furlough Cell (609) 937-0090
Sending Church: Kendall Park Baptist Church
PO Box 5086 Kendall Park, NJ 08824 Phone (732) 297-4644
Mission Agency: Baptist World Mission
PO Box 2149 Decatur, AL 35602 Phone (256) 353-2221
Guatemala
Potter’s House
