Cultivating churches in remote regions necessitates enduring perseverance and complete reliance upon Divine intervention.
In the heart of rural Spain, a remarkable story unfolds. Samuel Alonso, a pastor in the town of Los Santos de Maimona, penned a book titled Cuaderno de un plantador rural (Notebook of a Rural Planter), chronicling his experiences in planting the first evangelical church in this small, Catholic-dominant community.
Born with a passion for ministry, Samuel felt a call to Christian service even before he became an evangelical Christian. This calling led him to Los Santos de Maimona, a town of approximately 8,000 inhabitants, where he and his wife, Elessandra, moved after Samuel found employment at a biodiesel plant in the area.
The book, published by the Spanish publishing house Andamio, is a reflection of Samuel's journey, recounting his experiences, failures, and thoughts in a rural setting. It serves as a testament to the challenges and triumphs of rural mission work, emphasising the need for patience and dependence on God.
Samuel's knowledge of the Reformation and Spanish Protestant history has been invaluable in his missionary work. He thanks missionaries who come from abroad to start new projects in rural areas, and he encourages them to continue their efforts. The book aims to raise awareness about the need for prayer and support for rural areas that have not been reached.
The idea to plant a church in Los Santos de Maimona did not originate with Samuel, but from a group of colleagues who had moved to the town. They faced challenges in finding work due to Samuel's pastoral role, but their determination and faith prevailed. In 2017, they established the current church, and Samuel has been pastoring it for the past eight years.
Samuel's book is not just a memoir; it is a call to action. It intends to encourage other missionaries, support those already working in rural areas, and provide answers for those who have experienced failure. The book series started as a series of articles that Samuel published in Protestante Digital about his experience planting a church in a Spanish rural town.
One of the compelling aspects of rural mission work is the lower cost of living compared to cities. Housing in rural areas is more affordable, making it an attractive option for those seeking a simpler lifestyle. Samuel's book underscores these advantages, inviting readers to consider the potential of rural mission work.
In conclusion, Samuel Alonso's Notebook of a Rural Planter is a compelling account of a missionary's journey in rural Spain. It serves as a beacon of hope for those called to rural mission work, emphasising the importance of patience, faith, and the mobilisation of resources for rural mission projects.
- Samuel's book, Cuaderno de un plantador rural, encourages readers to explore opportunities in career development and personal growth through rural mission work, as the lower cost of living and affordable housing in rural areas can support a simpler lifestyle.
- Samuel's memoir is not only a reflection of his own journey but also a call to action, aiming to boost education and self-development among missionaries and supporters by raising awareness about the need for prayer and resources for rural mission projects.
- In the realm of entertainment and creativity, Samuel's book serves as an influential piece of literature within the fashion-and-beauty and education-and-self-development niches, offering valuable insights into mission work and personal growth.
- Job-search and skills-training are essential aspects for those considering rural mission work, and Samuel's positions as an author and pastor provide resources and guidance for those looking to embark on this path, as demonstrated in his published book and connection with other missionaries.
