God's mercy on the most dangerous streets of El Salvador

Written by Susan Clark


Tuesday night God provided an amazing last minute opportunity to serve in a way we had not planned. Our host missionaries, Kurt and Susan Ackermann have a burden for the homeless in San Salvador and regularly take meals to them. When they asked us if we might be interested in doing this while we were here, everyone on our team gave a resounding,"yes!".





The rain started right about the same time we formed our assembly line to create 150+ meals consisting of ham sandwiches, apples, chips, cookies and a juice box all tied up in white plastic bags. With rain pouring, we loaded ourselves into the back of Kurt's pick-up truck at about 9:00 pm with a large tarp covering our laps and our precious meals. Our destination: some of the most dangerous streets of San Salvador.

At the beginning of the evening, it was difficult to find people because they had taken cover from the rain. We drove under bridges and by the railroad tracks. Whenever we would see a homeless person, someone from the truck would yell, "Comida!" and the person would come running. They greeted us with a smile full of gratitude. At one point, under a bridge several of the young men had bottles hanging from their noses. Kurt told us that they were sniffing glue. This provides them with a one dollar high and helps to numb their hunger. Several times we found a group of people asleep under shelter, and some of us would jump out of the truck to gently wake them and offer them their meal. Those of us who stayed back would whisper prayers of hope for these hopeless. It broke our hearts. These were truly the "least of these", forgotten by their familes, their country, but not their God. It was an amazing priviledge to be used in this very small way to provide a meal for them. In the back of the truck I was wet, cold and uncomfortable, but I was going back to a warm home and a comfortable bed. These people were going to sleep in the cold and rain, not just that night, but only God knows how many more nights to come.

We finally came to downtown San Salvador where we found a large group of people. We handed out our remaining meals so quickly that they were gone in a matter of minutes. We were so saddened because not everyone in this last group got a meal, so we started handing out the boxes we brought the meals in. They gratefully received them. "Dios le bendiga" ("God bless you') was all we had left offer them.

I have never experience anything like this and it has impacted me deeply. How can I return to my large home in the United States knowing that this is going on, not just here in El Salvador, but all over the world? I am grateful for the Ackermanns whose hearts have also been broken for these precious people. They have a dream of a mobile feeding truck where they could drive through the neighborhoods and provide hot meals for these people. Please join with us as we pray for this ministry to become a reality for them. In the meantime, the Ackermanns will be taking their family or other mission teams out in the back of their pick up truck because what you do for the least of these, you do for Jesus.

We were asked not to take any pictures of this event for the privacy of the people we were serving.

What a difference a day makes...

Blog written by Brittany Langdon

John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

The day began with the hot “wintery” sun shining down on us as we awakened and began to prepare our hearts to serve at Potters Field Kids Home. Potters Field Home is home to 18 energetic boys from ages 2 to 14. These boys come from government run centers, abused homes, or extreme poverty where the families just cannot afford them. What a difference there was from the first government run center to Potters Field. It was so encouraging to see that there are places like Potters Field for kids, but it was also heartbreaking as we thought of the kids we were with at the government run center. The first and major difference is that Christ is the center at Potters Field. There is a pastor who is their “Papa” and his wife who is “Mamma.” And a large Christian staff who loves and cares for each and every one of these boys. When we arrived the boys were outside doing chores. The presence of the home was very clean and neat.


(Christina & the youngest boy there)

Once we arrived (after we opened the door and threw out the 5 soccer balls we brought) the language barrier did not matter anymore because we were able to connect through the amazing game of soccer. There is a passion for soccer in El Salvador that is more than just a past- time, and is rather a way of life. These boys know how to play. Immediately Stephen, Nico and I made our way down to the soccer field, and played “futbol” till we were called up for lunch. The joy of soccer filled all the boys’ faces at every touch of the ball. As I was here with the boys on the soccer field, with little communication except for yelling “Pelota! Pelota!”(Ball! Ball!). It was such an awesome reminder of why I am able to play soccer and who I play for, which is only Christ.



