Key Giving Ceremony

 The key giving ceremony is always an emotional celebration for Salvadorans and Canadians. In just 6 short days the Lord unites us in ways we couldn’t imagine possible.  

The exchanges of words, hugs, tears and smiles fills all the empty spaces and can never be replicated or fully explained. 

Here’s a glimpse of some of the highlights:

One of two cakes the community bought to share with us 

Each family is given a Bible, the keys and words of encouragement 

Our team with our recipient families

Salvadorans and Canadians together 

EMCC National President praying for Clay Jones, CEO of Shelter 

One of four build teams

(Front Row: Christine, Karen, Sheema, Steve, Mike)

(Back Row: Deve, Amanda, Pat)

One Word - 2025

 At the end of the trip each person is asked to share one word. That one word is something that they can use to the inevitable question that will come their way when we get home: “How was your trip?”

The reality is that most people won’t want to listen to deeply. This one word provides an invitation for people to inquire further. 

Also by being prepared with this one word, each team member is able to share a little bit of what the Lord has be n showing or teaching them, while allowing them to continue to process some of the deeper things going on within them. 

Please take time to ask them about their week. Pray for the Lord to help them re-engage into daily rhythms as the process all they have experienced. 

One word:

Jim - grateful

Elaine - moving

Steve - togetherness

Bill - cooperation

Jamie - joy

Fletcher - peace

Zach - fulfilling

Logan - magic

Dylan - grateful

Monty - impressive

Lachlan - people

Nick - joy

Derek - accomplished

Byron- humility

Jesse - yearning

Luke - eye-opening

Christine - life-changing

John H - love

Pat - connection

Mike - Safety

Sheema - united

Amanda - family

Karen - hope

John C - lentos (glasses)

Deve- Amazing