Grateful

When asked if I wanted to join the Sarnia ShelterHelps team in April, I didn't have to think twice. It was an immediate yes! Had I known of team member Tim's soon-to-be-famous expression of "Ya Baby!", that would have been an even better answer! This would be my 6th trip down to El Salvador to participate in building homes for the most impoverished in a community not far from our central base of San Vicente. 

Having had the privilege of being on a couple of previous trips with the Team Leader Pastor Deve Persad, one to the IJM Field Office in Manila, Philippines, and the other to the annual Leaders Week in El Salvador, it made my decision even easier, as I am inspired by his passion for the people of El Salvador and the thoughtful, heartfelt way he speaks words of truth and faith.

I could go on and on about the 'many magical moments' experienced over the week working alongside the 12 families who were receiving homes, as well as with an amazing group of Salvadorian construction workers, translators, drivers, and various other ShelterHelps staff. 'They' say it takes a village and this village is strong and very supportive of one another, humbly giving all the glory to Almighty God. 

I said I could go on and on and I can, butI won't, because I want to talk about the one word Leader Deve challenged us with coming up with for the week. My word was 'grateful'. This is always my word. Deve asked me to explain why I chose that word. To know me is to know I think too much and feel too deep. I wouldn't say I'm a cry-baby, but my heart makes my eyes leak. I cried with this word. 'Grateful' was (and is) my word for these reasons...

• I'm grateful to be blessed with just enough resources to be able to financially swing a trip to El Salvador. 
• I'm grateful that my husband understands my need to 'go and do' where my heart is leading me; in this case El Salvador again. 
• I'm grateful for how the Sarnia team welcomed a stranger (me) into their midst. 
• I'm grateful to once again see old friends I had made in San Vicente during my first year down to build homes and catch up with how they and their families are doing. 
• Most importantly, I'm (so) grateful to meet, hear stories from, and work alongside the families who are receiving a house. In one week, deep connections are made irrespective of language and culture differences. Showing God's love to each other with conversations through the help of a translator, a handshake, a high-five, or a hug is what matters most. 
• I'm (so) grateful knowing that their lives will be changed for the better and that the dreams they voice for their futures and for their children's futures are fueled with hope. 
• I'm grateful to see the smiles grow, the tears of joy flow, the excitement in their eyes, and the relief shown of a weight being lifted off their shoulders. You can see and feel their new postures - straighter, lighter, especially from the mothers, as they gaze at their new house. No longer do they need to worry about the rain coming in, the house collapsing, the rain making the floor a mud slick, the lack of security from an unlocked improvised door. They can now rest and relax from those stresses as the rainy season begins. 
• I'm grateful for being reminded time and time again that God is so good and that He is the ultimate provider of everything we need. 
• I'm grateful to again be humbled by the fact that one can (seemingly) have so little, and yet have so much in terms of faith, trust, and hope. 
• I'm grateful to share in the mutual understanding that we are all connected by our belief and faith in God and can share God's word together. 
• I'm grateful to come home with a deeper understanding of what it means to love thy neighbor, and to have been loved on by the people of El Salvador. 

Deb Firth

One Word

At the end of each trip every team member is asked to give one word that summarizes all that they’ve seen, heard and experienced over the past 8 days. 

These words help to respond to those who ask about our trip. The words provide an answer and can allow for deeper conversation depending on the interest of those asking. Some people will be interested in more and others won’t and that’s ok. The other purpose of the word is it provides a “front line” through which to share some of our experiences while also continuing to process all that God has brought into our lives. 

Thanks for your prayer and encouragement to us throughout this trip. Please continue to talk to Jesus as we make our way back home and re-enter our regular daily schedules. 

At the market with Jose and Johan on our last day

Here are our words:

Grateful - Deb

Forever - Karen

Building - Tim

Rewarding - Pete

Enough - Rose

Joy - Pat

Connections - Julia

Gracious-strength - Amanda

Fortunate - Paul

Inspired - Deve

Building Hope

“A light is lit in order to give light. A candle is not lit to be put under a bushel, said Christ. It is lit and put up high in order to give light. That is what a true community is like. A community is a group of men and women who have found the truth in Christ and in his gospel, and who follow the truth and join together to follow it more strongly."

