This week has been incredible!! Let me share what has happened:
1) We began teaching in the schools. It was challenging at times, but the kids LOVE having us there! They cheer anytime we enter their classrooms. Teachers have mentioned that the students’ behaviors are changing. Some of the troubling students are becoming more pleasant–and it’s only the first week!!! We have been spend time with them during their recess and finding opportunities to minister to them directly! Our Spanish-speaking skills are improving.
2) Melvin went to talk to the principal at a public school; he wanted permission for us to come and speak with them and hand out One Hope tracks. When he arrived, the gates were locked. He prayed for the doors to open, and a students walked out moments later. They directed him into the principal’s office. Melvin got permission for us to hand out the tracks but not speak since they are “too busy”. Before they left, Melvin realized that he plays soccer with the principal’s son!!! And the principal realized that he need to talk to the pastor of the church behind the supermarket but didn’t know to reach him–that pastor is Melvin!! The Lord brought them together! Perhaps He will provide a way for us to speak to the classes in addition to handing out tracks!!
3) A missionary from Canada has been here since we arrived. Yesterday, we had to take her to the airport south of San Salvador (2 hour drive). As we left, the van started acting funny. Melvin looked at the engine and adjusted a few things. He said something was wrong with the battery, but he was sure we would make it. We continued for a short time and stopped again. Melvin decided to return to the church and wait for another vehicle. On the drive back, all the lights turned off in the van; however, we had just made it to an area of road that had many street lights. We made it to the church without any issues. As we waited, we prayed for the missionary, Debbie, and prayed for safe travels for her. In that moment, we forgot to fully close and lock the gate into the church.
We left for the airport and made it without any problems. Debbie arrived late but made her flight and arrived home safely.
After dropping her off, we witnessed two accidents (rear-end collision and motorcycle vs car); however, we were not involved. It was difficult for me to refrain from paramedic mode!! During breakfast, we learned that we left the door of the church open, but there was no evidence of theft (which occurs often if doors are left unlocked). We enjoyed our time in San Salvador before returning back to Santa Ana.
We learned something later that night! A few days before, when we returned from the lake, a lady in the church stopped Debbie and prayed for her. She told Debbie to pray for safety, which didn’t make sense at the time. Melvin and his wife, Dena, were diligently praying for our safety (specifically Debbie’s) throughout the day!! And the Lord met us there and kept us safe!!
Praise the Lord!!
