By A. Ray Lee

Columnist 

Effie and I enlisted a mission team to minister with the Creu Alta church in Sabadell and participate in the final event of the partnership between the Alabama Baptist Convention and cooperating churches in Spain.  

The hospitality extended to us as the people opened their homes and hearts made our mission unforgettable. We were welcomed not as strangers but as new friends. For several days we worked side by side with them in various ministries and outreach efforts. 

One afternoon we travelled into the city of Barcelona to see the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Gaudi’s masterpiece is a work in progress. Its construction began in 1888 and is not expected to be completed until after 2026. We were not permitted inside but marveled at its uniqueness from below its height.  

While in the city we walked the length of Las Ramblas, a pedestrian street, reaching from the Placa de Catalunya to the monument of Christopher Columbus at Port Vell. We paused often to view artistic displays and flower stands. We tipped the mimes, encouraging their characters to come to life. At various kiosks we purchased souvenirs.           

Another day we traveled up Montserrat Mountain to see the monastery where the black Madonna and child are enshrined. From the peak of the mountain, we had a magnificent view of the surrounding area all the way to the Pyrenees rising in the distance.  

On the last night of our mission, the church came together for an outreach service. The building was filled with members of the church and many guests. Every pew was packed, and people lined the walls. An overflow crowd stood in the small foyer and spilled outside onto the sidewalk.  

As the people gathered, there seemed to be a spirit of excitement and expectation in the air.  

Creu Alta’s church choir began the service with a beautiful hymn, singing the words first in Catalan and then in English.  

Team member Robert Weaver followed with a strong testimony of faith. When he sat down, no one approached the pulpit. 

The congregation waited in restless anticipation of what was to follow. Suddenly the lights were dimmed, and the clear voices of Creu Alta’s Xavi and team member Michelle Weaver came through the speakers as though from heaven above. A holy hush fell upon the congregation as the two sang “Worship His Majesty.”  

It was as though the angels themselves were bowing before God and giving honor, glory and praise to Jesus. The powerful presence of God was felt by all.  

When the sound of their voices faded away, I preached a message on the cross. I don’t remember what I said. The sermon has long been forgotten, but I have never forgotten experiencing the presence of the Spirit of God in such a powerful way. 

The many spires of the Basilica reaching high into the heavens had been an inspiring sight, and the magnificent view of the countryside from Montserrat to the Pyrenees had revealed the width of God’s creation. Neither of those, however, touched me as did the voices from above leading us in worship. Those were majestic moments I shall never forget.