David and Maribel Bell: Nearly 25 Years of Gospel Ministry in Spain
David and Maribel Bell have been gospel partners in Spain for nearly 25 years. After spending some recent time with us in the States, Pastor Gearhart got with David to ask him some questions that would help you get to know their ministry a little more and know better how to pray for them.
You all were just in the States for several months. When you are here, what Spanish food do you miss the most?
At this point in our lives, we are adapted to both cultures, so when we’re in the USA, we just function on that mode. There isn’t a lot that we really miss. I think what stuck out the most was how expensive everything was in the USA.
In thinking of differences between Spain and the US, what lesson(s) do you think we could learn from our brothers and sisters in Spain?
In Spain, being an evangelical definitely makes you a minority. There is often a distrust (total ignorance) about what we believe. This means that believers here in Spain are often looked down on by others. It is always a blessing for me to see new believers follow Christ even if it means being rejected by others. I know that in the USA, a believer can experience the same, but it seems like there is often a general respect that people can have for religious people.
What do you and Maribel love most about life and ministry in Spain?
I would say what we love most about life in Spain is the ministry. We are here because we believe that this is where God sent us and where He wants us to serve. There are some things about the lifestyle here that are nice. The diet is good and people are very active, but definitely the main reason we are here is for the ministry.
What has been your greatest joy (or one of the greatest) in your nearly 25 years of ministry in Spain?
Without a doubt, it has been to see God save people. Every time we have seen the miracle of salvation it has given us wind in our sails.
Here at HP we desire to cultivate a culture of evangelism by individually pursuing community involvement with the goal of gospel advance. How have you gone about being part of your community there in Spain?
When we moved to this town, I signed up to play in the local band. That gave me contacts with others. We have also been involved in schools and sports with our kids. Perhaps the biggest way we have been involved has been with the study abroad program we organized for BJU. We have had almost 100 students come and stay with unbelievers. That has opened many doors for the gospel over the years.
What would you say to the individual that struggles with fear when it comes to sharing the gospel? What resources would you encourage them toward as they pursue faithfulness in sharing the gospel?
I think we need to see the Gospel as our identity, to the point that it is such an integral part of our life that it is impossible for it not to come out in our conversations. That being said, it is hard sometimes to find the way to start the conversation. We have made cards here with a simple verse and a QR code to make it easier for us to share with people.
You all are now empty nesters. As you look back on your years of children in the home, what words of encouragement would you give to our parents who are behind you in that journey?
It is amazing how fast it goes by. When our kids were little, it seemed like we were going to have them in our house forever. I am glad for all we were able to do with our kids, but if you are not intentional with your kids, you will miss out on so many opportunities. Also, it is important to build a relationship with them from the time they are little. That will open up the relationship when they hit the teen years and beyond. It is important that we don’t relegate the parenting of our kids to the school or the church.
What is something that God used to point your heart toward cross-cultural ministry?
Mission trips when I was a teenager.
What general advice would you give to a teenager or young adult who thinks God might be directing them toward cross-cultural ministry?
Do all you can to learn the language. That is a key to ministry. Also, get as much preparation as possible for the ministry. Future ministry builds on present ministry.
What specific ways can we pray for you all?
We are looking at the possibility of purchasing a building for the church. It would be a big step for our small congregation, but it would give us many possibilities for the ministry. Please pray for our congregation that we would stand firm against trials and temptations and have wisdom as we look for the Lord’s will.
Please be praying for the Bells as they step back into ministry in Spain. If you would like to see David’s recent update during our evening gathering, you can see it here (scroll down to April 2). And if you would like to watch/listen to David’s recent sermons at Hampton Park, you can view those here (April 2 and 16).