News, April 2004

April 29th, resumé.

(Church and Sport news click more) Zapatero meets Chirac today, following meeting with Schroeder, to take Spain into French-German group in EU; May Day demonstrations planned against terrorism; US troops replace the Spanish contingent in Najaf; one of the last 3/11 suspects arrested in Leganés, Madrid; Basque government accepts ruling of Constitutional Tribunal re. Basque Autonomy law, allowing its discussion in parliament, but rejecting the current text as unconstitutional; Terra attempting to sell Lycos portal for 2% of the price it paid in 2000; El Mundo has published a major article condemning all parties in the investigations: government, socialist party, different police and security services, etc.. and coming to the conclusion that the Leganés suicide conveniently covers up what really happened and why - new government will have unified direction of national police and civil guard ; government appoints new TVE chief, Carmen Caffarel, 'as an end to party political interference in public service TV'; serial child rapist sought in Madrid - six cases recently reported; 23 remain hospitalised after 3/11 bombings; Seville Feria has begun - a week of city festivities with an emphasis on typical dress, horses, flamenco dancing, etc..

Sport:

Madrid Marathon This race, run on 25th April, was held in remembrance of the victims of the 1M train bomb massacre.Bothe winners, Joseph Kahugu and Florence Barsosio are Kenyans.

Football (soccer): Spain drew with Italy, 1-1; league: Madrid beaten at home by Barça, allowing Valencia to take one point lead - final dash for victory also shared with Barça; Champions' Cup semi final, first round: Oporto and Deportivo La Coruña drew; Zaragoza beat Madrid in extra time in Copa del Rey final; UEFA cup semi finals: Valencia and Villareal 0-0 in first round, OM drew with Newcastle, Spanish finalist guaranteed
Basketball: Tau Ceramica leads ACB league but has lost unassailable lead - in any case, playoffs remain to select winner; Spaniard Pau Gasol is helping Memphis Grizzlies to beat records
Motor: F1 Fernando Alonso had a great start to the F1 season, gaining the podium in Melbourne behind the Ferrari drivers, who show continuing dominance over the rest; currently Alonso is in overall 5th position, after coming 4th at Imola; Bikes: Spain celebrates 3 of the year's GPs; in S. Africa, Dani Pedrosa won in 250, Nieto was 4th in 125 and Gibernau 3rd in GP.
Tennis: Conchita Martínez helps Spain to beat Sweden in Federation Cup
Cycling: Confessions of drug abuse by a member of the Kelme team, leads to it being excluded from the Tour; the course of the 2004 Vuelta Ciclista de España is now available - it will replace traditional climbs in the north with more exposure to Valencia, Andalusia and Extremadura. See the route at: http://www.lavuelta.com/04/ingles/recorrido/index.asp

Churches

Córdoba campaign: full report now available: http://www.prayforspain.com/projects/index12.html

Llamada, the Spanish youth/missions conference which was held over Easter, gathered 700 to hear the challenge of missions both within Spain and abroad. This was just one of the many church and mission retreats which took place over the long weekend holiday. Llamada means Call.It was again organised by the Spanish branch of the Pocket Testament League (PTL).

The gathered assembly was saddened by the death of an old contirbutor to PTL activities. Carlos Rosell lived in Madrid and was Spain's leading Gospel Magician, also being very involved in activities of other evangelistic organisations. At his funeral he preached his last message, this time in printed form, encouraging others to consider whether they will meet him in heaven.

High-speed train brings bonus for Evangelicals In Zaragoza, the Betel church has rented the old El Portillo station building which served until late last year as the main station for the city. Now, with the AVE high speed service between Madrid and Barcelona having required a new station to be built, the old one was available for rent. Betel, the church arising from a WEC founded drug rehabilitation ministry, has taken the plunge as they were looking for new premises. Only months ago, the Baptists also opened a new, larger building in the city, which in the 16th century burned protestants at the stake and which still has a major cult of the 'Virgin of the pillar'. (AC Press)

United churches' memorial service A service took place in the Betel auditoruim, Madrid, organised by the Madrid Evangelical Council - Saturday 20th; evangelicals and other minority religious groups have complained that their memorial services have been 'boycotted' by official representatives, while the State funeral is taking place in a Roman Catholic cathedral. Among the evangelical and orthodox affected were many Romanians: 11 dead, 85 wounded, of whom 26 remain in hospital.

Sources El Mundo, TVE, EP