Singing Men of Texas
Spain Journal
Wednesday the 21st
¡Es un buen día en España! (It's a good day in Spain.) Each day at the retreat center, we have a breakfast buffet of corn flakes, toast, fruit, and juice. Today we loaded the bus and drove an hour to Cáceres. We were officially received by José María Saponi Mendo, the Alcalde (mayor) of Cáceres. We were told that the main doors we entered were used only by important dignitaries like the King of Spain. As we walked up the red-carpeted stairs, we realized how God was moving on this trip. In the official reception room, all of our dignitaries made presentations to the mayor. The Singing Men presented him a pair of cowboy boots, and in turn he made presentations to us. We were warmly welcomed to Cáceres; a reporter and a TV crew were there to document our visit. We were all served cookies and cokes.
After the reception, we were taken on a walking tour of the old walled city of Cáceres, the second-best preserved medieval city in Europe. We are told that the city is almost as it was in the day of conquistadors. The castle, the palace, the towers and other buildings were very impressive.
While most of us were on the tour, our dignitaries stayed at Ayuntamiento (City hall) to participate in a forum with Spanish government officials. Our dignitaries include: Brigadier General (retired) Tommy Stone, Wilson Griffin, mayor of Corsicana, Bill Thornton, former mayor of San Antonio, and Dr. Russell Dilday. The mayor of Cáceres, José María Saponi Mendo and Councilman for Education and International Affairs from Cáceres, Angel Arroyo Gonzales, were the Spanish representatives. The main topic of this history-making forum was "The Family." The men discussed how families were in crisis in both countries. Solutions were presented on both secular and spiritual levels as the men shared information. The Baptist General Convention of Texas provided a simultaneous translation system for this trip, which allowed each participant to instantaneously hear the translation. Much common ground was found; it was agreed that faith in God is very important to the strength of families.
We all had some free time to eat lunch in Cáceres. The restaurants were open but all the shops were closed for siesta time.
At 3 p.m., we left town and drove to the town of Coria. We met with the mayor, José María Alvarez Pereira, and again made presentations. The men ended this time by singing "Rejoice."
Another walking tour - this time in the old city of Coria. (We're getting plenty of exercise!) One interesting fact about the old city is that it is an official site for the annual "Running of the Bulls."
We had a fabulous snack supper, which included many varieties of local specialties. A favorite of our group is tortilla de patata.
The men gave a full concert at the main cathedral. This is a historic cathedral built in Gothic style. The entire area glistened with gold. It was a magnificent sight. The men were warmly received by a standing room only audience. We were able to pass out many testimonies and tracts, and we received information from many in the congregation. This will help our missionaries in follow-up contacts.
Our buses arrived back at the retreat center at 1:00 a.m. Dr. Bill Thornton quipped, "I just wish we would get to bed on the same day as we got up."
Click on a picture to see the larger version.
Greeting the mayor of Cáceres
The Borgan family (minus Joshua) with the mayor of Cáceres
Jonathan Aragon with Pastor Antonio Gomez
Bill Gammill and company serenading the local teens.
Singing Men Poster in Flower Shop window
Cathedral in Coria - Wednesday night concert site
Front of the cathedral in Coria.