The home also serves as a center for kids to come to after school to get tutored and learn the Bible. We broke up into three stations. The first station was Christina, Emily and Jenny painting nails and doing face paint. One girl ran down the hall after her station showing off her nails. Steven and Nico were doing the sports or “soccer” station while the girls enjoyed the pampering. Susan and Julia led a crafts stations that the kids loved. And Jenni, Stephanie and I were blessed with the opportunity to share our testimonies with the kids. Many of the kids asked questions about our lives and we deeply enjoyed it.




Futbol is more than just a game. I was blessed with the opportunity to share my story about how the game of futbol affected my life. It was such an awesome way to see how I can use my story to witness to little boys who love the game as much as I do. Blessed by their joy earlier by playing soccer with them, I was excited to share my testimony with the kids about just trusting in Christ, in the good times and the bad times because He has a plan. Stephanie and Jenni shared their stories and drew questions and eyes of engagement from the girls, by focusing on the peace that they found in their lives through Christ. The verse that Jenni shared with the kids was John 14: 25-28 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
We left the kids with the excitement to play more futbol tomorrow and to just create relationships with each of these boys and to just love on them.





Please pray for Jenni and Emily as they go tomorrow to OPA (Office of Adoptions) to meet with the adoption attorney. Pray for favor and for open doors for adoption in this beautiful nation!

Con much amor,
Brittany for the El Salvador team


(Our bedroom at the Mission House)


(Stephen & Santiago our driver for the week)


(It's all about Pinata's here)


(Jenny and one of "her boys")

Painting & Pinatas

Blog written by Christina Brashear…


What an absolutely amazing day. Although it was a struggle to get out of bed this morning, we were all prepared for another wonderful day at the orphanage. We quickly ate breakfast and gathered together for morning devotion. We prayed for the day ahead of us and asked the Lord to be with us and guide us. We left the mission house with 3 stuffed piñatas in hand and even more gifts for the kids. We were excited to see and play with the kids once again but sad about it being our last day. We all decided it would be best to return to the groups we were in yesterday in order to get closer to the kids we had already met (since we only have such a short period of time with them). Stephanie, Emily and I were given the opportunity to work with the girls yesterday but when we went today, we were told they had gotten in a fight last night and were not allowing visitors. Therefore, we were given the opportunity to build relationships with the girls in the “sewing room.” Although there weren’t nearly as many girls, we were able to have a really good discussion with the “tia” (caretaker). Stephanie asked her what she would change about the center if she had the option to change one thing and sadly she said “the entire personnel.” She went on saying “they have no hearts, they’re only in it for the money.” It was interesting hear the opinions from someone behind the scenes.




One teen mom in particular seemed to touch all of our hearts. Her name was Hazel and her 9 day old daughter was named Georgina. She was 16 years old and had another 5 year old daughter who was not with her at the center but instead lived with the daughter’s father in Mexico. She had told us she didn’t like the girls at the center because they were mean and was often found alone in a corner. She wrote beautiful scriptures for Susan each day and made it evident she was in relationship with the Lord. What a blessing. She made a bracelet for Stephanie and seemed to want to connect with each and every one of us. She is hoping to move back with her grandmother as soon as she can. Please help us pray for Hazel and Georgina.




One of the big accomplishments today was completing our painting job . We painted one of the rooms in the baby center and it was bright yellow. We were grateful to have Brittany’s long legs and she did a lot of the painting . Both Jenni and Brittany were covered in yellow and had to return home at one point to change their clothes.







Time for piñatas!! We started with the boys and as soon as they saw “gringos and piñatas” they went wild! We told them to sit down for a lesson before the festivities. Since the boys love soccer, Brittany gave her testimony about trusting God, putting Him above sports and shared how God has used soccer in her life . Although the boys were young, they listened intently. As candy flew, they scrammed to fill their shirts with as much as they could. They all had smiles on their faces and hugged us good bye.





Next was the teenage girls. We gathered them together and had them all sit down.


