DBF Donors Respond to Roof Repair Campaign for Madrid’s Baptist Seminary!

The Baptist Seminary in north Madrid ( Facultad de Teología, UEBE, https://ftuebe.es/)  is an institution of higher learning, with its degrees recognized by the Spanish government since 2011.  The seminary is located in north Madrid in the town of Alcobendas.  It’s mission is training pastors, missionaries, church workers,  and church planters through its undergrad, masters, and online programs. 

In March of 2024, we at DBF learned that the seminary needed to replace its 40 year old roof and was looking for a way for people in the US to make tax-deductible gifts to support this project. Supporting Christian education in Spain is a primary pillar of DBF’s mission so we were happy to set up a separate campaign focused on the roof project and send any donations received in support of this project directly to the seminary. We are excited to report that the seminary’s capital campaign was successful and that DBF donors made a significant contribution to the campaign. Here are photos of the finished project and below, a letter Dr. Julio Diaz, president of the seminary wrote to thank the donors.

Dear collaborator of the Baptist Seminary/Faculty of Theology of the Evangelical Baptist Union of Spain:

I have the pleasure of informing you that the construction work of a new roof for the Baptist Seminary/Faculty of Theology UEBE has just concluded, after two months of work. I wanted to wait until this moment to inform you of the destination of your offering, so that you can see through the attached photos the final result. As I reported at the time, it was necessary to first dismantle the old roof of the building, very deteriorated by the passage of time. This was a heavy and laborious job for the workers, since we agreed that the work would be done during the summer, to disturb as little as possible the life of the faculty and those who live there, but it exposed the workers to the intense heat of the Madrid summer.

Of the different options that were considered for the new roof, a sandwich panel type roof was chosen for several reasons: its lighter weight, since another type of roofing would place a significant weight on the structure of the building, which could lead to cracks: its price, cheaper than other conventional roofs, but with a guarantee of quality; its durability, as it is very resistant to the passage of time and changes in the weather; and its thermal insulation, as this type of roof incorporates a high-performance thermal insulation at the factory, to which a second layer of insulation was added in the most sensitive areas of the roof. High-capacity drainage gutters and overflows have also been built into the side walls to drain accumulated water in the event of torrential rains, which are becoming more and more frequent in Spain.

Thank you for being part of those donors who have made this work possible. Without your collaboration and that of the Union of Baptist Churches of Spain, the UEBE School of Theology would not have a new roof today. We are very grateful for your financial contribution, but also for your appreciation for the seminary and for the work of formation of those called by God to the Christian ministry that is carried out in it. With your gesture, you have shown that the UEBE Faculty of Theology is also your seminary, and that you identify with its mission.

God bless you

Dr. Julio Díaz

Rector Facultad de Teología UEBE

Alcobendas (Madrid) - España

An Experience of a Lifetime

by JuneAn Lanigan and Kiko Peiro

We had the privilege of hosting Kiko Peiro in 2017 as part of the Alfa & Omega study abroad program. He and two other students were paired with DBF host families in the California Bay Area for 3 short months. 

Kiko and JuneAn

Kiko writes, “It was an incredible and very enriching experience.  I got to know another culture, another school (a first!), and everything was so different!  But the most important thing was having the privilege of meeting my American parents who are now my second family! I felt at home with them and trusted them in the same way I trust my parents.  I learned a lot from them and they have become one of the pillars of my life.”

Kiko, JuneAn and Kevin Lanigan

As an exchange student, Kiko attended our local high school as a freshman and was initiated into our California public education system.  Different from Alfa & Omega, our local high school is a large, secular, four year school with students from many diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. It is safe to say that navigating the curriculum and school dynamics was a learning experience in and of itself!

Kiko and his A&O classmates were also immersed in California lifestyle and tradition.  We traveled throughout the state exploring different cities and towns, sampling local cuisine and culture.  We had a great time together (and many laughs) as we discussed our countries’ similarities and differences.  We learned as much from the students as they did from us!  Our time together was a joy.  We have since traveled to Denia twice, and were equally welcomed by Kiko’s amazing family.

In August 2023, we reunited in California for a 3 week vacation.  Kiko shares, “This last three-week trip was also an incredible experience and coming back 6 years later and feeling at home from the first day is priceless.”

Kiko with Kevin and Scott and Sue Johnson

Kiko is no longer our ‘exchange student’, he is family.  Like our own children, we are deeply supportive of his education and career (both business and kite surfing!), and the life ahead of him.  It is fair to say that we love him like a son.

If you feel a nudge to get involved in the lives of A&O students and want to learn more, please reach out to Eunice at A&O to explore the opportunities.  There are many students, like Kiko, who can grow richly with your support.

Kiko tells me that he is very grateful to Alfa & Omega, the Johnson family and our entire Lanigan family for giving him this great opportunity. It has truly been an experience of a lifetime.

Christmas 2023 at Alfa & Omega

Every December, Alfa & Omega shares the Gospel with its families through creative and innovative ways. This year, the faculty and staff will distribute Advent calendars to Alfa students to share with their families. Each day in December, families can read a daily devotion and enjoy a delicious chocolate treat. The calendar also reminds families of the wonderful events and concerts that Colegio Alfa & Omega provides during the Christmas season.

