The year after baptism I feel is particularly important in one’s spiritual growth. After making a commitment to Christ to follow in his path and try to obey his Father’s commands, we often find ourselves in a new chapter of our lives. For many of us, we have begun new family relationships, first impressions are being made and the groundwork is laid for our relationship with brothers, sisters, our ecclesias and our Lord. As a newborn child in the eyes of God, we find ourselves identifying more with those who share our beliefs and less with former associates.

Off to isolation
In my own case, this first year was not to be spent forming ecclesial relationships but living in southern Spain in relative isolation.

I can remember a few days before my baptism chatting with Ben Brinkerhoff, who was also going to be studying abroad for a year, in Jerusalem. We discussed the situation we would be facing in isolation and the importance of “letting our light shine” despite the haze of the “wilderness” we would be entering. Over the past year we’ve kept in touch and frequently agreed upon the significance of the fellowship we’ve found with our Bibles.

Having been isolated from the brothers and sisters, who always served as our pillars of spiritual support, we have turned instead to the word of God. Finding a new friend in its pages, my Bible has become my lamp in a land where ecclesial association is few and far between.

Help from the word
Since I have arrived in Spain, a sister in my ecclesia has written to me on a very regular basis; she has reminded me to stay grounded in the Truth despite my constant surroundings and temptations. I have to admit at times it has been very difficult not to give in to these sometimes very appealing temptations. I have often felt that I was just blindly stumbling through a wilderness without true guidance. Each time, however, one of her letters came reminding me to read my Bible and seek guidance from Christ.

In this way, the Book has acted not only as a reference for the many unanswered questions I’ve had, but also it’s been my spiritual guide through my times of weakness.

The value of fellowship
There have been many lessons I have learned in the past nine months -- lessons about myself, my relationship with God, the importance of faith and many others. But I think one of the most important has been the significance and necessity of fellowship.

Since coming to Granada, I have been welcomed with open arms by every Christadelphian I have encountered. I have had the opportunity to break bread with many brothers and sisters whom I otherwise would never have had the opportunity to meet. Although being in relative isolation, the times I have been able to meet with others in the faith has made me realize that God’s light shines all over the world, even in the remotest corners. The fellowship I’ve found here, with various brethren, and with my Bible has shown me we are never alone when we keep God in our lives.

God really helped
My mother and grandmother have a saying that I have heard every time I’ve been confronted with a difficult situation. They tell me to put my hand in God’s hand and let Him lead me. I’ve always found that to be such a comforting thought -- to know that He’s always there for me, waiting with hands outstretched. Throughout this year I’ve often thought of that and it has gotten me through many nights of worry and days of confusion.

Now as I have only three months before returning home, I find God really did lead me through the darkest times of this year. He gave me fellowship when I most needed it and a lamp to light my way when the path was the darkest.

Although trying at times, I feel I have learned by being in isolation, things that I may not have realized had I not been here, although I’m not recommending isolation as a desirable experience. I had to reach out to God while being on my own and I truly believe that my experience has strengthened my faith for life. I’ve learned that we must never take fellowship of any kind for granted and that we must always remember to put our hand in God’s, no matter how alone we feel. He will always lead us back to the light, if only we trust in Him.

Ashleigh Lonson, Granada, Spain
July 1999