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Ralph and Kylie Whitten
Ralph & Kylie Whitten, with son LuisRalph and Kylie Whitten work with communities of Christians in Seville, Spain, supported by CMS (Church Missionary Society Australia). There are many opportunities for gospel work in Spain, including student work, church planting, evangelism, local church work and ministry among minority people groups. They have two boys: Luis and Oscar.

They are currently back in Australia (as at May 2004) visiting official supporting churches, along with individuals and groups that have taken a part in God's work in Spain.

Luis meets his new baby brother Oscar"It is so encouraging to spend time with all of you who have been part of the team and have prayed for us, given generous gifts to support our life and work and taken time to write to or email us", Ralph and Kylie said in a recent prayer letter (March 2004). "We look forward to sharing some of the things that God has been doing in and through us."

While they are away from Spain, the church continues to meet, keeping up most of the ministries they are involved in. Their English church service is on hold, as is the weekly women's bible study group, and one of the student groups.

SPAINThe question people ask Ralph and Kylie most is "Why Spain? Isn't Spain a Christian country?" Spain has a strong Catholic culture and heritage, so it is easy at first glance to assume that Spain is a Christian country. A closer look, however, reveals a people who are Catholic in name and tradition only. While 92% claim to be Roman Catholic, only 25% consider themselves practising Catholics and only 4% attend church. Most people have no concept of the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness that is offered in the gospel.

Since freedom of religion was granted in 1992 many Spaniards are finding meaning for life in hedonism, financial success and alternative spirituality, eg. the New Age Movement. Also, Spain was Islamic for many centuries and some people are looking back to these roots. There is also a missionary push from the Islamic world to reclaim Spain for Islam. For all these reasons, Spain is a very strategic country for gospel work.

Ralph and Kylie have a vision for Spain. "We have a vision to see the lives of people in Spain transformed by Christ through:

  • Teaching, training and encouraging local Christians. Even though there is freedom of religion, Christians are a small and persecuted group. We are committed to working with and in the local church. Please pray that God will grow and strengthen his people in Spain.
  • Evangelising those who have not heard or understood the gospel. We see many opportunities to share the gospel with Spaniards and other groups in Spain. We have confidence in God, that as we share about his son Jesus Christ, he will transform lives."

Ralph & Kylie are supported by Church Missionary Society (CMS) - www.cms.org.au

What can I do?

Prayer
Ralph and Kylie will be involved in Christian ministry and depend on the prayers of God's people to support them and make their ministry fruitful. Give thanks for:

  • A good trip home and an encouraging time so far in Australia and the amazing support they've felt through prayers, gifts, loans, emails, etc.
  • Another precious baby Whitten: Oscar (click on the photos below to see larger versions).
    Oscar Whitten. Click to enlarge (opens in a new window) Oscar Whitten. Click to enlarge (opens in a new window) Oscar Whitten. Click to enlarge (opens in a new window) Oscar Whitten. Click to enlarge (opens in a new window)
  • CMS, and the wonderful way they provide for the Whittens, both while in Australia and overseas.

Please ask for:

  • Their visas, that they will be approved, and other associated paperwork to be processed.
  • For Spain as they mourn the loss after the train bombings in Madrid, and that this might be a time when they return to God to find meaning and comfort for their pain.
  • For the Whittens as they settle in with a new family member and visit churches and gospel partners.

Financial provision
An essential aspect of support for Ralph and Kylie is the provision of their financial needs. CMS is entirely funded through the contributions of members, supporters and link churches. The average cost of supporting a missionary couple is $52,600 annually. This includes accommodation, air fares, education, medical and other costs.

Pastoral care
Cross-cultural ministry is stressful. As well as pastoral visits and contacts by CMS staff, Ralph and Kylie look to individual friends, family, members and supporters, like you, to show their care and concern by keeping in touch and praying regularly for them.

Join their email list
To receive further information and regular prayer points or newsletters from Ralph and Kylie please contact CMS via email at nsw@cms.org.au.

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