IBCA Newsletter 08-2025
Dear supporter of IBC Alicante,
With deep gratitude and joyful anticipation, we want to share an update on what God is doing at the International Baptist Church of Alicante (IBCA). The Lord has been so good to us—often in ways that far exceed our plans and dreams, and sometimes even in spite of them.
Like many international churches, IBCA has been a place of constant movement: some friends stay for only a few weeks or months, while others choose to settle in Alicante for the long term. We are blessed with believers from many nations, at different stages of life and faith, yet united by the same desire—to get to know our God and Savior better, and to find fellowship “in one Spirit” when family and relatives are far away.
Some among us have now graduated to “old-timer” status, having been part of IBCA for over a year. For example, several joined early in 2024, when we launched our weekly Life Group and began holding biweekly worship services (in April 2024). Many others have come since then, adding to the richness of our church family.
People
Recently, we welcomed:
Jack and Izabela from Poland
Olaf and Paulina from the US/Netherlands and Chile
Illia and Maria from Russia
Hector from Peru
A warm welcome to you all—though we trust you already feel at home! It’s exciting to see new friends bring fresh energy, creativity, and commitment, building on the faithful service and dedication of our “old-timers.”
We also welcome back those who have been traveling over the summer. We pray you return refreshed and ready for the new season ahead at IBCA.
Small Groups
Our Life Groups meet every Wednesday (evening) and Friday (morning). We begin with a shared meal, followed by discussion and prayer based on the previous Sunday’s passage and sermon—seeking together how to live out God’s Word in practical ways. Participation has been increasing, and the fellowship is encouraging and fun.
Our Men’s and Women’s Groups gather monthly. Since starting in January 2025, around 10–12 faithful men and women have committed themselves to support each other in becoming more Christlike, everyone in his or her daily lives and responsibilities.
In May 2025, we also launched a Preacher Cohort: five men investing time and effort to learn how to prepare and deliver sermons. This has been an invaluable space for constructive feedback, shared learning, and mutual encouragement—especially since none of us are “professionals” in this area.
Various & Prayer Requests
Thank God, since mid-August we’ve been able to use the main sanctuary every Sunday at the Spanish Baptist Church in Alicante (PIEBA). Our Sunday attendance fluctuates between 20 and 40 and is steadily increasing. Please pray for a good ongoing arrangement with PIEBA, and for the church as they navigate a pastoral transition in the coming months.
Thank God for every person who has attended or participated in IBCA. Time and again, we have been humbled by people arriving “out of the blue,” from near or far, each with a valuable story to share. Truly, how great is our God!
Thank God for our partner churches and their members who have supported us through prayer, mentoring, leading worship services, hosting workshops, and providing practical and financial help. Pray that the Lord would continue to bless and use them in their own contexts and missions, for His glory.
Thank God for the English Conversation Groups (Beginner and Intermediate) held in the first half of 2025. These have introduced many new people to IBCA and helped them grow in English fluency. Pray for wisdom in how best to continue and expand these groups, given the high interest.
Pray for those among us navigating the often challenging process of securing legal documents, finding affordable housing, and obtaining suitable work here in Alicante. Ask for God’s provision and for genuine fellowship and mutual support within our community.
Pray for wisdom and willing hearts to reach out to students, retirees, migrants, refugees, and all English speakers—both native and second-language—in Alicante who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
United in Christ,
Arno & Matthias