At ENLACE, we define community transformation as a dynamic and continual process that is rooted in restored relationships and sacrificial service. This February relationships were restored and hundreds of people were served through the combined efforts of two Salvadoran churches and the Meadowbrook Community Church from Champaign, IL. They worked together to repair roads and attend to patients at makeshift health clinics organized by the partnering churches in Las Delicias and Santa Maria.
Pastor Santiago receiving reading glasses from the makeshift clinic in the Prince of Peace Church in San Martin.Community and church members in the area welcomed the medical team and a road repair crew who, through their service, turned churches into clinics and sorrow into joy.
The enthusiasm of the group was tangible in their warm greetings and joyful smiles. Aside from parasites and chest colds, the most common complaints from patients were pains and problems with their nerves, surely present due to their abundance of worry and sorrow. Dr. Pierce, who perceived pain that went beyond physical illness, not only prescribed medications, but also shared a special time of prayer with each patient, recognizing that there are some ailments for which the only cure is God’s love and grace.
Meanwhile, other members of the team helped community members to repair the main road in front of the Good Samaritan Church. Although the task was not easy, the presence of old friends from the community motivated them to work strongly day after day during the week of digging, moving rocks, mixing cement, and building a wall that will prevent erosion of the newly repaired road.
Meadowbrook members using teamwork to move a concrete post in the way of the retaining wall.
Meadowbrook’s relationship with the Good Samaritan Church has strengthened tremendously over the past six years, and they are now excited to have new friendships in the Prince of Peace Church in Santa Maria, as well. Both the Meadowbrook team and the communities were blessed as they opened the church doors to the tired, the sick, and the poor in hopes of bringing rest, health, and restoration through the ongoing process of community transformation in San Martin.
