This weeks been rough for me in some ways and incredible in others. Part of me already misses El Salvador more than I ever could have imagined I would. The other part of me is looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us in Guatemala for all squad month. Pastor Melvin told us on the last night that he will miss us, but that there are 10 other places waiting for us and the Lord has awesome things there too, which is exactly what I needed to hear.
So before moving on completely to Guatemala, here are some of my final thoughts on my time in Santa Ana.
The people in El Salvador are incredible. The church is full of life and fun, and we were able to do so many different things (sports, games, painting, teaching, cooking, passing out gifts at a hospital). We were welcomed into every aspect of Pastor Melvin’s life and were able to experience so much because of his willingness to share his life with us. His church, community, ministry, struggles, triumphs, testimony, quiet place, home, we were welcomed into all of it with joy and infectious laughter.
The young people in the church are so fun, they are AMAZING at pingpong, they’re talented in singing and dancing and they are committed to the Lord. They spend more nights than not in community at the church and that’s encouraging to see. It’s been an adventure trying to figure out the language thing with them and it’s cool to see how much you can communicate even without a language in common and I’m really going to miss them more than they know. I see so much potential in them and can’t wait to see what the Lord does through them.
The church as a whole was a beautiful picture of people pursuing the Lord and really living in the Spirit. Pastor Melvin was a big part of that but the passion that the entire congregation had was awesome. Every person was pouring out their hearts in worship. Every person was singing and dancing with abandon. They were all prayerfully entering the services. And the Holy Spirit met us there.
Mas Que Vencedores is a place where my prayer life has been forever changed. I’ve actually listened for the Lord on a daily basis and I’ve seen the fruit of that intentionality. It’s completely fitting that our team fixed up two prayer benches and created a beautiful prayer area in the courtyard of the church to leave behind. We’ve prayed over these benches. Underneath the paint lies scripture, encouragement and words for the people of this church. A few verses are visible as a reminder to the congregation to always put their hope and trust in Jesus.
I’ve truly left a piece of my heart in Santa Ana, with these people, who have become family. For that reason I move on with tears in my eyes. I’ve gained a whole new set of brothers and sisters in Christ who I will keep in prayer. I hope with all my heart that I will be back soon.
Until next time, El Sal, Bendiciones
Dad, I’m fine 😉
Also pics are coming!! Get hyped 🙂
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