Stephanie and Jenni R. shared their testimonies about their own personal traumas and suffering in their teenage years. The girls listened with wide eyes. It was evident that Jenni and Stephanie impacted many girls’ lives right in front of our eyes. After the testimonies, the piñata got started. A young girl went up to Stephanie and she quickly asked me for help to translate. The first thing the girl said to Stephanie was “I know exactly how you feel because I have been through many of the same things and I felt sick to my stomach when you were speaking.” As she said it in Spanish my mouth dropped, I was in shock at how open and honest this young girl was. The strength she had was absolutely incredible. She showed us her wrists, explaining how she had recently tried committing suicide and tears came into my eyes. We quickly asked Jenni R. for help in bringing her to the Lord and we asked if anyone else wanted to pray with us. A group of about 6 or 7 girls joined in. We read scripture and prayed together. It was the most amazing experience. The Lord gave us the words and scripture to help these girls. We were able to share God’s love and tell these young girls that He would love and be with them for the rest of their lives. It was an unforgettable experience. We took LOTS of pictures and headed over to do the last piñata with the pregnant teens and young moms.






(all the girls that received Christ today)

We walked into the nursery to find the babies and their mothers sitting on their beds (still doing crafts with the things we brought them). We gathered everyone outside to do the piñata and again, Stephanie and Jenni R. were able to share their testimonies. We gave each of the girls a chance to hit the piñata and they gathered their candy with big smiles on their faces. I held a beautiful baby who had sadly been taken away from his mom (until he projectile vomited ALL over me)! Kids were running around eating candy and giving us hugs. Our day came to end and we sadly had to leave. We said our good byes, took more pictures, and walked away with a warm feeling in our hearts. We were really able to connect with all the kids we met, it felt amazing.

Wishing we could spend more time at the home, we ask that you help us keep these boys and girls in our prayers. We know they will be in our hearts forever. We are excited to prepare and hand out meals for the homeless tonight with our host family. Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Tomorrow is a new day at a new center! Please help us pray for God’s guidance and peace as we make new relationships and love on some more beautiful children.

Thank you!!

With love, Christina from the team!

"Gringos, gringos, gringos!"

Blog posted by Jenni Ramsey...

Today was an unforgettable day. We woke up early to the sweet sound and smell of the Salvadorian winter rain. We are staying in an incredible missionary guest home which truly feels like a "home away from home." The missionary family prepares breakfast and dinner each day. We have our own kitchen, family room, sleeping areas, bathrooms, game room and courtyard plus computer access and two cells!

After breakfast we had a powerful devotion together. We spent time in God's Word, worshipping together and praying for God's heart for the fatherless. We shared our excitement and fears as we prepared to visit the orphans for the first time today. Kurt Ackermann, the missionary that we are serving with, warned us that many of the children in this home can not be placed (in other centers) because of behavioral issues. These truly are "the least of these."

We drove to the orphanage with our arms filled with gifts and our hearts filled with anticipation. During the drive one of our team members accidentally dropped the metal van seat onto my foot. It was very painful and my foot was instantly black and blue. To our shock, Jenny Gorcoff had a pack of cold ice in her bag. God truly cares about the little details of our lives!

When we arrived at the orphanage we took a tour of the home. This particular orphanage is the government "intake" center for abused and abandoned children in El Salvador. It was extremely emotional for me as I wondered if our daughter could possibly be there, or possibly pass through these walls in the near future?

When we entered the room for abandonded babies and pregnant teens, we immediately met Marvin. Marvin reached out to me and cried, "Mama." Later we realized that he calls all women "Mama." Marvin was unforgettable because of his eyes, which were black and blue. As I held him, I started talking to other children in the room. One girl pointed to Marvin and said that he had just arrived in the home. Then she said something that broke my heart - "Su mama le golpea" (his mom hits him). I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Brittany asked me to translate, and I broke into tears. Later I thought of my bruised food - caused innocently by an accident that could happen to anyone. Then I thought of Marvin - bruised and wounded by the woman that gave him life. Needless to say, the tears would not stop flowing.





We spent a lot of our time holding the babies and playing with the kids. They loved the attention, touch and warmth of the team. They were precious children and we were all touched by their sweet spirits, grateful hearts and childlike faith in light of the abuse and trauma that many have suffered.

When we entered the boys area, the boys ran out and screamed, "Gringos! Gringos! Gringos!" It was precious! We brought soccer balls and Nico and Stephen loved playing with them all day long. The boys loved Brittany (our college soccer star!) and our van driver even joined in!





