This was my first time returning to El Salvador since the summer of 2021. We lost one of our trip leaders, Robert Muñoz, in a tragic accident on that trip that left a mark on all of us who witnessed it. Contending with loss and tragedy while wholeheartedly trying to do ministry abroad and be obedient to God’s calling has been difficult. It took a lot of faith for our team to return to El Salvador, believing that God could bring redemption in this place and with these precious people.
As we are driving on this bus to return home after a full week in El Salvador, I can say with relief and joy in my heart that God is faithful. He brings beauty from ashes. Life from death.
The landscape of El Salvador is absolutely stunning. It is beautiful—bursting with color and life at every turn. I couldn’t help but see that same beauty and life in the eyes and bright smiles of the precious youth we served this last week.
We were able to host 50 Salvadoran youth for a SLAM week—a youth program of GOD Intl. These youth came from communities all across El Salvador. They came with different stories of suffering, loss, poverty, and pain, and still showed up, giving God an opportunity to breathe His life and word into their hearts.
After a few days packed full of worship, Bible study, visiting slum communities and cleaning up, teaching English and PE at schools, fellowship and shared meals, soccer, and so much more—these youth gave powerful testimonies. They put their experiences and feelings into words that touched us all. Words that breathed hope where there was indifference and pain. Words that showed that God is Lord over death.
One of the youth shared something he learned with me and my friends on a boat ride we took in Suchitoto El Salvador mid way through the week. He said,
“The love of God is not just for us. We can share it. “
In a place where the love of God can feel far away—where physical suffering and lack often speak louder than the consolation of His love—youth experienced that love through us. They learned that they, too, can share it through the way they serve and care for their families and communities, no matter how little they have.
If I can characterize this week in word, I would say that it was redemptive. God beings redemption, and his redemption breeds hope.