From a financial standpoint, God moved in a few people's heart to generously give in what was the perfect timing. I am so grateful that I have truly never been in need as I rely on God to sustain me while living as a missionary, as He nudges people to sow into what I'm able to be part of in El Salvador. It just astounds me to see how God can truly take care of you when you just entrust Him with everything, and it humbles me to have so many wonderful people surrounding me that are right by my side as we partner together. Words cannot express how grateful I am to those of you who are diligently praying for me, concerned for me, and financially give.
Another example of God's faithfulness has been with our second team that we received. A Father and 3 of his daughters spent the week with us during Semana Santa (that is Holy Week, leading up to Easter). They put on soccer clinics, taught guitar, and spent time in community with the volleyball girls and other local missionaries. It was so evident to see what a positive impact this family had on not only the people we serve, but also the local missionaries that are part of Christ For the City El Salvador. God used their talents and heart to bless our ministries here tremendously and I am so privileged that I get to be part of the action and see the blessings unfold before my eyes. It really is unexplainable. God is so faithful in how he orchestrates timing and the interaction of His children.
One last update is that we have implemented a "rewards" system within our volleyball school and it's been awesome to see small changes in the values of these girls. We have 6 categories of values that we are daily reminding the girls to focus on: Working in a team, Encouragement, Participation, Positive Attitude, Paying Attention, and Responsibility. These were the six areas where Becky and I could see after our first month of practices, that the girls needed work in. It's been so awesome to genuinely see the girls change and be better in these areas. We believe that these are Godly values and our prayer is to train these girls up in the ways of the Lord. There is however, a bit of a motivation. If the girls complete the entire page of blank boxes with stickers, then they win a Pijama Party! We are so close to completing our goal and I can't wait to share with you next update how it went!
Here are a few prayer requests of mine:
-Pray for a local woman or women in Altavista (where our volleyball school is at) who would have a heart to be part of the school and make an investment into these girls lives alongside Becky and I.
-Prayers for myself to not get overwhelmed with all of the planning and work to do in preparation for the many many mission teams that we will receive May-August.
-Pray for God's peace and healing in the country of El Salvador.
-Pray that all of us here at CFCI would be bold in proclaiming God's wonderful love and salvation.
Please keep me updated on how YOU are doing! I love hearing from you guys!
Blessings,
Lauren
