Moving forward by faith alone: Campus ministry in the time of COVID-19

Months of lockdown in Salamanca, Spain, have now transitioned into outdoor meetings with masks, reports Globalscope En Vivo campus ministers Will and Laura Sallee.

“After the fourth week of lockdown we were all feeling screen fatigue,” Will said. “Little did we know we would have about eight more weeks!”

The team’s virtual events did have good results, however.

“In May, I began a four-week Bible study group with two male students who committed to virtually study through Romans,” Will said. “I continue to have a close relationship with them and hope to continue with discipleship.

“We were also able to virtually complete the Alpha Course after beginning it in person in February with six people,” he said. “We plan to start another course this fall with more students.”

In June, Laura and a new friend from Brazil, a doctoral student, began a women’s small group.

“We’ve been able to utilize our outdoor terraza as a meeting place to be together for prayer and worship,” said Laura.

As for the future, it remains uncertain.

“The University of Salamanca has delayed its semester start to October 1,” said Will. “We are uncertain what the restrictions will be but gathering in big groups may not be possible. We hope to focus more on small groups, one-on-on discipleship and Bible study, and getting out on campus to do more outreach, in masks, of course!”

“Our big dream, though, is opening a coffee shop space,” said Laura. “We are taking this unique year to do research and put together a budget.”

“In the meantime, we know God has a plan, and we are moving forward by faith alone, as we know many of our friends in the U.S. are doing, as well,” said Will.

Top photo: Laura Sallee, at right, and a friend started a women’s Bible study in June that meets to pray and worship on the Sallee’s terraza.