While we were there, El Salvador was hit by a major storm related to Hurricane Ida. It rained on us all day Friday and Saturday. The rain really came down hard Saturday night. The storm flooded many parts of the city, and caused major damage. They are estimating now that around 200 people have been killed because of mudslides and flooding. Many people have lost their homes. About 20 people from the church there did not make it to service on Sunday, and they are currently trying to figure out if they are safe. Please pray for the country there.
By Sunday morning, the rain in the city had stopped. We were praying for people to still make it to church, even with the rain. There are only 100 Christians in the church there, but the attendance was 420 people!
The service was incredible. It is so great to sing and praise God, even when you don't understand the language. It is pretty easy to get the idea, and it moved me to tears several times. I had a blast preaching, and was really grateful for a great interpreter.
The highlight, though, was all of the people who came. Batman came and brought his wife. He was beaming. He told Traci and I after the service that "we want to be like you." How humbling is that? Robin also came, as did Spider Man. Sandra, the seventeen year old girl who was our assistant tour guide, and studied the Bible on Saturday, got sick and couldn't make it to service, but she is really excited about her next study.
Also, we met four people at the University on Wednesday that all came to church. They loved it, and are all wanting to study the Bible with the church there now. They are in the foreign language department there, and loved speaking English with us. Please pray for them!!Teresa Chavez' mom, sister and brother all came to church as well. And, Angela Sequenzia's brother, who she has not seen for 21 years, came too!
The rest of the day was spent having lunch and in tearful goodbyes. We can't wait to share with the Turning Point about all of the great things we have learned, and figure out together how we can continue to be a support and encouragement to El Salvador in the years to come. I will be sharing about the trip on Sunday, November 22nd, since we have a marriage retreat this weekend. However, we will be doing more of an in-depth and personal sharing at midweek tomorrow night. I know the married women and the singles are scheduled to be there, but anyone is welcome to come if they want to hear more about it.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for your prayers. Please consider praying about changing your lifestyle in some small way so that you can do more to help other people know God and to experience his love. We have some ideas, but would love to hear some more too.
To God be all the glory.
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