One of the highlights of the day was praying with Brenda. Susan and I asked some of the girls if they wanted to do a Bible study. They instantly said yes. As we were sharing, Brenda approached with tears in her eyes. We asked if she wanted prayer, and she said yes. God gave us words and scripture to share over her, and she could not stop weeping. We asked if she wanted to give her heart to Jesus, and she nodded her head. It was a precious moment that we will never forget.

After praying together, we were able to hear more of Brenda's tragic story. She is only 16 years old, pregnant and already has a 1 1/2 year old daughter. We met her daughter (Tatiana) and learned more about her family court case, her desire to leave the orphanage and return to her mother. Brenda has to stay in the home until the baby is born, and has been removed from her family situation. She seemed more joyful after sharing her story and praying with us. She received the greatest gift she could ever receive today - the freedom of salvation in Christ. Please pray with us for Brenda. Pray that she will find healing and hope in Christ, who was also wounded and misunderstood because of His great love for Brenda and for you and me.

This is Brenda and her daughter Tatiana

We ended our day today by filling pinatas with gifts (for tomorrow). We will spend another day at the orphanage and have some special things planned. We will also be purchasing and preparing meals to feed the homeless tomorrow night. We plan to feed about 200 people (and will distribute meals throughout the city in the back of Kurt's truck). Please pray us tomorrow. We can't wait to see what God is going to do!

Buenas noches!

-Jenni for the team

Church, Futbol & the Flood.....

Tonight we are all tired so I am going to keep this short with just the highlights of an amazing 1st day.

Calvary Chapel San Salvador was our 1st stop of the day. We had some great worship that even included a power outage and we were amazed when the 1500 people at the service cleared out in what seemed to be 30 seconds!

Futbol was the culprit. It seems that all men, women and children in El Salvador were watching the World Cup. After church we needed to go shopping so we drove through the eerily quiet streets and found ourselves at the Salvadorian Walmart. Before shopping we needed lunch and the closest thing was a KFC so we unassumedly walked into KFC to find the place packed with people watching the game in the airconditioned restaurant. Then it was off to shopping.



After shopping it was time to visit the volcano. As we were driving up the mountain to the volcano we could tell we were driving into the rain but it never seemed to come. We bought our tickets into the state park and climbed to the veiwing point. It was only about a 10 minute climb, very beautiful and lush.





Then it came - the rain that we had anticipated started while we were at the top of the mountain.



So we got down as quickly as we could - all soaking wet and jumped into our van. As we started to head down the mountain we quickly realized that the 2 lane road was rapidly becoming a 2 lane river. It was exciting, adventurous and fun! We made it down safely and went to the mall for dinner.

We are excited to really start ministering tomorrow. Please pray that the Lord will guard our hearts and minds as we minister to about 70 kids in the government center.

Signing off tonight for the ES team,
Stephanie

iLlegamos! (Arrived!)

What a day! Our hearts were just pounding with excitement for what God has in store for us this week. Not a typical travel day though... it actually ran quite smoothly. We arrived at the overwhelming LAX with all the other travelers, and moved quickly through the short lines finding our way to gate 41 with time to spare for our first flight to Dallas.



In Dallas we met up with the last three team members which finally brought us all together. In the waiting area for flight number 1991, we boarded with 5 other missionary groups from all over the US. The excitement of landing in El Salvador filled the flight accompanied by little sleep and much anticipation. But due to heavy thunder storms and rain we had to land in Honduras till the storm passed giving us time to refuel. Finally, the announcement came from the pilot for us to finish the travels and land in El Salvador. Claps and joy overtook the flight as we touched ground two hours late.




Kurt and his son, Kameron, picked us up from the busy airport and transported us back to the "Mission House" where we are blessed to stay for the duration of the week.


Thank you for your prayers for the safe travels! We are all excited to see how God is going to use us as "His hands and His feet."
De tus amigos,
Brittany- para el equipo del salvador (for the el salvador team) :)

COUNTDOWN! ! ! !

Our team leaves in just 5 days. We depart from LAX at 8:10 a.m. this Saturday! Please be praying for our safety and for God to guide every step.

The team was commissioned at The Village Church of Irvine yesterday. Here are some great photos of the team being prayed over by the Village Church Missions Board. We also raised $400 at the church bake sale! Thank you to everyone who baked and supported our team! We are so excited!!!