Well, as many of you would expect the trip to El Salvador this year was not like any other. Covid reduced our numbers dramatically as there were still many concerns about travel safety etc. We did have a team of three of us that went and even though there were still some concerns, we prayed, were diligent and careful and God blessed our time and experience.
The covid tests and trials.
We had our share of tests and trials with COVID. Of course before any of us could travel we had to get tested. The tests all came back negative. However, one of our team members washed their test results because they didn’t check their pockets beforehand…we’ve all done something like this…but it was a test for us all. Once we got to the airport, we called the doctor’s office several times seeking to get a digital version. Finally after about half-an-hour, they answered and uploaded a copy. We would make the flight on time.
After going through security, showing test results and doing the usual unloading of all bags etc. we got to the gate and they told us that the two test results from my team were not acceptable for the trip. WHAT?!! So we had to miss that flight, get rebooked and take another COVID test for the next day.
We got all that done, but not without some extra expense and frustration, to be honest. Nonetheless, we were committed to going. The next day, we arrived with tickets in hand and our negative COVID tests again, and this time, we were allowed to board. The flight was thankfully uneventful.
Upon arrival, we made our way through customs and then on to meet Jorge and the team that would help us throughout the trip. The heat was serious as always but we’re from “Hotlanta” so, it’s manageable. Because of COVID issues, we weren’t sure how all the housing would work out, but God had us covered and we ended up staying with Chepe, whom I met on my very first trip to E Salvador many years ago. He and his wife and kids agreed to take us in and be our mission outpost for this trip. We can’t say “thank you” enough! We had wonderful food, hot water, and great beds. What more could we ask for? On top of that, we also had internet which allowed us to stay in contact with everyone back home.
The time in El Salvador this year was different in that we did not have as many meetings and gatherings scheduled as we would have normally but we did have a few.
The Gatherings and Meetings
We spent the first few days at Exodo, a children’s orphanage. Many of them had not had any interaction with anyone for over a year-and-a-half, so you can imagine how excited they were to have us there. We did several interactions with them sharing music and a gospel message. We also showed them how to make some bracelets and I met with the teachers one day to encourage them. It was certainly a blessing to be there with them all!
We were part of hosting a meal for the ladies’ outreach from the Samaritan House. Mirriam, who had recently been hospitalized due to COVID was finally back home! Everyone wanted to celebrate and gather so we had a meal. It was a nice gathering and another great way to demonstrate the Love of Jesus to those who are desperate.
Hugo is always full of life and laughs. He’s doing well. Pray for him and the business he’s trying to start back up.
Mirriam was back home but still dealing with the effects of COVID. Keep her in your prayers as she recovers.
We also got to do a new outreach in a different community. We played soccer (which none of us do very well) in order to connect with the students. Then we did some music and I shared the gospel. We handed out sandwiches and drinks to everyone who was present. At the end of our time I found out that a lady who had been listening from a distance actually put her faith in Christ. That was worth it all!
We also went to the Suchitoto which is about an hour or so drive from where we were staying and did a program in the community there. Suchitoto is a very dear place to us as we have been going there for years. This year we brought along several bags of food to give out to the community. Everyone was extremely grateful for the gifts. We had a wonderful time sharing music and the message of Jesus.
Another huge highlight was being able to share with the deaf of Miramonte Baptist. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen some of them so it was a great reunion. We did some songs together and had a great time sharing snacks. Someone drew a picture of me as a gift…what a treasure!
I was also able to take one afternoon and work with some of the students that we have been helping learn English. Our good friend Roxanna has been working with these children on a weekly basis, many of which have parents who are incarcerated. Roxanna is Daniel’s sister. Daniel has moved to Germany to continue his education and so his sister has picked up the ministry and is working alongside several other who are children that came up through this ministry. It was a blessing to see everyone and to share with them.
Our final community was the one where Camilla and Samuel live. These two children among many others are very special to us. Much like Suchitoto, we go to their village every year as well. We did some art together before celebrating with Piñatas. Everyone had a wonderful time and they thanked us for taking the time to visit once again.
A few takeaways from the trip:
Building relationships is essential for discipleship. I’ve been able to go to El Salvador for many years now and through that consistent yearly trip, we have seen God move and grow the church and strengthen many people and families. Staying connected to a few communities and investing not only in the evangelism but the development of the community assists in the spreading of the gospel.
Be open to new ventures. This year due to Covid, we couldn’t get to some places where we would have normally gone but God opened new places for us. The community where we played soccer is an unreached community for Christ and now we have an open door.
Continue to invest in the local ministers. The work we do is quick but the people who live there continue to labor and serve their communities well. It’s vitally important that we lift them up in prayer and send financial assistance when we are able.
Thank you all very much for your support and prayers for us while we were traveling. Chance was sick for several days but was able to recover and minister some before we left. This was also his fourth time to El Salvador and Rebecca‘s second time. I feel pretty confident that we will all go again if the Lord tarries.
Please keep Jorge and his family in your prayers along with Mirriam and Hugo, Katie and her husband and their new baby that is coming soon. Pray for Camilla who has a serious toe issue that we are trying to resolve with surgery soon. For more information on how you can give or serve those in El Salvador, please contact me at vision2hear@gmail.com
I also want to give a very special thanks to my home church, New Vision Church in Fayetteville, GA who allows me to travel and represent them on so many ventures. Chance and Rebecca are also part of our missional church and I’m very appreciative of them for their time and service!