Thursday, December 12, 2024

A Lock and Key


It is with humble gratefulness that I have been able to travel with various teams to El Salvador, through the ShelterHelps organization. Each trip reminds me that we are not only there to build homes for those most impoverished, but more importantly, that we are there to build relationships with the families who are receiving an earthly home, and join together in conversation about the eternal home we will look forward to through a shared belief in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

At the end of the week, we enjoy celebrating with our families and presenting the (second and third) set of keys and a bible to them. Throughout the week, I try and capture the moment a mom takes the key to her new home and unlocks the door.



For some people, a key and a lock symbolizes confinement, while for others, it symbolizes freedom. Some see a key and lock on a door as symbols of closing one chapter in their life and opening another. Based on those two sentences, I pray ‘freedom’ and a ‘new chapter’ are what these doors symbolize for these new homeowners.



A photo shows one thing, but what it doesn’t show, is what’s racing through these Moms’ hearts and minds, as the key turns and the latch unlocks, knowing their families, especially their children, will now be safe.


A lock and key provides families with hope for a new future, as they can now leave their home and whatever possessions they might have, to further look for work and not worry that they will return to nothing, their present dwelling having been ransacked. Not only that, but during the rainy season, they will unlock their door to see their possessions are dry and not ruined by the torrential rains that take place.

In faith these moms prayed for a new home, some for years, and I believe that each
time they unlock their doors, it will be with renewed faith and a reminder to continue to trust in a God who provides.

I think of these moms who can finally sleep with both eyes closed, not having to worry that someone or something might come though a rickety, make-shift door poorly latched with twine or wire, or a tarp or piece of plastic held down by large stones. By no means does a lock and key alleviate all the difficulties these Moms face, but by their grateful smiles and tears, it is certainly apparent that it helps ease some of their struggles.

The word ‘rest’ comes to mind. I think of Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” May these families sleep in peace and safety.


Deb Firth


Saturday, November 30, 2024

One Word

 As we give thanks to the Lord for all that He is doing among us, through this week, we give thanks to all those who have encouraged, prayed for and contributed to our team efforts. Together, all of us, have been part of God’s provision of a safe, secure house where hope is found, for 20 families (about 100 people)! 



There’s so much that we have experienced and it’s hard to articulate it well in the immediate days after we leave. However for now, we would love to share with you one word that defines our week. Feel free to ask us, “How would you describe your week?”


We would love to share with you a little bit based on this one word:

Brody - awake 

Zeke - impactful

Pete - camping

Chelsea - joy

Abby - ironic

Kai - sufficient 

Eli - impactful 

Lily - patience

Ansley - eye-opening 

Eden - eventful 

Deb - grateful

Amy - “Hope-n-Trust”

Karen - contagious

Amanda - intertwined

Deve - unity

Nicole - perspective 

Greg - prayer 

Garrett - learn 

Lisa - relationships 

James - meaningful

JT - special 

Christine - present

Angela - steadfast

Tara - unity 

Scott - bumpy


Friday, November 29, 2024

They Are Young, But Don't Look Down on Them

Every trip is different. 

Every team is unique. 

Every time it is hard to leave. 

One of the most treasured parts of this trip and this team has been the inclusion of 9 high school students. Each one with at least one of their parents! It's Great Commission, Kingdom minded, Jesus centred,  disciple making in action and it's powerful and inspiring to behold. 

Each of them came with their own reasons for participating. Each of them has their own set of challenges that they are working through.  Each of them have been involved in our team preparation meetings for several months. Each of them. Every one of them is uniquely gifted by God to serve Him in the places they will go!

Having known most of them for many years, some from birth, others in recent years - it was a privilege not only to have them as part of the team, but also fully participating in everything we did: they dug holes, they drilled together walls, they put up structures, they played with children, they asked thoughtful and respectful questions, and they brought a lot of fun to our week!  On top of all of that, they willingly shared in praying for our team throughout the week!

Having 9 of them (our most student total ever) has been a wonderful blessing, and adds another reason to the long list of motivations for continuing to engage in what the Lord is doing through these mission trips. These students understood that we didn't come to be heroes, but we came to see and listen and feel what God is doing in a different part of the world, with different people, in different circumstances. 

Being with them for these last seven days, you can get a sense of their desire to honour the Lord with their lives.  The sacrifices that they made to be part of this are many - they may not realize it yet - but they will. However the new perspectives that they are learning, may they imbed themselves in their hearts and minds to deepen their capacity to serve others with the truth, grace, love and hope found in Jesus. 

They, all nine, no exceptions, have set us as an example in speech, conduct, in love, in faith and purity: Abby, Lily, Kai, Brody, Eli, Eden, Zeke, James and Ansley - thank you. 


Deve