These are words spoken by Archbishop Oscar Romero, in October 1978. He would be assassinated, 18 months later, amid the brutality of the civil war in El Salvador. The reason for his elimination was that his teachings was inspiring a greater number of followers, to confront the divisiveness of the times with patience, perseverance, great hope for their country, and demonstrations of love, even for those who were causing people to turn on one another. 

His writings have been part of my preparation for my last few trips to El Salvador. It has been humbling to recognize that some of the places where words like these have been spoken some 50 years previous, homes are being built by Shelter. Our teams have walked into those dusty communities where the echoes of hope still ring in the hearts of the people. And when they see their homes rise up from the rubble of what they have previously known, through the shared labour of their family and community, and a handful of well intended North Americans, these words of Oscar Romero come to life: "In the group, each one finds that the brother or sister is a source of strength and that in moments of weakness they help one another and, by loving one another and believing, they give light and example."

This is one of the old paths that God has laid, and which these efforts are following.  It is a great privilege to be able to look back with these communities and give these words new life and see the hope re-ignited in their wide eyes and readied spirits! 

This week 12 families were immersed in a surge of renewed hope that raised up higher than the roof tops of their long awaited home, and even higher than the mountain peaks that surrounds them. Safety for their families, security for their few belongings, shelter from the rainy season. The provision of a home is an act of justice that reflects and furthers God's purpose for each one in a community. We can feel their enthusiasm, relief and anticipation...and we wish you could too...it's palpable and inspiring to be among them. 

Of course, Oscar Romero's words were a reflection on the words of Jesus as He spoke to a large crowd of diverse people on a mountainside: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden...in the same way let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father who is in Heaven."

Therefore, as we band together on Shelter Teams, and join with our ES staff, and now the WGM Fabricators and Construction Workers, with the recipient families, there is this sense that those promises of hope, for which this country has long awaited, are within reach. Not because of our efforts, rather because of our God who has been preparing them and us for this time. Shelter has a big goal to build their 10,000 home by 2027. However it is not the goal or the productivity that will get us there. It will be the earnest desire to see men and women, boys and girls hear and respond to the clear demonstration of the good news of Jesus Christ. 

Deve

A Day of Celebration

It was a great day celebrating with our 12 families who have received houses this week. In a more low-key ceremony than in previous years, we honoured our new homeowners, praised their perseverance and prayed blessing over them. These are men and women who had a dream of a new home and put in the work and the prayer to see it happen.


They believed God would provide and He did! We also presented each homeowner with a new Spanish bible.


One of our homeowners commented that it was an even greater gift than his new home! He knew that the word of God was powerful and life changing. This man has seen what God can do. Imagine what He might do next…


Amanda

Ready for the Rain

Every morning and most evenings we have dinner at a little restaurant two blocks away from where we are staying. We're the only people there, and the staff are always welcoming, and the food is prepared to give us a good cross section of Salvadoran flavour (refried beans, plantains) as well as some of our own comforts (salads and tonight's lasagna are a good example). 

As we started eating tonight we heard the roll of thunder and the claps of lightning. These quickly gave way to a downpour of rain, which echoed in our space because of the tin roof above us. I looked around the table and could sense what many were thinking during this unexpected thunderstorm, which ended up lasting a couple of hours.  During a little break in the storm we darted back up to our "home". The water was flowing down the street in waves, pieces of garbage were setting sail in water that was ankle deep in some places. 

After we headed out for our evening snackie (this time it was Ice Cream Sundaes) and returned for our debrief, Deb Firth (my friend from Alberta who joined our team), put into words what we had all been thinking. She said something to the effect of, "How do you think those 12 families feel tonight, knowing that this kind of rain, will not destroy their homes or their health anymore?"...

We then spent a lot of time talking about the evidence we have seen of the former "houses" in which the families had lived. Rusted and broken pieces of tin, so many buckets and bowls that were used to collect rain water. Plastic sheeting, or mud packed bamboo pieces piled in a corner.  And the stories we heard...so many...

Being here on the edge of the rainy season, God provided an unmistakeable, tangible reminder that what we're doing is making a signficant practical difference in their lives. With twelve families we have built homes, more importantly, with these 12 families we have built hope in the name of Jesus, through whom all this is possible. And now they are ready for the rain!

