Trip to the Country

In preparation for the campaign next week, Hayden and I went to Aguilares with Guillermo and Pastor Manuel.  Our task was to make contact with the principal at a poor school and ask if they would let our team share a lesson on forgiveness in the classrooms and then distribute clothes, including more of the dresses made by the ladies from First Baptist, Ferguson, to those children who were in need.

Pastor Manuel picked a school "out in the country," which meant it was at the end of a gravel/dirt road.  He had never been to that particular school, so before we went in he prayed for God to bless our visit and provide us an opportunity to share the gospel with the kids during the upcoming campaign.  We got out of the car and a student opened the gate.  As we approached the principal, he recognized Pastor Manuel--he had previously been a teacher in a different school in Aguilares where Pastor Manuel had visited.  God was so faithful to bless our visit.

We were able to schedule to return with the team next Tuesday morning to share in the classrooms and pass out all of the donated clothes that the team brings.

Happy 24th Birthday, Vida Nueva

I've probably written about the church's birthday celebrations before, but decided it was time to highlight another year.  Here in El Salvador it is common practice for churches to have an annual birthday celebration.  Just like in the life of every individual, a birthday celebration seems to be a good way for the church to look back and see God's faithfulness over the years. 

This year's celebration spanned the entire month, with interviews of individuals, couples and families who have been part of the church.  Today, David Aguilar, hotel campus pastor, interviewed Pastor Julio and Pastor Steve.  If you've ever seen these two together, you know just how much fun it was too watch the interview.  Believe it or not, they started the church when they were 26 and 28 years old, respectively.  As I said, a look back over the 24 years reveals God's plans and His faithfulness.  Because no respectable birthday celebration would be without them, there were balloons, confetti, cake and also a great message from 2 Corinthians.  

We are Vida Nueva!