Every Thursday those who minister with Global Action here meet to pray for Central America, El Salvador, the church, families and individual needs. This is always one of our favorite times here! As we gathered in the courtyard of the GA office and heard how God is directing individuals to step out to minister, we were convicted of how we need to do the same in our own country. These are just ordinary people who are listening to God, have their eyes open to what He shows them and make themselves available to be used by Him. One woman works in a number of schools to teach on abstinence, values, sexual abuse and does a great deal of counseling, just because God has given her a heart for young people. We have heard testimonies from some of these students about how God has transformed their lives as a result. One couple has targeted 17 needy areas here and routinely visit them, bring supplies as they can, pray and encourage pastors working in harsh situations as well as schools and needy communities. These are just a few examples of how believers here are responding to the needs of their people. Then these dear servants said they wanted to pray over us, individually and personally. There is nothing like being prayed over from your head to your feet! How little we seem to do that for one another. These were not surface-y prayers; these were powerful, passionate, personal prayers that touched each of us greatly.
We spent the afternoon at the Exodo orphanage on the outskirts of town. They have 48 children from ages 2-20 living in a home atmosphere.
There are four homes, each with house parents to give them as much of a family environment as possible. A group of the older kids had prepared a song/dance for us, which was a very “Texan” version of “God is good; all the time,” which made us feel at home. Then our group led them in singing, which they said was unusual for someone to come and sing for them. We had a great time singing, doing action songs/games.
Then came the big soccer challenge. I regret to say that they beat the socks off our team, even with our experienced players, but it was great fun. There was quite a face off on the basketball court as well. Even afternoon showers didn’t slow things down. It was a great afternoon spent with these young people.
A young college students from New York is working at Exodo for the summer. Her father is on the board of the home, and she’s been coming since she was 14. As a temporary house mom for the teenage girls, she’s been challenged, but loves being here. As in every place we’ve served, we are constantly thanked for taking time to love on people, whether they are old or young, reminding us that just “being” and expressing His love has huge impact. The team especially enjoyed interacting with these kids, working up quite a sweat in the process.
Tonight Ana Silvia, one of the founders of the Christian Deaf School, joined us for dinner and spent some time sharing with us about how God led her to start a school for the deaf and how He continues to work in her life. With only $57 and a heart to minister to the deaf, she and three other teachers started working with 7 deaf children, developing an entire curriculum (nothing existed here for them to use), learning to sign themselves, and literally starting from scratch; what dedication! Now more than 500 students have gone through the school. Many of them are now teachers at the school. Just this past week one of their students graduated from college here with an engineering degree!! As Ana shared, we were reminded that as millions around the world have yet to hear the Good News of salvation in Jesus, there are millions who have not heard just because they cannot hear! That adds a whole new dimension to the Great Commission, a lot to pray about.
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