Good Bye El Salvador

Blog post written by Jenni Ramsey
McKinney, Texas

My heart is filled with many emotions as our team drives to the airport in the darkness of the morning.  It has been such a joy to bring three teams from Texas and California to serve in El Salvador this summer in partnering with "Sus Hijos" (His Children in Spanish).  I have seen God work powerfully in orphanages, villages, on the dance floor of the Crown Plaza Hotel and on the streets of San Salvador. 

Yesterday our team was blessed to visit two orphanages, where we had the opportunity to share testimonies and pray over the kids.  Many of the kids asked specific questions about the testimonies. They listened intently and it was clear that the Holy Spirit was working in their hearts.  At the first orphanage, four teens stood to commit their lives to Jesus.  Our team gathered around these young women to pray and many tears were shed.  It was a wonderful way to end our time of ministry. 

We concluded the day with our traditional pupusa dinner at a beautiful restaurant overlooking the city of San Salvador.  We enjoyed fellowship with our entire team of Sus Hijos missionaries, where we danced to live mariachi music and even celebrated my birthday. I'm incredibly grateful for this amazing group of students from Crean Lutheran High School.  They served with passion and they touched hundreds of lives this week.  This was our fourth year partnering with Crean and we look forward to serving with these student for many years to come. 

In John 10:10, Jesus told His disciples that "the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."  We have observed much destruction in El Salvador this summer.  The people of El Salvador have been oppressed by the gangs, the crushing economic challenges that cause an unending cycle of poverty and corrupt governments.  There is a very real enemy who seeks to bring death and destruction in this place. However, our God is moving mightily through His people. He is bringing abundant life to those who cry out to Him.  He hears the cries of the broken hearted.  He is near to them (Psalm 34:18).  It has been an honor to be HIS HANDS and HIS FEET to His people in El Salvador as we partner with the amazing foundation, Sus Hijos. They are doing an incredible work day after day, bringing relief and comfort where it is desperately needed.  

Thank you to everyone who supported our short-term teams this year.  We're incredibly grateful for all of the prayers, words of encouragement and financial gifts that were donated, which allowed us to send nearly sixty short-term missionaries to Central America.  Your partnership allowed us to be HIS HANDS and HIS FEET.  Muchas gracias. Good bye El Salvador.  Thank you for your warmth, your hospitality and for teaching me so much about God's never ending love.  I look forward to returning next year with another group of "Gringos," for it is a joy to worship, play and serve in this breathtaking piece of God's wondrous Earth.