For Jose Tomas and Samuel Martinez, Shocco Conference Center, Talladega, is a long way from home in Spain.
The two young men, who speak some English, have a love for God that goes beyond that of most Christians today and are employing that love in ministry as part of Shocco’s summer staff.
Self-taught musicians, both Jose and Samuel have been using their music to minister to the masses of non-Christians in Spain.
“There are only .02 percent of Christians in Spain,” said Martinez, “so there is a great need.” Because both Tomas and Martinez are musically talented, Keith Hibbs, worship leadership and church music associate for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, offered them jobs as worship leaders for Older Children’s Music Weeks held at Shocco Springs.
Hibbs met the two during a missions trip to Spain in December.
Since neither Tomas and Martinez had been to the United States before, they both eagerly accepted the offer, even though it meant not seeing their families for most of the summer.
Another opportunity
The two are also assisting with worship for the summer staff, along with working in food service. They were drawn to the job as worship leaders because it meant being in “another place and seeing brothers in Christ, which is a great need for Christians,” according to Tomas.
When asked about the sacrifice of leaving family and friends behind, Tomas replied, “We will work where God puts us.” Upon their return to Spain at the end of this month, the young men plan to work with young people, evangelists, pastors and others outside the church to help further their music ministry.
Share with others: