As many of you know, I have been living overseas for the past four months. My purpose in moving to El Salvador was to help with a local music school. However, during these past four months the school has not started. I have been praying and seeking God about my purpose in El Salvador and He has led me to open up another school in a nearby city on May 2nd! There is no music school available in this nearby city and many young people have a hunger to learn music. A friend has generously offered me his house to use for the school for free. All that is left for me to do is to send out papers for registration, buy chairs and instruments, print off materials, and pray that students will show up! I am excited not only to raise up good musicians but also youth that have a heart for worship.
These past four months I have been privileged to teach English at a local school to grades 6-9th. This has been a challenge for me because I have never taught English before; let alone tried teaching English in a different language! But God is teaching me patience and compassion for my students.
I have also been privileged to meet and disciple two young girls from the church. Every Sunday we meet up for coffee and dessert. One of the girls is a fairly new Christian and I have been trying to take her under my wing and love her. They have been growing closer to me and it really has encouraged me in my ministry here.
Lastly, God has led me to an amazing man. Two years ago when I came on the World Race, I met Victor Reyes. I did not have any interest in him and he had no interest in me. But that was the moment our paths crossed. Last July 2013 is when our paths would cross for a second time. Victor actually translated my sermon one night for the youth service. After my trip in July, he tried really hard to get my attention and have the opportunity to talk to me. I gave him a hard time and told him I wasn’t interested. But he persisted and asked simply to build a friendship. It is from that friendship that we began to love and deeply care for one another. Five months later I moved to El Salvador to begin working with the music school. We were praying those entire five months and afterwards he asked my Father for permission to court me. To which my Dad said yes. These past four months we have been able to learn more about one another. I can say that I fall more in love with this man each day. His character is true and he makes the right choices in the little things. He loves God and his passion for ministry aligns with mine. He leads me by being humble and patient, and he is someone that I want to follow.
I know that this story seems like a whirlwind. But I see God’s hand in it all. He brought two people from completely different countries and cultures together. I think that it is beautiful and speaks of God’s intricate plans for our lives. I am thrilled to say that Victor and I will be getting married this July in El Salvador. We plan on holding a small ceremony and then planning a wedding in the states the following year. We are excited to begin our lives together and work as one to build His kingdom.
If you would like to support our ministry in El Salvador please go to www.sctb.org and click Donate Now. Make sure to designate FOR Bethany Bernard.
Or to donate by mail make your check out to:
Full House Ministries
P.O. Box 4486
Clearwater, FL, 33758
For Bethany Bernard
