Settling Into What God Is Doing in Spain

Dear friends and family,

We are overjoyed to share that we’ve been in Spain for the past six weeks, and we truly feel that God is confirming this place as home for us. Alicante is capturing our hearts, and we are excited for all that God is doing here.

From the very first time we walked into Alicante Church, we felt at home. There is something so special about the community here. Every Sunday, new people walk through the doors, and almost immediately they say the same thing, “I feel so welcomed,” or “there’s something different here.” And that’s exactly how we would describe this church. It’s not just a place where you come to hear the Word of God, but a place where you experience it lived out through genuine community, people who care, who love deeply, and who walk alongside one another. That is something we truly value and cherish.

After taking time to pray and talk with Pastor Anthony, it became clear where God is leading us in this season. I have stepped into a role where I am overseeing discipleship, leading young adults, and supporting all group leaders within the church. Alongside this, I also help with the practical side of things, preparing the space and making sure everything is ready for our gatherings.

Since arriving, life has been full. We have been navigating our transition while fully stepping into ministry at the same time. We recently completed our empadronamiento, which is the first step for residency here in Spain, and now we are in the process of applying for our visas. As I am not a European citizen, this process may take a bit longer, but we trust God in every step.

Ministry has already been in full motion. We had the joy of organizing a bilingual Vacation Bible School, opening it not only to our church but also to the wider community. It was beautiful to see children from different backgrounds come together. We have also been out in the streets of Alicante, partnering with a ministry that uses a simple red box to preach the gospel in public spaces. Right there in the middle of the city, among tourists and locals, we shared the message of Jesus. I had the opportunity to translate and also to stand on the box myself and share my testimony. It was a powerful reminder that when we focus on what God thinks rather than what people think, we can boldly be a witness for Him.

Alicante is often seen as just a tourist destination, and in many ways it is. People come here to rest, to escape, to enjoy life. But what we are seeing is that this environment creates open hearts. When people are relaxed, their walls come down. Many come searching for something, whether it’s peace, healing, a new start, or simply a better life. What we know is that behind all of that, there is a deeper need, and that is Jesus.

On a personal level, this season has also been a transition for us. After years of serving in places with intense need, constant movement, and high levels of stress, this slower rhythm felt different at first. It was even confronting in some ways. But God has been teaching us that this is also His field. We are not defined by how intense a place is, but by our obedience. He is a loving Father who calls us as His children, and this season is just as meaningful. The need here may look different. It may not always be material poverty, but there is a deep spiritual and emotional need, and we are grateful to be here to serve.

As a family, we are settling in well. Our kids have already made friends, and we are building strong relationships within the church. We are especially excited because on May 15th we will be moving into a new home. This is a big answer to prayer, as it will allow us to host a home group, something that has been on our hearts from the beginning.

I am also personally excited to share that I will begin my studies in June to work toward my pastoral credentials. This is something I have been looking forward to, and I’m grateful to have the support of both our home church in Costa Rica and the leadership here in Spain as I step into this next season of growth and learning.

We look to the future with great hope, knowing God is moving here in Alicante. As a team, we have dreams, we have ideas, and we’re praying for each step. Next month, we’ll launch our first home groups, and we can’t wait to see how God forms disciples, leaders, and a deep, lasting community through them.

We also want to share openly that as a family, we are not financially supported by the church here. We are only able to do what we are doing because of your generosity, your prayers, and your faithfulness. Truly, you are part of this mission with us, and we are deeply grateful.

We want to invite you to visit Alicante Church to get to know more!

Thank you for walking with us, for believing in what God is doing, and for being part of this journey. We really feel like this is just the beginning. God bless you!

With all our love,

Family Venegas