Tina Anderson is director of communications for River West Church in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Tina is praying about returning to El Salvador to work with ENLACE 's communication's department.
Having visited El Salvador a few times, I always prefer fall trips because water has blessed the ground and everything is lush, green and saturated with life. On the other hand, March in El Salvador is hot and dry. Really hot. Really dry. And this was the case on my recent visit, and I have to admit, after a few hundred shovel loads with dirt and sand glued to me, I was not exactly rejoicing unceasingly.
But after my work, I spent the weekend with folks from Enlace and was treated to tours of a few places being impacted by their devoted effort. And as I was shown village churches, a community library, water projects, stove projects and other fruits of God’s goodness to these communities, I was humbled into a state of awe. First I was touched that our God is actively caring for the poor through the sacrificial work of the churches in El Salvador and Enlace. The Bible says that God will look after the poor, but it was so touching to see that reality in so many different life-impacting projects. It seems that something right is happening here. It also seems more churches in El Salvador, as well as around the world, could learn a few things from this model.
But more than the details and logistics of the development work happening, I was quieted by the people I encountered and their thankful spirits. They seemed to be bubbling over. In El Tinteral, there was a simple satisfaction in what had been accomplished since the earthquakes of 2001 and a tangible sense of hope that pervaded the air. Or maybe that was just the giggles of the children all around us? In the Enlace office, time was dedicated to deep prayer for the work of God’s hand and Bible study, and there was a great sense of joy for God's provision. Pastor Miguel from Las Delicias shared some words at his church and literally every statement was awash in praise to God. There was no pride, there was just amazement at how God was supplying their needs. (I enjoyed what he said so much that I went back again just to hear him praise God all over again!)
And as I look back, I realize that the work of Christ via Enlace is lush, far more than any physical shower could bring. Yes, March is hot and dry, but nothing can quench the life-sustaining living water that is in Christ. And that is so obvious in the humble, self-sacrificing model at work that is transforming lives and entire communities! As if that weren’t enough, it also renewed me. It gave me a greater vision of the God I love and serve. It gave me more hope. And I can’t wait to head back and learn more about our great God through the faces of El Salvador’s people.
And in his beautiful concise way, David says it so much better than me in Psalm 34:1-8,
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice. Magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
I truly feel blessed to taste and see indeed how rich God’s people are through His wonderful work in El Salvador.
