Finding God in unexpected places (people)

This morning I set out for the Royal Palace and my silent prayer was: God, show yourself in small ways today. After my tour I bumped into two young women that I met at the airport yesterday trying to figure out the baggage claim and metro are. It turns out that they are nurses from Melbourne, Aus and they are on their way to Zambia to work in a clinic in the North for 6 months. I felt the stirring of the Spirit to pray for them. I explained that I am a pastor and would they mind if I blessed and prayed for them on their trip? It turns out that they are both Christians and very active!! So Mel, Steph and I had a God moment right in front of the palace. God is never absent, but ever present even in the stranger we might encounter today.

Madrid ethics

The check-in clerk at the Hostal pulled the old European trick of the creditcard machine is broken. It worked a few minutes so now I have to pay cash. Just more unreported cash on which I paid city taxes.

Had crepe with Jamon (Spanish cured ham) and quesa. Too die for. Went to a butchery/restaurant where beers and Breadroll with meat is only Euro1. While waiting I felt first felt the one zipper of my daypack then the second one being pulled open. I immediately knew who it  was: 3 elderly women who made a hasy exit. They must have seen me withdraw money a few minutes earlier. I kept my eyes on them and quickly checked my bag. They did not have time to open the 3rd zipper where I kept my money, phone and camera. what a rule awakening and welcome!!
There are thousands if people walking the streets, having a meal or just enjoying the evening.  The police are everywhere because of several rallies against the austerity measures.

May 14 start

On May 14, I will embark on my first ever sabbatical after 19 years of ministry. I am so thankful to the session of BPC for granting me this time away from ministry. I hope for it to be a time that  refreshes, renews, and revives me so that I can return to BPC with new enthusiasm and vision for my ministry. These 3 months will offer me time to rest, exercise, hike, travel, golf, read, pray, visit friends and spend time with my family and with God. I will visit Madrid, Lisbon, hike a portion of the El Camino in Northwestern Spain, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. I would appreciate it if you would hold my family and I in prayer during this time.

Blessings Roché