Seventh Day
On Thursday we started the day by moving the bunks outside so John and Gary could starting making the double bunks into triple bunks. The process was a little slower than we thougth it would take, but by the end of the day we had two finished and put together. Brian and others worked on assembling wood bunks that would sleep four people. The top bunk is 8' from the floor.
In the afternoon we went to eat at Buffalo Wings and then met with Carlos, who pastors the CDA church we are staying near. We then met at this church and prayed for him and his church people. Around 5:00 we went out in groups of four to pass out flyers for the outreach event tomorrow night. Off to breakfast and then a tour of a coffee plantation.
Sixth Day
Today we began early with breakfast at the CDA church. We then drove a couple hours to a small house church in Salcuatitan. This church is struggling and is need of prayer and a pastor. During the next two weeks please pray for the outreach event that will be happening. About three months ago Richard met with the congregation to discuss the event that will happen in a two weeks. Each person in the church
, about a dozen or so, were to write down 5-6 names of friends, co-workers, or family they want to see come to Christ. By doing so, they agreed to pray each day for their list for a total of 90 days. The list came out to be 60 people. At the end of the 90 days, which is two weeks, they will call the people on their list and invite them to meet with an American to discuss their interest in Christ. The first two days of the outreach are designed to introduce the 60 people to Christ. The following couple days are for those who made a decision to follow Christ, or want to talk further, to do some basic discipleship training. Please pray for the list of 60 people as well as the team from Montana who will meet with them. Pray also that God would raise up a pastor who can shepherd this flock. Shown to the left is our team with the former pastor's wife.
After we left Salcuatitan we did a little shopping and then drove to a volcano. This volcano is situated among some other volcanoes. In the crater of the one in the picture there is a gorgeous lake. The picture is nice,
but you would have to see it to be in complete awe like we were. Richard spoke to us about a future ministry called “Broken”.
Finally, we arrived back and had a chicken barbeque at the CDA. We ask that you keep us in your prayers, especially those who have an upset stomach. We have a lot of work that needs to get done today. I would also ask that you pray for the outreach event we will be having Friday night. Alan, Gary, Barb and Dan are each speaking about choices we make relating to marriage, work, and raising children. Tonight we are going to be passing out flyers around the community to invite them to the event.
Fifth Day
Another early rise and very good El Salvadorian breakfast. After breakfast Diana and Sami helped Jen Mullinax with the children's room at the CDA Church. They painted a blackboard wall for the kids. Jen's children, Felice and Arrow, helped paint too.
We worked around the center today. Painting, priming, scraping, wirebrushing, building, scrubbing and sweating. Much was accomplished.
After lunch we went to Tia Ana House. I (Barb) became very emotional when the first girl, Rebecca, ran to hug me. I felt such a need for love coming from her. I had Julia attached to my hip. She is 15 and longing for love and attention. There are 12 children with Tia Ana now. We gave the shoes purchased by the Sunday School kids to them and there eyes glowed. The smiles were from ear to ear!
Check out www.cafemorena.com to see the live stream of the children at Tia Ana House and Tia Ana giving her testimony in person. When you get the web page in the upper right corner there is a link to live events. Then choose one of the events dated today, 3/8.
After Tia Ana's house we went to Zacamil where the team stayed last year. We saw Magaly and played with her. Ed and his wife cooked us a very yummy dinner. The fruits and vegetables are so fresh and tasty. As the group was playing with Magaly, other children started coming. There was quite a game of Ninja happening.
Fourth Day
Today we had a team paint outside the house we are staying in, another was painting inside, and the last team put up the frame and drywall. For lunch we had pupusa and Brian had the most with 12, then John with 11, and then Ishiah with 7. After that we went to Francisco and Blanca house and their church in Apopa. We also took a prayer walk around the neighborhood. Some needs that they need prayer for are projection system, walls around the building, musical equipment, prayer for meeting in churchs, wants the national churches to be united, a pastor in another church , a vechicle, and to build another church as a start of mission 14. We then went to Alfedro amd Eva church and prayed for them. Some specific needs that they need prayer are church growth, money to buy the place they are renting and to buy necessites, spiritual life of member, finances for family and pertection for his children.
Barb and Dan eating some pupusas
Everyone praying for Alfredo and Eva and Joel their son
Third Day
Today we attended services at the CDA church. Was a wonderful time of worship and celebrating communion.( We made quite an impression at the church. First Diana tripped when Richard introduced us all and walked up front, then in the middle of the service Dan's chair broke and then Barb knocked over a cup of wine durring communion! We thought we would have to ask Pator Allen to leave because he couldn't stop laughing!) Some of us attended Sunday school and some of us took the children to the playground durring the Sunday School hour. After lunch we heard from Wilson and his wife Amara who are missionaries here from Chile. He told us a little about his background as a teacher and theology student, and what his vision is for this country. He really has a heart for the people here. We also heard from Ness who had lived a life of a gang member and had been in prison. He is Salvadoran but had been in the United States since he was 2. He returned to the country a year ago after being released from prison and is now serving the Lord. What a testimony! Then pupusas for dinner. John out ate Bryan by eating 5. He said he would have eaten more but they ran out!!! Tomorrow we start our work on the Envision center. We will be painting and building walls. We feel all your prayers, God is working in this country
Dan's chair
!
our group at Ness's house
Saturday Activities
This morning after breakfast, consisting of re-fried beans, scrambled eggs, fried plantains, and coffee, we went on historical tour of El Salvador. We visited a couple churches and learned about Monseigneur Oscar Romero. He was the Arch Bishop who was murdered in 1980 which led to an uprising of the people he advocated for. This escalated the growing civil unrest and ultimately a civil war which lasted until 1992.
After lunch we broke into teams and went on a scavanger hunt. Danielle, Dan, and Joel WON big time. We all had a good time and learned a lot about the culture in El Salvador and honed our Spanish.
Finally, we had a great supper and heard from Chuck who is the Central America CMA coordinator.
On Tuesday afternoon we may do a live broadcast from the Tia Ana house. Stay tuned for more details on this blog.
we are here!!!
Had three great flights and made it with no problems. All the luggage, kids, and stuff made it safely. Today we are going on a history of El Salvador tour and a culture scavenger hunt. Mister Donut is just a short walk away - bring on the Manaza Crunch Donut Baby!!
Getting ready for El Salvador
We are all pretty excited, and yes a little frantic, packing for our trip to El Salvador. We appreciate and covet your prayers as well as your faithful giving to this mission trip. Be sure to follow us on the way. 
We made it to the airport and are waiting for our flight at 10:37am. We have already saw how God is at work. This morning before we left we found out that an extra $120.00 had be given in cash - which was EXACTLY what we needed for our extra four bags. Praise God!!!