2023’s Alfa & Omega Advent Calendar

"Shine" - Alfa & Omega's 2023 Women's Retreat

Recognizing that moms need time away with other moms to be loved and cared for, Colegio Alfa & Omega provided a weekend retreat for moms of current Alfa students in November. The theme was “SHINE”.

Sixty moms attended. They were eager to have fun and open to growing personally.

The women enjoyed a wide range of enriching sessions such as emotional health and skin care.

In addition, Silvia Villares, a Christian psychologist, provided practical tools for making wise life decisions and Hugo Walthon, co-director of Alfa & Omega, gave his testimony. The women were moved by Hugo sharing that despite life's difficulties, you can shine brightly, thanks to one’s faith in God.

The atmosphere was full of laughter, learning and pure joy. It included a silent disco, where the attendees enjoyed the rhythm of the music. The group dinner on Friday night was a walk through the five continents full of coexistence and satisfaction.

The retreat left a deep spiritual impact upon each participant each of whom carried home the essence of SHINE: a reminder of who can light your path, to stand out and to keep on shining.

TESTIMONIAL FROM ONE OF THIS YEAR’S MOMS:

Eunice!! Thanks for hosting Shine! I thought it was great! I have enjoyed making new friends and getting to know my old friends better. But I wanted to tell you that Hugo’s testimony truly touched my heart. At school, Hugo is so quiet and serious and now I have a better idea of why. I would also like to tell you that thanks to Hugo, we were able to get through a very difficult time with our daughter who now is doing very well. You don’t realize how difficult a decision it is for our family every year, to keep the girls in a private school like Alfa & Omega, but I am very glad that we do. Just thank you so much. And the truth is, this retreat has made me want to go to your church because I no longer feel understood by my old church. Maybe SHINE has been the signal!! Keep it up, You guys are great!

Ms. Nike Luqman Granted the Royal Order of Queen Isabella the Catholic

His Majesty, Felipe VI, King of Spain, granted the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic to Ms. Nike Luqman (Beltran), director of relations with the consular offices of the mayor of Houston, for her continuous work in strengthening the ties of collaboration and friendship between Spain and the United States.  

Nike, honored by the Mayor of Houston and the Consulate General of Spain

Nike was raised in the Trinity Baptist Church in Dénia where her father was senior pastor and in fact, the Beltran Library of Colegio Alfa & Omega was named after her parents. She and her sister Lydia came to the US to attend Baylor University and after graduation, Nike married a Texan, became a US citizen and eventually made Texas her permanent home.

Houston’s City Hall Celebrating Nike’s Honor

The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic is a Spanish civil order of chilvary and honor granted to persons and institutions in recognition of extraordinary services to the homeland or the promotion of international relations and cooperation with other nations. By law, its Grand Master is the King of Spain, and its Grand Chancellor is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the realm of services to the homeland, the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic is the highest civil honor granted by the Kingdom of Spain. Nike is a faithful supporter of Colegio Alfa & Omega and the Denia Bridges Foundation and is the first Protestant in the 200+ year history of the Order to have been awarded this honor.

Alfa & Omega's American Camp 2023 Report by Eunice and Hugo

Campers enjoying a bit of Americana in Spain

During our annual American Camp, held from the 3rd to the 8th of July, a total of 70 children had the opportunity to participate in the nighttime activities, while another 150 children attended the daytime activities. The camp counselors from Dallas Bible University (DBU) played a prominent role in carrying out various activities such as Bible stories, sports, crafts, and music. Each afternoon, before enjoying the pool and having ice cream at the oasis, an exciting adventure took place. The nights were filled with fun through scavenger hunts, costumes, shows, and special activities to celebrate the 4th of July. The love of God was evident in this place, and the gospel was shared with many boys and girls from Spain.

DBU’s camp counselor team

In the camp nights, a variety of exciting activities were organized, allowing the 70 participating children to enjoy unforgettable moments. Scavenger hunts were a highlight of the nights, where children took part in challenging games and team tasks that fostered cooperation and camaraderie.

In addition to scavenger hunts, themed shows were held where children could showcase their talent and creativity. Costumes and theatrical performances brought imaginary characters to life and encouraged children to express themselves freely and share their enthusiasm.

Every day the 150 children attending the daytime activities engaged in a wide range of enriching activities. Each afternoon, before enjoying the pool and savoring a delicious ice cream at the oasis, an exciting adventure took place. These outdoor adventures, such as hiking, orienteering games, and treasure hunts, provided children with the opportunity to explore nature and work together as a team.

The Fourth of July in Dénia!

In addition to the adventures, sessions of Bible stories were held, where children learned valuable moral and spiritual lessons. These stories conveyed God's love and promoted values such as friendship, kindness, and compassion.

Sports also played an important role in the daytime activities. Children participated in soccer, basketball, and other sports games and competitions, promoting physical activity, cooperation, and sportsmanship.

