SOCIAL
OUTREACH IN SPAIN
”Social issues and needs in Spain have opened the
door for unique ministries
in the area of social outreach. In conjunction with the
growing national church,
we will work to take advantage of these
opportunities.”
(FWBIM Strategy for Spain)
In the past
decade, Spain has become an important receptor of
immigrants. According to an article in a nationally
syndicated Spanish newspaper, ABC,
the number of immigrants in Spain has multiplied by seven
in the last ten years, and is presently at about 3.7
million (ABC,
Edition: 04/28/2005). That means immigrants constitute 8.4%
of the population of Spain. This percentage pushes Spain to
surpass France's immigrant population (8%) and is rapidly
approaching Germany's (9%).
This reality has
proven to be a challenge in many ways and has sparked a
fierce debate concerning immigration in Spanish politics
and society. An article in USA
Today (Spain
not welcoming to its new Europeans, 2001) described the obstacles
that many immigrants face in Spain. In addition to the
difficulties of adapting to new surroundings and a new
culture, immigrants are often met with suspicion and/or
disdain. A 2005 study conducted by the Center for
Sociological Investigations (Centro
de Investigaciones Sociológicas) concluded that the attitude
of rejection toward immigrants has increased among
Spaniards from 8% to 32% in the period from 1996 to 2004.
This major influx of immigrants has caused racist attitudes
to become more visible, and it has made the need for
adjustments in Spanish society evident. Despite these
problems, many more continue to attempt the journey to
Spain in search of a better life. This journey is often
characterized by many difficulties and can include
significant dangers. The leading daily Spanish
newspaper, El
País,
reported early in 2005 that during the calendar year of
2004, some 300 North African immigrants died trying to
cross the Straight of Gibraltar.
This challenging
scenario, which is perilous for those involved, also opens
doors for many opportunities of humble Christian service.
More than ever before, it is necessary to demonstrate the
love of Christ to the immigrant population in Spain. FWBIM
views this ministry, not as a matter of charity, but rather
one of justice. The strategy for social outreach envisions
reinforcing the ministry and outreach of local FWB churches
in Spain by assisting them in this area of need. Our
two-fold goal is to (1) fulfill our biblical responsibility
in this area, and (2) to set an example before local
believers. We will involve local believers in this outreach
ministry, with the goal of them eventually assuming the
full responsibility in their local areas. We also pray that
God will use this ministry to impact the communitites
surrounding our local churches (and Spanish society in
general) in a positive way to help extend the Kingdom and
the cause of Christ.
• Food and clothing distribution
• Language classes
• Cultural integration seminars
• Legal aid
• Computer classes and computer access
• Job bank
FACTS AND
FIGURES
Historic
evolution of the number of immigrants
Primary
countries of origen
For more
information, contact us.