Over the next several weeks part of my preparations to leave will be researching the countries that we’ll be going to on the World Race. I’d love for you to be praying with me as we prepare to leave.
August in El Salvador – Month 1
The World Race has to say about El Salvador:
El Salvador is the third largest economy in the region after Costa Rica and Panama and the smallest country (in land mass) in the Americas. A coup d’etat in 1979 led to civil war from 1980-1992 in this country. Oscar Romero, a Catholic bishop well-known known for supporting liberation theology, advocating for social justice in El Salvador, and protesting the government’s persecution of the church was assassinated in 1980 while conducting mass. Much of the country’s revenue comes from remittances. In a land whose name translates to “The Savior”, you’ll be the signs that point to the one true Savior – not a better political system or economy – Jesus Christ.
A Few Facts:
- The smallest country in Central America, El Salvador is the most densely populated nation in the region.
- Because of its geographic location, El Salvador has a long history of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes. These severe weather conditions have deeply impacted the economy.
- At least 20% of El Salvadorans live in other countries. The remaining are at risk for gang influence and violence due to poverty, family disintegration, and lack of education.
- El Salvador literally means “the Savior”
From https://www.worldrace.org/location/el-salvador/ and https://www.worldrace.org/?tab=routes&subtab=August-2017-1
What some recent World Racers are doing in the country:
What I’m excited about:
A few months ago I sat down with a friend from El Salvador and we had such a good time talking about her home! Veronica enthusiastically told me about all the places I should try to see while I’m there if I can, the beaches, Ruta de Flores, the food, the lago, the volcanoes and the delicious coffee. Then we started talking about the people, and how energetic and welcoming they are. How they love to talk to visitors and that they, like my sweet friend, will likely give me many robust hugs as a greeting — we laughed about this, her knowing my tendency to shy away from some physical touch. I can’t wait to experience her homeland for myself and know the spirit of a country that produced such a loving and spirited soul. A woman who told me how so many children back home have so little that she asked her mom (an educator) to pick a student that she could “sponsor” in a way because they might need a new pair of shoes more than she does. I don’t know yet what type of ministry we will be doing in El Salvador, but I know that the people will make it special all the same.
Pray with me for:
- Safety, for our team in the country and during travel.
- That hearts will be open to us as we encounter the people that we’re called to minister to while we are there.
- It’s our first month! Pray for boldness and patience as we start doing life in close community with our first teams and as we leave our families and all that is familiar behind.
Do you want to be a part of the ministry my team will be doing in El Salvador?
Consider a financial gift to help me get there! Click on the donate button at the top of the page. All donations made through Adventures in Missions are tax deductible.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read – don’t forget to subscribe below to hear all about our time in El Salvador!
Adios,