Crafts and music were creative and expressive activities at the camp. Children had the opportunity to engage in craft projects that stimulated their imagination and artistic skills. Additionally, music sessions allowed them to learn inspiring songs and enjoy the joy and unity that music can bring.

The American Camp not only focused on providing fun and enriching activities but also stood out for sharing the gospel with the participants. DBU monitors conveyed God's love through Bible stories and spiritual lessons. Children from Spain were given the opportunity to hear and learn about the Christian faith, sharing the message of hope and salvation.

Eunice and Hugo

July 13th, 2023

Dénia

DBF Donors Help Alfa & Omega Purchase New Support Vehicle

Alfa & Omega’s New Utility Vehicle

Sadly, Colegio Alfa & Omega’s furgoneta (a small utility vehicle) finally conked out in early January after 25 years of service. The center uses this vehicle to run errands, get supplies and for going back and forth to the airport to pick up volunteers, missionaries and other visitors to the school. Fortunately, DBF was able to provide funding to help Eunice and Hugo purchase the new vehicle. We, the volunteer DBF board members, are so grateful for the donors who make this support of Colegio Alfa & Omega possible.

JORGE J. PASTOR-MUT DELIVERS CLOSING SERMON IN THE CATHEDRAL OF VALENCIA

JORGE J. PASTOR-MUT, PARTICIPATES IN THE CATHEDRAL OF VALENCIA, IN THE CLOSURE OF THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR THE UNITY OF CHRISTIANS.

As every year, the Week of Prayer for the unity of Christians throughout the world is celebrated on these dates. In the city of Valencia the meeting was closed with the participation in the final preaching of the Dianense pastor Jorge J. Pastor-Mut (founder of the Alfa & Omega school), invited by Archbishop Enric Benavent and the collaboration of Carmen Sarmiento, president of the Interfaith Ecumenical Center From Valencia.

The central theme of this Week of Prayer has been based on the motto "Do good and seek justice" (Isaiah 1:7), prepared by the communion of churches of different denominations in Minneapolis and inspired by the fact that caused the riots. races in Minnesota when the young African-American George Floyd died with the white policeman's boot around his neck and shouting "I can't breathe".

Jorge J. Pastor-Mut, exposed the word based on Psalm 82: 1-4 "Do justice to the orphan and the poor, defend the humble and the needy", and the gospel of Luke 18: 1-8; "Won't God do justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? He alluded to "the need for all Christian churches to join efforts to walk in favor of just and necessary actions to transform this unjust world, because injustices cause inequalities and we cannot look the other way."

On the other hand he insisted saying; "The great challenge that the world today presents to all of us - from different Christian churches - is to ensure that the church is seen as a place of God and outside of temporal power."

He ended by emphasizing that Christians are called to live justice, from the basis of "God above all." And continue to have a militant attitude yelling like George Floyd; I CANNOT BREATHE, because the evils that exist drown us and the injustices overwhelm the human being. I can't breathe when I see the miseries, hunger, abuse, suicides, divorces, abortions, revenge, manipulation, discrimination, environmental deterioration, corruption, invasions, debauchery, coercion and lack of social justice. I can't breathe seeing so many divisions and clashes. We are called to defend justice in all people without discrimination such as health, freedom, security, dignity, claiming human rights that are underestimated and care for Creation.

To end the event, the Archbishop closed with a few words of gratitude to the entire audience and encouraging them to continue on the path of prayer and action. He also thanked the participation of Pastor-Mut and all the representatives of different confessions that were present, both Christian and Jewish. The choir of the Reform directed by Gerson Padilla participated with exquisite elegance and put the finishing touch to the closing meeting of the Week of Prayer for Christian unity.

¡Feliz Navidad 2022! DBF's End of Year Update

In October, Sue and I were finally able to return to Dénia after four long years of waiting and waiting for the Spanish government to loosen up their travel restrictions. It was such a joy to attend a service at the church, walk down the paseo in Les Rotes and spend time catching up with Jorge and Encarnita and with Eunice and Hugo and all of our adopted family in Dénia. We were amazed at how God continues to bless our beloved ministries in Spain.  I hope that you too can make a pilgrimage back to Dénia again soon.

While we were there, we witnessed first-hand how Alfa & Omega integrates faith with learning. In a surprise (to us) all school assembly they called “A Gratitude Celebration”, Alfa honored the Dénia Bridges Foundation and thanked our community through music and words from the students and teachers for our prayer and financial support. They specifically highlighted the donations from DBF that made the bus trip for the life changing Nick Vujicic event in Madrid possible for the 100 secondary students. It was a very special time but to us the most interesting aspect was how the school uses an assembly like this as a teaching opportunity about the importance of having a generous heart. Tying generosity to the super fun field trip made an abstract concept come to life for the students. This is just one more example of why Colegio Alfa & Omega is a model for Christian education in a post-Christianity Europe.

God bless you for all your prayers and financial support for this and other important projects that you'll read about below.

And on behalf of the board of the Dénia Bridges Foundation,

may God fill your life with love, joy, and peace this Christmas Season and throughout the New Year.

Scott Johnson
President and Co-founder