Every prayer for these families, every dollar supported is greatly appreciated and much needed. 

We have so much more to share from our experiences, hopefully you'll get the chance to ask us about them. 

A little game of cards to end the day

Deve

Teamwork

 Today, we didn't build houses.  Today, we became tourists.  

One of the things we did was to go to 'Devil's Gate' near the capital, a newly renovated tourist attraction.  There are two assumptions tied into its formation. One folklore belief is that the devil was cornered and escaped through the rocks, making the chasm opening in the mountain. The other idea is that an earthquake years ago was so strong that it caused the mountain to split.

Looking way up, we saw extremely unlevel steps, with various riser heights, and a very steep hill. 

Challenge on! Our team started this climb of over 250 steps. The view when you got to the top lookout was beautiful.  It looked out over a lush, green valley and San Salvador. The best part was the team set the pace nice and slow.  Being the oldest on the team, I really appreciated it. I made the comment there is no 'I' in the word 'team". We worked together to make sure all 10 of us made it to the top.

Thanks to everyone at home for all your prayers. They are greatly appreciated. Tomorrow we build our last four houses.

Julia

Inspired

Reina and her family

 Today was not a build day. We took time to tour some of San Salvador, which gave me time to reflect of the last three days.  This community has been so inspiring in demonstrating their joy and their thankfulness to God.  It started from our first meeting with the table of fruit, which Deve already wrote about,  and it continued through our introductions, as each family passionately thanked God for the blessing of this house.  

Then came the demonstration of joy on our build days, as many worker joyfully joined into the build process with smiles, laughter and hardwork. The first house we built was for Gloria and Louis.  Their entire family’s smiles and joy could not be contained during our interview, and Gloria and the other women put out a great lunch for us. Normally, we would not eat their food, but this time we did. 

The enthusiasm continued on the build site as the entire community were eager to help their neighbours.  The houses flew up on day two with their efforts and we finished building both homes before lunch, which has never happened for me.  We then ended day two with an interview with Francisco and Claudia which was amazing as he passionately praised God for all of his blessings including freeing him from jail only 5 years ago. I can’t capture his entire story here but his story and desire to serve God today was inspiring.  

Tomorrow we have our last build day.  I can’t wait to work with this community again even though I will be very hot again. 

Pat

Set Free

 (Note: every Family Connection is a unique privilege and has something for us to learn about God's faithfulness, His provision and care for people. Some stories are compelling to different people for different reasons. To me, Francisco's story is one of them.)

On Sunday at the "Meet the Community" time, Francisco was there. When he spoke, it was with impassioned words of great encouragement and a humble recognition of what God was doing in their community and what he felt that God would do through our team. He owned his words and they made a significant impression, greater even than the tattoo/brand on his neck. 

Today, our team had the privilege of building his home with him.  I say this loosely, as he was already drenched in sweat by the time we arrived.  Because of the anticipated heat of the day, the community members had already dug the holes for the house and had begun assembling the frames.  It was both humbling and inspirational. Francisco was in the midst of everything that was happening.  

Our connection time with him was delayed to the afternoon and we are thankful for God's timing in this. His wife, Claudia and their granddaughter were at the hospital in San Salvador in the morning getting treatments for the little girl. We were thankful to have them return in the afternoon to sit under the makeshift roof that they have lived under for the last few weeks. 

In our conversation we asked Francisco about the reason for his zeal regarding his relationship with Jesus. He shared these key points: 

- his mom would take him to church when he was a boy. 

- At 15 or 16, like many young men his age, he decided he wanted to live a different way.

- that different way landed him in prison at 24 years old, with a 50 year sentence. 

- it was there in an overcrowded prison cell of over 20 men, that he began to think about his life, his choices and this faith that he had learned as a child.  There was a group of men in that cell, who would pray and sing songs of praise to God. One night he talked to God about changing his life and following Jesus. 

- In time to come he met Claudia (I know, in prison...weird...). She was visiting her brother. They began a friendship. And then on a granted leave from prison, they made a commitment to one another, and Claudia became pregnant, and Francisco went back to jail. 

