The Conference for the Evangelisation of Spain (Conference) is constantly looking for new ways to reach our nation. Over the years many methods have been tried and supported. These have included evangelistic rallies, satellite relays of Billy Graham crusades, etc. However, the means of the Evangelists' Conference have always been limited, so it has rarely been posible to do more than offer encouragement, training and other support, in addition to the major motivational input at the conferences themselves, taking place approximately every 4 years since 1984.
In 2004 the Conference, supported by a number of significant ministries in Spain, such as the Bible Society, Decision, Campus Crusade, Every Home Crusade, OM, etc., launched a project called Ayudas Ministeriales (Ministry Helps), which brings together in bi-monthly deliveries, articles on a variety of areas useful to ministry leaders. Some 200 subscriptions have been taken up and the costs have virtually been covered, although it has to be said that it was hoped to reach a level of subscriptions which would have reported a net contribution to the Conference. We are thankful that the Lord provided through a different route, but we would still like to get these materials out to a wider audience and indeed are publicising them whenever possible.
It has come to our notice that in many countries free handout evangelistic magazines, rather like the free general newspapers which are widely available, are making a significant impact and enabling people to read the gospel presentation in a non-threatening way. For example, one member of our committee came across this ministry in Colombia on a preaching tour. Magazines left in 'waiting rooms' at rail, bus or gas stations, airports, doctors and so on, were being picked up and read by a wide variety of people who might never shadow the doors of our churches.
We believe that with a magazine suitably adapted to our culture, many more people will be presented with the gospel and with opportunities to meditate on it and respond. So was born the idea of the magazine 'Sala de Espera' (Waiting Room). Material from the friend in Colombia has been made available to us and with permission to adapt as necessary to help in the launch.
The idea is to have a regular, but not dated magazine, initially produced every 2 months. Churches are able to buy numbers of it according to their vision and budget and plan their own distribution procedures. If they buy sufficient copies, a space on the back page can be used to print local contact details and meeting times. Thus 'Sala de Espera' is becoming an integral part of the evangelistic strategy of local churches all over Spain.
The magazine consists of 16 semi-gloss pages, A5 size (approximately Letter folded once), all in full color. This is smaller, but of higher quality than the free tabloid papers, but the distribution of them could be similar, through carefully placed dispensers -still to be launched- or individually on the magazine tables at doctors and dentists, for example. The precise method of distribution depends on local church decisions, but it is hoped that a unified dispenser will follow the first editions of the paper.
The kind of article will be ones which start where the people are, taking topics of general interest and bringing an evangelistic slant without being overly heavy with Bible exposition. Thus people will be enabled to see that the Gospel is relevant to them and even attractive. They will be given the explanation of how to respond, but will naturally not be forced to do so.
The Spanish churches are now being offered the opportunity to participate in this project and our board member Bernardo Serrano is heading it up. It was launched in early Spring, 2007, with a number 1. We are grateful to the Lord that we already had a sufficient number of churches committed to the project before launch to be able to pay for the first print run, with many more having signed up during the summer, on seeing the real thing. Many churches have committed a significant part of their annual evangelism budget to the project, and we are also grateful to the Lord that we had already been granted a small amount of launch aid to cover much of the initial costs. The printer has shown very willing to print the first edition without up front payment, trusting us to pay on time thereafter. The second edition went to press in September and it is hoped the bi-monthly frequency will be reached for 2008.
Having looked into the printing costs, it seems that it is essential to print (and sell on) at least 20,000 copies of each edition to make it possible to sell it at a reasonable cost. At this level, the cost per copy can be brought just below 20c, which is the price we would ask the churches to pay. Assuming that a church would order 2,000 copies every other month, this would mean a monthly budget commitment of 200€ plus delivery. Smaller congregations could also get a version which is not overprinted with local contact details, leaving the space clear for them to stamp the copies.
With an initial print run of 20,000 copies, the set-up and print cost would be 3,700 Euros (4736 USD) Delivery would be 4,200 ($5376), preparatory work and administration 1,100 ($1,400). Allowing 500€ for unforeseen costs, the total cost for the launch edition would be 9,500€ ($12,161). Since the are few suitable businesses owned by evangelicals, it is unlikely that we will use advertising to cover costs. Besides, this would lose valuable space for the gospel message.
The churches have been invited to pay 20c per copy and cover delivery themselves. In each case the delivery costs depend on the distance from the printer – in southern Spain- and the choice of service. Assuming a full take-up of the early editions, it is expected that there will be an on-going edition deficit for some time, both because not all of each edition will be immediately sold and due to office costs not being fully covered until a higher volume is reached.
We give thanks to supporters who have helped with launch costs and trust that more will be willing to help with on-going office and editorial costs until the magazine is fully solvent. Thank you!
For more information, please download our presentation document. (DOC)
We are very grateful to all who have prayed and donated to this project so far. Launch costs for the first edition have been covered and many copies of it have been or will shortly be distributed. It is hoped that in the coming months the reality of regular bi-monthly editions will happen. Your prayer for the editor, Bernardo Serrano, is especially welcome. Likewise, any further donations towards editorial costs would be particularly welcome. Above all, pray that the copies now being delivered to churches will be well distributed and lead to many responding to the gospel.
If you can read Spanish, you might be interested in taking a look at the first editions, which are now available in PDF format: