Spain in Mourning

Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has proclaimed three days of national mourning. At least 80 people were killed in a horrific train crash near Santiago de Compostela last evening, the night before Spain’s holiday for the Apostle James. Many Roman Catholic pilgrims plan to end their pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago (St. James’ Way) on this weekend. It is thought that many of the people on the train were traveling to this important religious fiesta.

My heart is broken for the families who have lost loved ones. At least thirty are in critical condition in area hospitals. This is a tragedy.

My mind goes back to the other notable train deaths—on the 11^th of March, 2004, caused by terrorist bombs.

I remember that friends from other countries mourned in solidarity with the Spanish people. They sent us notes of condolence.

I also remember that the country was shaken—as it no doubt is today. So many deaths. A normal activity like riding the train. People on their way to a celebration—that won’t happen this year.

So much loss. Everyone will know someone, or they will know a friend who knows someone.

I remember the last time.

I also remember how fast the people got on with their lives. Maybe a week later, hardly anyone was talking about life and death. The window for ministry was over.

You would think that people would want to make sure about their souls.

You would think that they would think about death. The Bible says, it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

Spain is a Catholic country. Most people have been baptized as babies into the Roman Catholic Church, and therefore, if you ask the average person if he belongs to a religious group, he will say, “Of course. I’m Catholic.” But, you’d be surprised how very few take faith seriously. Very few ever go to church, except for baptisms, funerals, and weddings. A lot of Spanish people don’t even believe there’s a God.

Years ago, I remember a friend in Madrid telling me, “You hear a lot about the millions who are eagerly waiting to hear the gospel. What they don’t tell you is about the millions who couldn’t care less.”

That’s our mission field, the one we know we’ve been called to. And that’s where at least 80 partygoers lost their lives yesterday.

Please pray that those of us who know the Lord Jesus would be attentive to any open doors we might have for witness, especially over the next week. Also, please pray that God would do something amazing in hearts and open them to the idea of God, of a hereafter, and of their need.

Thank you.

For God so loved the world (including Spain),

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved. 
(John 3:16-17)