- his new faith in Jesus, changed the way he thought, and acted, and he determined to make better choices even if his circumstances never changed. He had been set free through faith in Jesus Christ. He prayed everyday that his jail sentence could be reduced - it's a ridiculous prayer in a country that has a history of violence. He prayed anyway. He worked hard anyway. He believed that God had better days ahead. 

- 5 years ago, at the age of 48, Francisco had his sentenced reduced. He was now physically set free! He had spent 24 years in prison. It was a miracle. He had been set free at a time when the authorities were cracking down hard on gang members. It made no sense except that God had set him free to share his testimony with others. 

- Claudia, well she waited for him. She waited 19 years with their daughter! She is an amazing woman and another miracle in Francisco's life. 

- Francisco, has regular employment, with a construction company, another miracle. However, because of his tattoos still gets stopped by the Police, four times in these five years. However, each time they check his records and then set him free once again! He knows that Jesus has a greater purpose for His life! And he lives it! We asked him why his energy and enthusiasm are like he was set free last week, not five years ago. His response is that he feels God has a message for him to share, and he's been shown grace and mercy. He does not want to miss any opportunity!

Our promise to him, was that his story would be shared...would you do that?

Also, would you consider who you might pray for to be set free. Don't give up. Keep talking to Jesus about them. Keep talking to Jesus about your circumstances of life, then honour him with your thoughts and actions, even if your circumstances never change, so that you're ready when they do. That's what Francisco would want you to know. 

Deve

A Day In El Salvador

 One of the questions we get asked: "What is a day like in El Salvador, with a Shelter Team?"

Here's a little glimpse of the practical pieces that make up a day: 

Wake Up* - this is a variable that can differ by several hours depending on the team member :)

7:00am - We meet for breakfast and a short devotion (some thought given to how a bible verse is influencing us)

8:00am - We travel to the build site in a 15 person micro bus (this year our commute is relatively short, 30-40 minutes)

9:00am -ish - We split our team into separate build teams (this year 2 teams) to meet with the recipient family, the community of helpers, the construction team and the Shelter team.  We begin with introductions by name, safety instructions and a time of prayer, asking God to bless our work and the people involved. 

12:00pm -ishish - We stop for lunch, bringing everyone back together, with the hope that we have completed the first house. Sandwiches (PB&J) are shared, fruit is devoured, and good conversation takes place as we exchange a few stories from our morning. 

1:00pm-ish - We head to our next build site, meet the recipient family, gather for a time of prayer and then get to work again: digging holes, cutting tin, building walls, raising the structure and celebrating as the homeowner gets to place their sticker on the front door frame. 

4:00pm-ish - This year, because our commute is fairly short, and because we are working efficiently despite the heat of the sun, we are arriving back at our host house earlier than in previous years. This gives us a couple of hours to clean up, maybe get a little rest, and flick through some pictures from the day. 

6:00pm - We make our way for a wonderfully prepared dinner, that is consumed with gratitude after a day spent working in the heat. 

7:00pm - Snackies! - this is a must. A cultural outing to the local grocery store (Super Selectos), or a night at the Texaco Convenience store for ice bars, or an ice cream shop. Snackies are a great way to end the day. 

8:00pm - Debrief - We take a few minutes, sometimes longer, to share the stories of the families we've met, and our own reflections on the day.  There's always something to learn. 

This week we've been ending the evening by playing some card games together, sharing laughs at one another's expense and gearing down for a night's rest, because....

It all starts again in the morning!

In between all of this is a readiness for unpredictability, and the openness to learn and grown in our relationship with God as a result of what we are seeing, who we are meeting, and the work that we are privileged to be doing. 

Thanks for your support in so many different ways. 

It Starts With One

Our teams built 4 more houses today. Our team built 2 houses. The first one was for a single mom who had a 9 year old son and a 5 year old daughter. She was so happy. The second build was for a 45 year old man and his 47 year old wife. He is the leader of the community. His wife said they have been working hard and worrying to get things ready for their build, the other builds in the community, and especially to make us feel welcome. They have fed us and supplied so much of their local fruit for us to enjoy. We tell them there are many people supporting us, as well as them, both financially and with prayer. 

