Love of Community and Horses Helps Spread the Gospel in Spain

When most people think of overseas missions, they have a very specific image in mind. Most people even have a specific picture of what it means to pursue overseas missions with TeachBeyond: standing at the front of a classroom of eager students. But God calls us to spread His word in every aspect of our lives, and 2 TeachBeyond members in Spain are spreading the Gospel and bringing healing to those in need, through our informal education programs.

Jorge and Ruth Torres are TeachBeyond members currently serving in Spain. Jorge and Ruth have served their ministry work through the Alpha Course, which they describe as “a series of weekly dinners with a video and discussion questions designed to be welcoming for atheists, agnostics, and those from other religions. Participants get to ask questions and share opinions without judgment while also hearing a presentation of the Gospel and testimonies.” This program has already seen nonbelievers turn to God, and several others have considered beginning a relationship with God. Jorge’s work also included organizing volunteers from local churches to feed over 40 people and coaching leaders to help support the program, as well as hosting a weekend retreat centered on the Holy Spirit that was accessible to families with children.

Ruth has been working toward a ministry that uses horses as a teaching and missions' tool. She describes the ministry as offering something different from traditional theory for people (often children) who are experiencing a crisis or difficult situation. Ruth explains that one of the biggest needs for these children is to build healthy relationships which include safety and trust. Horses have a unique way of connecting with kids since they also need to feel safe to relate with people, and hurt people are often more open to relating to an animal than trusting a person. Horses are very sensitive to a person’s body language and can even show empathy to someone who is not feeling well. Ruth’s ministry provides an environment where God can use Christian volunteers and horses to bring healing and restoration to those who need it. Ruth’s ministry has worked with children and women rescued from human trafficking who took part in their horse therapy sessions.

We’re thankful for the work Jorge and Ruth are undertaking, and for the reminder that ministry can take many forms in service of the glory of God.