Comforting the People of Spain

March 11 Tragedy Opens Door to Evangelism

The March 11 terrorist attack in Madrid horrified and shocked the post 9-11 world, planting anxiety and hatred in the hearts the afflicted. However, Spanish Baptists say the tragic event has opened an opportunity for evangelicals to reach the public with the comforting hands of God.

The terror attacks "have really encouraged us as evangelicals to double our efforts," said Manuel Sarrias, general secretary of the Union Evangelica Bautista Espanola. "Spain is a mission field. Secularism is rampant."

According to Sarrias, the atmosphere in Spain is similar to that of post 9-11 United States. Often the mourners do not feel safe and insecure, and they are subsequently looking to religion for answers.

"People in general realize no one is in charge of their own lives," Sarrias said. "The church has to have a principal role in changing the lives of people. The message is for everyone."

Sarrias encouraged evangelical Christians to “seize the opportunity” and change the violence into what is good. Meanwhile, Sarrias said evangelicals must teach people to stop associating terrorism with all Muslims.

"As evangelicals in Spain we're trying to help people understand the difference between fighting terrorism and xenophobia," he said. "We're really trying to make it work. It's a very difficult subject."

At that end, Sarrias as asked Christians in the U.S. to pray for the Spanish, and also said he would like to see more evangelism teams come to the nation.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.