But before we tell that story, we need to shout and hoop and holler. There is electricity in Abelines! Real power lines and switches and no need for car batteries or generators. Honest to goodness electricity in Abelines! Praise God and hot diggity!
OK, now let’s think about electricity. In the US, electricity is assumed. So much so, that most of us never think of the real value of electricity. Sure light bulbs, TV and computers are great, but electricity is so much more than that.
Electricity has been a significant goal of the Abelines region for the last seven years . In rural El Salvador electricity means medicines can be refrigerated—so more people can have access to better healthcare. It also means that some families can purchase and store things such as dairy products and meats —meaning potential for better nutrition. An electric stove could replace the open fires women cook on that contribute to pulmonary problems and deforestation in the area. And of course, light offers a little more time in the day to do homework, wrap up chores, etc. Electricity is more than a means to evening entertainment—it can greatly improve health and quality of life .
It has been a long road, and the members of the community have worked hard to be able to flip a switch and see light flow into a room. Traveling along that road together, each visitor and each time ENLACE staff has been able to offer support, the folks in Abelines believed a little more strongly that they had the resources they needed to find solutions to the needs of the community. Like a drop in a bucket, each prayer, shovel full of dirt, and community meeting contributed to the wellspring of transformation in Abelines. We have seen this transformation in the health committee as it created greater awareness of health issues and better access to healthcare at the clinic. We have also seen transformed relationships as they served one another.
Pastor Victorio recently commented on their motivations over the years, “Well, first of all the key is found in the love of God, you must be covered with the love of God and then you can feel...the need of others. You must feel the love of God—that God is in you and you are in Him. This is how we got more involved and begin to help more in our community. This is one of the factors that motivates us. Also ENLACE collaborates with us, through training we find the words of encouragement to keep going.” And when people continue together amazing things can happen—like better health, better access to food, better access to education and even electricity along a dirt road in El Salvador.
The illuminated light bulb here marks a great success for this community, and we ask you to join us in a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s continued presence and blessing in the communities of Abelines. And thanks to everyone that has contributed a drop of love in this process of community transformation.
Read Reina’s quote to hear a little more about Abelines from a member of the health committee. Or to see some recent photos of Abelines, visit photo albums for teams from Church at Briargate and South Hills Corona.
