"Does it make a difference?"
After 37 months of not being in the country of El Salvador, this was the question that was on my mind. For most of the eleven years previous, I had been going to this country at least twice a year to continue to build homes for families living in extreme material poverty. Their merger living conditions left them vulnerable to devastating earthquakes, the unrelenting storms of the rainy season, being victimized by a lack of security for the few goods they might have, and more than anything, there was no safety from the abuse of predators.
After fourteen years, which includes a three year interval, this question was fair. It's not that I haven't loved it, or benefited from being involved. It's not that our family hasn't been shaped and deepened in our love for God and others as a result. It's not that our church family and wider community haven't been inspired by our involvement. Rather this was a good time to ask the question that we often get asked: "is personal involvement making a difference, a lasting difference?"
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| Our 2023 Sarnia Team |
I also had the privilege of extending my stay to participate in the Leaders Week meetings of Shelter. Twenty five other leaders from across Canada came together with our Salvadoran teammates to reflect, refine and renew ourselves in our common mission. I listened and learned through all of these people to discern the answer to my question.
Initially through World Partners Canada (the mission arm of the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada), and now Shelter Canada (shelterhelps.com), this work has been growing for the last 21 years. Today, 42 Salvadorans now have stable full time employment. Working with families is no longer sporadic and dependant on teams visiting for 8 days. There is now a year round, on the ground team that interviews families, helps them prepare for their new home, and follows up with them and their community in the weeks and months following the build. At each step they are reminded about the love of God for them, and they are taught to learn and live out the truth of God in their community. It is a whole gospel approach that is growing in it's capacity to address physical, emotional, communal and spiritual need.
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| Shelter Fabrication Team in El Salvador |
Most impressively, when our team landed in El Salvador, we were grafted into a work that didn't shrink during the pandemic. Rather, because of the indigenous ingredients in the sustainable modelling, it grew, and is growing. As a result, our team walked into the community we went to serve, being led by our Salvadoran partners. Our willingness to participate with them encourages them and fosters perseverance and creativity in our shared mission.
But really...is it making a difference?:
- according to the woman we met on Sunday afternoon, it is. We had built a home for her, during the pandemic, through a virtual mission trip (Shelter Nexus). Though she only saw us on an 11 inch iPad, two years ago - she recognized those who were in the little squares on the screen. She was so thankful for the safety and protection the home provides for her 5 girls, while she, as a single mom, goes to work.
- according to one of our translators, it is. He remarked how Canadians bring an enthusiasm that is different than what they can bring as nationals. There is an intangible and unmistakeable positive difference as we work side by side, playing games, and sharing in the work that is necessary. More than that, it is a reminder that God hears their prayer, and moves other people strangers, to demonstrate tangible acts of love and justice. These impressions are not quickly forgotten.
according to one of the community members, it is. A man named Miguel worked with us with great enthusiasm and effort in the pounding heat of the January sun. I assumed he was receiving a house this week. Instead he told me that he received a house 3 years ago. He said the house was costly to him (for context, each home owner provides $100US - approximately 3 months wages for many people, and they have to dismantle their old home and prepare the ground for the new home) - but me and my family have received so much more in return: we are healthier, we are together and we are able to work more consistently. We thank God for our home, so we help whenever someone else is going to receive one.Miguel - according to our team, it is: over the years many different people have participated with our team. The experience of months of preparation, culminating with a week long 24/7 engagement all together, while challenging, is also a blessing. There are not very many other experiences where your every moment is encouraged by others, where you unite together repeatedly in prayer, and where you allow yourself to be vulnerable with others. To do this together strengthens us individually, and it changes the way we live in our regular daily lives.
- according to team leaders, it is: over and over again, as I listen to the stories of other team leaders, we humbly recognize how the Lord brings healing and redemption to the brokenness of our own lives as we engage in this work.
- according to the children, it is: At the key ceremony, one boy welled up with tears when he realized that we were leaving, and would likely not see us again. We were reminded by another translator, whose family received a house 15 years ago, that the children will remember you coming, and playing with them - they will never forget the love of Jesus shown through you.
some played soccer, some coloured with kids...all had fun
according to IJM (International Justice Mission), it is. The provision of a house helps to deal with the overcrowding in many communities. As a result, physical and sexual abuse is greatly reduced. People are able to rest better, they are healthier, and more able to relate well to each other. The provision of a house is an act of justice.
with IJM El Salvador Staff
