Update from the Stipp Family (Spain)

New Year’s greetings to all of our praying friends!

“Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:  But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters …And Gallio cared for none of those things.”  Acts 16:14,15,17

I decided to include a trivia question in this month’s letter.  Who is the only Spaniard mentioned in the Bible?  Of course, my text reveals the answer.  Gallio was born in Cordoba, Spain.  It has to be noted that Gallio is not his given name.  But, in the text he has risen to a position of influence in Corinth.  I appreciate that he does not see it as the duty of civil government to interfere in the practice of religion.  However, the text also reveals his indifference to questions of faith.  

In this letter I wish to ask you to just take a few moments, right now, and pray for Spain.  Gallio’s attitude is typical of that of Spaniards in our day.  We have many, many Spanish friends who, despite the dire conditions in which Spain is struggling to survive, remain indifferent to Bible truths, which many profess to believe.  Today, in our city, all but non-essential businesses are closed.  We have a 10pm to 6am curfew.  We are not allowed to invite guests to our home.  A Spanish agency estimated that this year five million more Spaniards, more than 10% of the population, will fall into extreme poverty, living on less than $20.00 per day.  Pray that Spain might see that its salvation is in accepting the truth of Jesus Christ.

Yet, with the challenges, the Lord has allowed us to continue ministering.  Some restrictions were lifted during the holidays and we were able to entertain a number of new friends in our home on Christmas day.  We had a meal.  We played darts.  But, the highlight of the day was singing Christmas carols and hymns together at the end of the evening.  It was truly shocking to see how much that they enjoyed the time.

I am back to teaching weekly classes for our Bible Seminary online.  I have about 18 students and, again, many students studying with us from Venezuela.  We praise God for this opportunity.

Many thanks, to all of you for your prayers, cards, notes and special gifts that we have received over the holidays.  You make us feel highly privileged in the Lord’s service.

May the Lord richly bless all of you in your service of our Lord!
Mark and Hillary
Col. 1:28