light·house noun 'lit-haus
: a tower with a powerful light that is built on or near the shore to guide ships away from danger
:a beacon
Month 3 and we found ourselves living in one of the most dangerous zones in San Salvador, El Salvador. My team was partnered with a ministry called Mission to El Salvador lead by husband and wife John & Danielle. They work mainly with the homeless population trying to bring restoration though food, personal hygiene and through allowing those who want it most to find jobs. This ministry is called El Faro or The Lighthouse. In conduction with El Faro ministry, they have two micro-enterprises and also have a hand in many government run facilities and a few medical clinics.
If I have learned anything over the past 3 months on the field it is that ministry never looks the same. I love that Jon and Danielle have different facets that they minister to people though. El Faro is a not just another homeless ministry but it really is who the Spanish word stands for . . . a lighthouse. They are a beacon of hope in a poor, gang trodden area. People come here to be in a safe place, they are guided to a ministry that allows them to find peace, rest, and nourishment for a few hours before being torn apart by the waves and rocks that are life on the streets. With all of that being said, let me introduce you to the faces of our ministry.
Jon, Danielle & there 2 kids run Mission to El Salvador. They have been our amazing hosts this month.
Sometimes ministry is meeting friends of the hosts & serving along side them.
Ministry has also been painting the nails of girls who used to be trapped in the sex trafficking trade.
Some days ministry was making cards for future teams or building puzzles just for fun with the homeless or painting/fixing miscellaneous items around Mission to El Salvador building.
Its also making dinner, cookies and brownies for your team . . . just because you love them!
But the most favorite part of ministry this month has been this . . . Serving the homeless in different ways. On Tuesday, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, we had the opportunity to serve the homeless community around El Faro. They come from the hours of 2pm-4pm and are allowed to take shower, exchange the clothes they are wearing for a clean set, brush their teeth, receive a haircut, eat a good meal, and hear a devotion all while we sit around and play games (puzzles, dominos, chess, and monopoly). Also on Thursday nights we make between 300-500 meals and load them in the pickup truck and hand them out to homeless people around the downtown area of San Salvador.
We have truly love our ministry this month and have made a ton of amazing connections with people. It will be hard to leave here in just a few short days. Hope you got a good insight into what we did this month. If you want to check out more about this ministry, check out their website www.missiontoelsalvador.com
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
