‘Fire in your bones’ lights a flame among Spain’s Christian leadership
Three days of training and encouragement gathered hundreds of evangelical pastors in Madrid. In a final open air outreach event, many heard the testimony of evangelist Nicky Cruz.
Protestante Digital · MADRID · 10 MAY 2024 · 10:04 CET
One of the largest evangelical churches in Spain, Iglesia Salem in Madrid, was the setting for Fuego en tus huesos (“Fire in Your Bones”), a conference that brought together almost 1,000 leaders and pastors from all over Spain on 2, 3 and 4 May.
According to the organisers, the event far exceeded expectations, creating an “atmosphere of unity, fellowship and deep spiritual renewal”.
Zach Merkreebs speaking at the Fuego en tus huesos conference in Madrid.
A call for unity and transformation
Organised by the Pentecostal and Charismatic Fellowship of Spain, the event succeeded in transcended denominational barriers, welcoming participants from other evangelical backgrounds such as Baptists and Brethren.
Diversity was also reflected in the presence of participants coming from outside the country: from England, Sweden, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
Gary Wilkerson sharing with pastors in Madrid.
Teachings that touched hearts
Gary Wilkerson, pastor of Times Square Church in New York, challenged leaders to abandon the search for human approval and focus on their true identity in Jesus Christ. His message on love-based leadership invited to a transformation in the way Christians serve and lead communities.
Almost 1'000 pastors and evangelical leaders participated in the conference. / FCPE
Zach Meerkreebs shared his moving testimony of conversion and his experience at the Asbury revival in 2023 (see full interview with Meerkreebs here). He urged leaders not to settle for the past and to look for a “fresh wind” to propel God’s work forward. His message resonated especially with young people, encouraging them to “consecrate themselves” and be instruments of God in these times.
Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Tabernacle Church in Brooklyn, known for its emphasis on holiness and the true gospel, called for a return to the Word of God as a source of assurance and direction. He warned of the dangers of turning away from the Scriptures and pointed out the importance of genuine fellowship among leaders for effective leadership.
Finally, Nicky Cruz shared his inspiring testimony and experiences, encouraging the audience to evangelism.
Jim Cymbala, preaching in Madrid during the event. / FCPE
¿Truly Free! Public witness in Madrid’s city centre
As a finale, a 2-hour long evangelistic event under the theme “Truly Free?” was held on Saturday afternoon, 4 May. Around 2,000 people gathered in the Plaza de Juan Goytisolo in Madrid to listen to the music of folk band Sal 150, DJ Marcos Cruz and the duo Juan Ramón and Rocío.
Former gang leader and seasoned evangelist Nicky Cruz moved the crowd with his powerful story of conversion and redemption, reminding them of “Christ’s transforming love and power to change lives and entire families”. His message inspired 600 people to begin a conversation with the 500 available counsellors, and more than 300 people prayed a prayer of reconciliation with God.
A lasting impact
According to the organisers, both ‘Fire in Your Bones’ and ‘¿Truly Free!’ left “a deep impression on the hearts of their attendees and served as catalysts for unity, renewal and commitment to the Great Commission”.
One more year
Learn all about our #OneMoreYearEF campaign here (English).
Published in: Evangelical Focus - cities - ‘Fire in your bones’ lights a flame among Spain’s Christian leadership