As a non-runner, I have only ever heard about the phenomena called “runner’s high”. People say that you hit this point in your run when your body releases an extra dose of adrenaline or energy and the act of running suddenly becomes euphoric. All of the intentionality in breathing and endurance in continuing to place one foot in front of the other suddenly pays off and you break into a very different phase of your journey.
I’m pretty sure I’ve hit my World Race high.
After eight months of saying “yes” to each host, each teammate, and each day, a significant shift has taken place. I wake up with a different kind of joy, a new level of hope, an enhanced ability to breathe deeply in the freedom He has bought for me.
The end of the race is definitely nearing, “next steps” and “after race” conversations are beginning to happen. However, I still get to run for three more months, to marvel at His glory in people I’ve not yet met and in places I’ve not yet seen.
I hope that each of you are enjoying your own runner’s high and marvelling at the ways He is showing Himself to you.
Nuevo Cuscatlán
Ministry this past month was a mixture of sports ministry, teaching English, running weekend handcraft activities, distributing food, throwing parties, counselling recent graduates concerning their resumes/career aspirations…and lots and lots of praying!
Though we were living in some tight quarters, we got to live in Nuevo Cuscatlán, the same area as many of the people we were ministering to. Whether we were walking over to the park, buying fruits and veggies from our favourite vendors, or attending the local fair, we always ran into someone we knew.
Thank you for loving us so well Nuevo Cuscatlán, we will miss you!
New Perspective
One friend we made while in El Salvador was a local congressman named Ernesto Muyshondt. He generously took time out of his schedule to visit with us, shine some light on the country’s recent history and share his heart for El Salvador and its people.
As a result of the civil war of 1980-1992, El Salvador lost 80,000 soldiers and was faced with the daunting task of reintegrating the remaining soldiers back into society. Unfortunately, the family unit was suffering greatly by that time and gang violence dramatically increased. Today, it is estimated that 10% of El Salvador’s population are gang members and these 10% serve as some of the most powerful (if not THE most powerful) people in the country.
Over the course of our month, we encountered many people praying for friends or family members who had “disappeared”. We were instructed to pray, but not ask questions because you “never know who might be listening”. The severe fingerprints of gang oppression and violence are widespread and mostly unquestioned.
There are two ways to get out of a gang. You can either die, or become a Christian. Should someone claim to have become a Christian, they are watched for two years. If they show an authentic relationship with Jesus during this time, they are left alone.
Ernesto shared that there was recently a revival among a group of gang leaders which resulted in the transformation of a whole community. God has primed El Salvador for widespread revival and I can’t wait to hear stories of more conversions in the future.
Please join me in praying…
For revival in the hearts of gang leaders.
For protection for those being targeted by their violence and oppression.
Let’s also thank the Lord…
That as Hebrews 4:13 reminds us, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
New Team
As the race comes to the last leg, we have been reshuffled and placed on our final teams. Meet Sarah, Bre, Pat, Brandon, and Brittni. After spending a few days at debrief in El Tunco, El Salvador, my team and I have officially arrived in Valle de Angeles, Honduras.
We are excited to see all of the beautiful things God has planned for us 🙂
Thank you for all of your support, encouragement and prayer.
God Bless!
