It happened again!
It happened again. Someone asked, “Jordan, Why the Basque Country?”
Normally this is a one-on-one conversation, but this time I was glad to have a group discussion. The Basque are more group-focused anyway and more receptive when others are part of the conversation. Another difference was that this conversation was with people I have known for a while. We’ve had multiple conversations, many dinners, and even played basketball together.
Trust had been built.
It also helped that this man wanted to practice English, and that both Chelsey and I have had a lot of practice speaking at a pace they could understand while using a vocabulary that was helpful.
I started with simple things. (You don’t always have to dive right in if you are guiding the conversation.) I told them of course I love their food, and we had a good conversation about that for a few minutes. But I didn’t want to let the opportunity go—that’s not why we came here. So I gathered them back to the main question…Why are we here? I shared about my faith as a Christian, belief in God, and how it saddened me that there were so few Christians in Basque Country.
That’s when the group really joined in. The mother of one of the families started speaking of trust—have I mentioned how important that is here? Sadly, many don’t feel they can trust the priest or the Catholic Church because of corruption, stories, and history. We found common ground, agreeing that the cathedrals were once a place for community, shelter, and wonder at God, but now they sit almost empty. We talked about how Franco ruined their trust with God and the Church, and how some evangelical churches are here, but Basque people aren’t interested in the South American style of church. In short, we had a long conversation about their history and culture—another thing that is so important here.
But of course, that is not the Gospel.
I was able to speak on our faith in Jesus and how He is the hope for the world, the One who saves us from our deserved punishment. We talked about the difference between doing something because you have to—like going to mass because your dictator says to—and doing something because you love someone. Just like a husband or wife serves their partner out of love, not compulsion. Faith is, after all, a choice to have a relationship with God.
There was much more to the conversation, and I asked a lot of questions. My favorite part was when, speaking of Jesus, they admitted that even if you don’t believe, He taught many things that most people would agree with. One of the younger guys kept nodding in agreement, listening intently.
That was it.
I planted and watered some seeds and built more trust to speak into their lives. I think we often get caught up trying to “sell” Jesus and getting that instant moment of salvation, when in reality it is often a journey that we get to be part of—bringing people to God. When He is ready, and when their hearts are softened, we will get to that moment.
The more I learn about their culture, language, history, and even how Basque people think, the more I am able to weave truths into their lives. We are laying a foundation for something big. I believe the Spirit is going to move in a powerful way, and we are preparing these wonderful people for that moment.
Pray for more of these conversations and for the right words to say. Of course, afterward I think of all the things I could have said better or questions I could have asked. But God doesn’t ask for perfect—He asks for willing. I challenge you to have these small conversations wherever you are.
And please also pray for brokenness here, for a deep realization of their need for Jesus. The world is broken, and I know they see it, but at the same time contentment has blinded them from seeing a need for something greater.
Friends, God is moving, often in ways we can’t see. Thank you for being a part of what is happening here in the Basque Country!
