Spaniard in Poland

People Name:	Spaniard
Country:	Poland
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	4,800
World Population:	29,944,500
Primary Language:	Spanish
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	70.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Spanish
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Did you know that Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world? Over a half of billion people speak Spanish. This puts Spanish behind only English, Mandarin and Hindi. The widespread use of the Spanish language came as a result from the huge holdings of the Spanish Empire from the 15th century to 1976. During this five-century period Spain controlled large sections of North America, the Caribbean, South America, Western Europe, Africa, and islands in Asia and Oceania.
Besides those residing in Spain, Spaniards are found in over 50 countries including Poland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Spaniards in Poland must adjust to cultural differences. Some of it has to do with the colder climate, the longer days in summer and shorter, freezing ones in winter. Poles are likely to get around on bicycles and the busses run on time. They can buy alcohol any time of day or night, which seems strange to Spaniards. Poles drink tea several times a day, which is not the custom in Spain. Traffic patterns are different; cars and busses can drive very close to one another in Poland.
Personal habits differ. Spaniards need to get used to being on time. And they must adjust to hearing the Poles complain, something which annoys most Spaniards. Spaniards are used to a lot of fiestas and casual dating, whereas the Poles are much more reserved. Night life is far less important to Poles than it is to Spaniards. Poles drink lots of vodka, but they do it at home, not in bars. But both groups share an affinity for the Roman Catholic Church.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Spanish people are nominally Roman Catholics. Only about 10% of Spanish Catholics attend mass on a weekly basis. They get married and buried by the Roman Catholic church. Their children are baptized by Roman Catholic priests into the church. Most Spanish people in Poland are more concerned with their family's economic and social well-being rather than teachings of the Roman church.
Evangelical Christians believe that the Bible is the only source of authority for Christ's church. Roman Catholics see tradition and the official teachings of the popes and bishops as equal to or superior to the Bible. Catholics pray to God, Mary and the saints while evangelicals pray only to God. Still evangelicals and Catholics have many beliefs in common such as the Trinity and the virgin birth, the deity, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Spaniards need to understand that they can have a personal love relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Christianity is not a set of rules or system of morality. Christians can know for certain that their sins are forgiven, and they have eternal life. According to Roman Catholic teaching, one cannot be assured of one's salvation.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to revive the Roman Catholic church in Poland so that it focuses on Jesus Christ.
Pray for Spanish churches to be Christ centered rather than tradition centered.
Pray that the Lord sends disciple-makers to the Spanish people in Poland.
Pray for spiritual hunger and a discernment that will keep the Spanish people in Poland away from spiritual counterfeits.