Benvenitos a Playa El Tunco!
We arrived in El Tunco, El Salvador 4 days ago. This place is absolutely incredible! It is booming with tourism since the waves are well known among the surfers. The locals are a close knit family, and very friendly. The views here are breathtaking, with some of the best sunsets I’ve seen.
Our ministry this month is a local church called La Red. They began from an idea to reach out to the surfers of the community that feel un welcomed by the ‘traditional church’. The church has grown a lot over the 4 years that it has been open, and it is thriving. Our ministry Host is the daughter of the local pastor, and she is also incredible woman of God. She encourages us daily to get into our word and share what the Lord is teaching us. She has big dreams for this community, and desires to share Jesus with everyone in this community.
My team is also a God-sent. Six very different people living together, sharing a small space in a hot country would seem difficult, but we are making it work and thriving! While it has only been four days, I can see God working in the lives of my team. They have such a desire to share God’s love to the nations, and serve in what ever way they can. We have laughed together (a whole lot), loved on the community, prayed together, cooked meals together (picture below), and served together.
God is already doing big things in Playa El Tunco. But in the back of my mind, I begin to think what am I doing here? Why did I leave my home, my friends, family, and American comforts (A/C all the time, a hot shower, wash machine, my bed). I am in this incredible place where I want so badly to be able to have deep relationships with the locals but I can barely get beyond asking someone how they are because I do not speak the same language. Honestly, I was a little bummed when our team went prayer walking. We went out with the intention to pray and meet locals, but we were not able to have many conversations because of our lack of Spanish.
I’m laying down in my bed last night and I begin to pray, and express my frustrations about this language barrier to the Lord. Then the Lord told me, ‘if this is the only reason you came you missed it’. He reminded me that His plans are greater than mine own. I’ve been trying to put God in box of only begin able to work through the way that I think He should, or what I expect Him to do. He is working in the very little small talk we have as we walk down the street. He is working through us while we walk around the town praying. He is moving in our hearts and guiding us to what He wants us to do. He is making His name known in El Tunco and its just been four days.
Our team has a purpose here, I have a purpose for being here, and we don’t want to miss it. We are about to unlock the amazing work He has for us, we just have to stop putting Him in a box, and I am beyond excited to be blown away by His power even more.
Fundraising note:
Thank you SO much to everyone that has donated and supported me so far! The Lord is so faithful. I am just under $11,000 with my next fundraising goal coming up at the end of September. If you feel lead to partner with what the Lord is doing just go to the top of this page, and click donate. Donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated.
