H7: The Bentleys Celebrate 20 Years Serving in Spain
In June of this year, FCC-supported missionaries, Jessie and Sophie Bentley, celebrated 20 years of leading a ministry called En Vivo Valencia (Alive in Valencia). Through CMF International, they minister to students who attend the university in Valencia, Spain, and they have three other members serving alongside them in the ministry - Arminda, Otto, and Jennifer.
Here’s a glimpse into the vibrant, Christ-centered community the Bentleys have been building through En Vivo:
Every Wednesday night, students gather for “The Encounter” — a mix of music, games, dinner, and gospel-centered teaching. This year, the Bentleys have hosted 12 evangelistic Encounter nights, walking students through a series titled “Yes, I Believe, But…” — helping them wrestle honestly with doubts and barriers to faith. They also explored the story of Joseph, learning what it means to live an active faith through a discipleship curriculum called “Now What?”
Through open conversation, real-life testimonies, and Bible study, students are discovering that, while faith is personal, it was never meant to be private. These weekly gatherings are often the first time many Spanish university students have ever read Scripture for themselves.
Here’s a glimpse into the vibrant, Christ-centered community the Bentleys have been building through En Vivo:
Every Wednesday night, students gather for “The Encounter” — a mix of music, games, dinner, and gospel-centered teaching. This year, the Bentleys have hosted 12 evangelistic Encounter nights, walking students through a series titled “Yes, I Believe, But…” — helping them wrestle honestly with doubts and barriers to faith. They also explored the story of Joseph, learning what it means to live an active faith through a discipleship curriculum called “Now What?”
Through open conversation, real-life testimonies, and Bible study, students are discovering that, while faith is personal, it was never meant to be private. These weekly gatherings are often the first time many Spanish university students have ever read Scripture for themselves.
One of the many lives touched by this ministry is Nicole, a university student known for her big smile and warm welcome at every En Vivo event. Last spring, after a Bible study on baptism, Nicole decided to publicly declare her faith in Christ. Surrounded by friends and family, she was baptized in the Mediterranean Sea — a joyful moment that beautifully displayed God’s transforming work in her life.
Otto, who helps lead the student band, describes Wednesday nights as full of laughter, music, and community. The band doesn’t just play songs — they help set the tone for worship, joy, and connection.
During Leadership Week, Arminda helped En Vivo’s student leaders take full ownership of ministry life — organizing events, preparing meals, managing social media, and hosting a lively karaoke night. She was encouraged to see how God used the week to strengthen their unity, grow their servant hearts, and inspire others to join in the work.
The newest team member, Jennifer, arrived in May of last year, just in time for En Vivo’s end of the year banquet. It was a night of gratitude — students shared stories of how their faith deepened and how much En Vivo means to them. Even as she’s still learning Spanish, Jennifer said it was clear that “God is at work all around us.”
Beyond weekly gatherings, En Vivo hosted two worship nights, an international dinner, a line-dancing night, a karaoke night, and a workshop on handling stress and anxiety. A church from the States and campus ministry teams also came to serve and connect with students — making last semester one of the most fruitful yet.
During Leadership Week, Arminda helped En Vivo’s student leaders take full ownership of ministry life — organizing events, preparing meals, managing social media, and hosting a lively karaoke night. She was encouraged to see how God used the week to strengthen their unity, grow their servant hearts, and inspire others to join in the work.
The newest team member, Jennifer, arrived in May of last year, just in time for En Vivo’s end of the year banquet. It was a night of gratitude — students shared stories of how their faith deepened and how much En Vivo means to them. Even as she’s still learning Spanish, Jennifer said it was clear that “God is at work all around us.”
Beyond weekly gatherings, En Vivo hosted two worship nights, an international dinner, a line-dancing night, a karaoke night, and a workshop on handling stress and anxiety. A church from the States and campus ministry teams also came to serve and connect with students — making last semester one of the most fruitful yet.
To celebrate En Vivio’s 20 years in Valencia, a banquet was held, where many former students and current supporters attended to rejoice in all that God has done through the ministry. During the banquet, the Bentleys shared their vision for the next 10 years. Their desire is to begin ministries in three new cities by 2035. If you would like to know more about their plans and how you can help them, click here.
How can you pray for the Bentleys?
How can you connect with the Bentleys and the En Vivo ministry in Valencia?
? Location: Valencia, Spain
? Website: cmfi.org/valencia
? Instagram: @envivovalencia
? Email: jessebentley@gmail.com
? CMF International: 317-578-2700
How can you pray for the Bentleys?
- Pray for continued open doors among university students in Valencia.
- Pray for Nicole and others taking new steps of faith.
- Pray for the team—Jesse, Sophie, Arminda, Otto, and Jennifer—as they balance ministry, discipleship, and community life.
- Pray for funds to expand the ministry to other locations.
How can you connect with the Bentleys and the En Vivo ministry in Valencia?
? Location: Valencia, Spain
? Website: cmfi.org/valencia
? Instagram: @envivovalencia
? Email: jessebentley@gmail.com
? CMF International: 317-578-2700
