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