I went for a little walk today and saw an array of houses that I felt were barely livable. There is a tremendous amount of work to still do. Once again I am reminded that it starts with one house. If we provide one, then another, and another, and others the same…

Our houses were number 5636 and 5637. People lives are being changed. 

Thank you for the support.

Tim

Hi from El Salvador

Where is El Salvador? Build homes? Me? I really don’t build homes. What could I possible contribute? Well turns out I can drill. And hold up walls.  

What an amazing day it was even in the 35 degree heat. Working alongside these new friends was amazing. We don’t know each others languages, but the language of love was all around me today.

Phil 4 13 has been my help and inspiration ever since I was 16 and went to the interior of Mexico on a missions trip. 

And even now as I’m well let’s just say more “wise” I still cling to it and am thankful to God for it or I would miss so much that he has had for me in my life.

Well it’s supper time. Gotta go. 

Rose

1st Day Build(ing Relationships)

We have two teams of 5 building along side the El Salvadorian people. Both teams built 2 houses today. The first day they are really shy. I tried air guitar, singing ( Day-O), and many “YA BABY! “ to lighten the mood, as they are very shy, and have some fun in the hot weather. 

We sat with the families and got to know them a little better. As we were talking to them I thought about how we are only here for one week. Yet the faces of the families from last year still appear on my mind. We will continue to pray for these families as their faces will be stamped on our minds and hearts as well. I’m sure ours on theirs also. 

Whether in Canada or El Salvador we serve the same God. They pray for us. We pray for them. How cool is that?!

Tim

The Table

 Day one is a period of adjustments. We adjust to time change, temperature change, food change, the adjustments of coming together as a team and the challenge of getting to know 12 families who have been eagerly waiting for this day to come. 

This week we are building in a community called Santo Domingo. It's about 30-40 minutes from our "home" in San Vicente. We can't tell you much about it, but the people were incredibly welcoming! Our van stopped on the street, and we stepped out and under two tents set up on the middle of the street.  No one else was going in or out of the community while we were there. As we walked into the tent there was a long table full of seasonal fruit. 

Following some introductions and "get to know you games" every one, Salvadoran's and Canadians alike could share in the bountiful buffet. Laughter could be heard as we all tried different fruit, noting the textures and tastes of the season.  I'm always reminded in these settings: a table under a tent in some rural community, on a mountainside in El Salvador, that God has prepared this for us. The words of Psalm 23 come to life every time: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."

The enemies of hardship, material poverty, hard labour, heart-ache, suffering and loss are no match for the presence of the Lord and the reminders of his blessing. One of the leaders read from Philippians 4:11-13 - they have known what it is have little, but through Christ, they have learned the secret of being content, and are strengthened in that contentment. 

That table also is a reminder that those items that were on there came from the trees that were growing right around us. God provided for them, and they shared His provision with us. In our debrief tonight, the heart of gratitude and the recognition of the provision of God have already had a profound impact on us. 

Which means there are going to still be some adjustments, within, to be made.

Deve

Oh...also, we met this little guy wearing an Upward Basketball shirt (We'll be building a home for his grandma later this week)!!

Meeting Families

 Today, we met the families that we will be building for. It always amazes me the faith, courage, and sacrifice it takes for the families to prepare for their new house.  

They have to clear their land, which quite often means taking down their current dwelling. But then where do they stay?  How do they protect themselves when their house is gone? What do they do when the rain comes, as it did tonight? 

God always provides for them. Some stay with family others under a tarp. Some construct a temporary shelter out of discarded materials. No matter what, it takes courage to make preparations. 

Thanks to everyone at home who contributed towards the houses we will be building with the families. Tomorrow, the work begins!

Julia

Ready for Year 15!

 All our travels went smooth today, for the 9 of us from Sarnia, for which we are thankful! We are also thankful that the one of us (Deb) coming from Alberta made it on time, despite having her early morning flight get cancelled.  

Every team is a unique and God always has unique things in store for each team.  What will he do with a team in which everyone is over 50 ?!  Hopefully He does it gently!

We'll get some rest, then we'll be meeting families on Sunday and participating in a local church service. 

Thanks for following along, and keeping our team, these families and this community in your conversations with Jesus.  We also give thanks to the many people who have contributed along the way, through financial gifts, encouragement and prayer. 

We're ready for the mission :)