Monthly Update

As I sit here reflecting on the past month since I last wrote an update...2 words can sum everything up...God's Faithfulness.

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

Here we go....

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this month's update! I absolutely love sharing with you guys the things that God has been doing in my life and through the lives of others. I know that without your love, prayers, support, and encouragement none of this would be possible. So I thank you for sharing in this adventure with me. Not a day goes by without being so grateful for what God is allowing me to be part of.

So what's new with the girls volleyball ministry? Now that we have a month under our belt, we are really starting to see the girls warm up and be more open with us. Becky (the other American missionary who coaches with me) and I are doing our best to also be open with them and gain their trust so that we can be an influence for good in their lives. It's exciting to see this start to happen, but also just astounding once we start knowing them more. What some of these girls home lives are like just baffle me. Often times behavior is directly connected with the home life...and it makes total sense on why some girls may have attitudes, or get frustrated easily, etc. We have already heard comments of parents who hit them when they do something wrong, or one parent is in jail because they were part of a gang, and other difficult situations. The reality here that these young girls have to deal with is astounding and something no one should ever have to go through. We are grateful that God has been allowing us to find teaching moments within the trainings. Although volleyball is the reason why these girls come and one of our goals is to teach them this sport, the main reason is to teach them God-values and pour love into their lives so that they may also find the hope that is in Jesus and be a difference-maker in the world. Please be praying for the girls home lives, that they start grasping the concept of who Jesus really is, and that Becky and I and continue to stay intentional and wise as we spend time with these girls.

Last week marked the first mission team that the El Salvador base received this year! We had a nurse from Texas who served with us for a week and truly blessed our ministries. We visited an Island for 3 days where she gave education for midwives, pregnant and young mothers. The Island where CFCI works at is in huge need and lacks a lot of education. Having Jana working with these women was a blessing to all involved. Part of my "job" has been the  coordinating and communications with the teams that we receive, but I also get to be part of the fun once they get here. It's incredible how God blessed ME through this week of serving others outside of our "normal" ministry activities. I will admit though that it is extremely tiring since the week is jammed pack, schedule-wise. I am praying for rejuvenation of energy and rest as we prepare for our next next team the end of this month. Please pray for peace and strength as we gear up for this next team...it makes things really really busy and I don't want to get caught up in the details and end up putting God on the back-burner...as we so often can do.

This is the first of several teams that our base is going to have serving with us this year. I ask for prayers in knowing how to best organize each team so that they are serving with passion and blessing those we work with. 

I personally have been in a state of awe and wonder with who God is and how He blesses me beyond what I deserve. Not just in the good times, but also in the stressful and not so fun things. It is all about a choice....do we choose joy and choose to live in God's presence everyday, or do we choose to be dictated by circumstances? I'm finding that the more I choose to look through Jesus' perspective with an attitude of appreciation, the more joyful I am and the better that day is! I encourage you to choose the things of God, and not of ourselves.

Please please please write me, ask me questions, and let me know how I can be praying for you!!! It would make me so happy!! :)

Much love,

Lauren

Girls from the Island Community

Our fantastic 4 girls from the 13-15 year old group.

Maritza, Jazmin, Vanessa, & Jazmin

Great things in February

It's a true honor and joy to share with you all the latest update since last month! The most exciting thing is that this week we began the first ever volleyball ministry! It is called "Escuela Formativa de Voleibol" (Volleyball Training School), in keeping with our already established soccer school. This volleyball ministry is located in the same area where our main/big soccer school is (Altavista), however is only offered to the girls of the community. As of now we have two groups, ages 10-12 who practice M & W and 13-15 year olds who practice T & TH. We had about 16 girls, in total show up and are praying for more girls to get involved. As I mentioned, nothing like this has ever been available to girls in this area and it is super exciting to provide a new opportunity to these young ones. We hope to create a safe and open environment where the girls can not only learn the sport of volleyball, but most importantly learn values, positive life applications and encounter God's love for them. Please pray for wisdom for Becky and I, so that we may lead this girls in the right direction toward God, and be more than just volleyball coaches, but coaches for life. I also ask that you could be praying for a local woman(women) who actually live there in the community that would be committed to helping us, and caring/investing in these girls on and off the court. Below are some pictures from our first day!

The time is getting closer to receiving our teams! I have been really really busy with coordinating and planning all the details for the short-term teams that our base will receive. I'm very excited to work with the teams as they are a big blessing to the local base and provide opportunities to go outside of the normal ministries and put on special events or other activities that we may not always get to do. As exciting as it is, planning and getting things set up also requires lots of work and time. Please pray for the energy and peace to not get overwhelmed if things don't line up in the exact timing that I may want. God has for sure been teaching me through this role, how to rely on Him and not get anxious about the future-just take one day at a time because "today has enough trouble of its own". 

Our base has received 2 missionaries who will serve for 2 and 3 months, perspectively. Their names are Emily and Malachy, and we are very grateful to have them here. Below is a picture of them (along with one of our local missionaries, Cristian). Its our prayer that God would grow and mature them in Christ and that they can play an important role in the big picture of what God is doing here with the people we serve.

I want to thank you all for your constant support, love, encouragement and intercession. Please do not think that it is simply a small or insignificant thing. You have no clue what a HUGE part of the story you play in God's kingdom here in El Salvador. Praise the Lord, He has kept me safe and allowed me to do what I do...and I know it is because of the prayer that you all are covering me in. Words cannot express how grateful I am. Lately, I have been missing family and being home a bit, but knowing that I have the greatest support system ever...I find comfort in that alone-so, thank you!

My last prayer request is for El Salvador in general. This country needs peace and restoration that only God can bring. Please pray for God to touch peoples hearts and turn them from bad to good...that the violence would cease and all would come to know God's amazing and redeeming love.

Please, please, please let me know how I can be praying for YOU! It really is important to me to be praying for you as well, so don't hesitate to send me an email so I can know how you are and how I can be supporting you too!

Love you all so so much!!

Lauren :)

January Update

Hello!
Hope you all spent a wonderful Christmas and New Years with family and friends and that the new year has started off great! I am so grateful that I was able to spend 2 weeks back at home and be with my family and visit a few friends! The time was so special to me and came at the perfect moment. I am so grateful that God has surrounded me with people, like all of you, who encourage me, love me, and support me in so many different ways!

Being back in El Salvador has certainly not been slow-pace. I've been hitting the ground running in a variety of ways. Since it's the beginning of the year everyone in the ministry is finalizing all the plans we have for the year, getting ready as the kids start back at school, and excited to see all God has in store.

I had the privilege of serving with a team in Guatemala in a girls prison. We shared the love and hope of Jesus through the means of a sports activity. It's incredible to see people who love Jesus and want to serve Him come together and pour into the lives of these young girls. Spending time with these girls was really baffling; I say that because they seem so innocent and so young that it's hard to imagine they have made some bad decisions worth putting them in prison. Many of the girls decided to believe and follow Jesus at the end of the outreach. Please be praying for these girls that were able to hear the Gospel; pray that they may really know God and choose to live a life that honors Him and loves others. I wish I could share picture with you all but unfortunately the rules were very strict within the prison so I wasn't allowed to take any.

Another great blessing is that a few people from Honduras and Guatemala came to El Salvador to train those of us in sports ministry. Since we will be expanding our sports ministry, this was a wonderful opportunity to grow and impart knowledge to our coaches  and those involved in this area. I love learning and this was a very wonderful experience to learn and know how to better serve the kids here in El Salvador, through the means of sport. It has given me more confidence as we begin to start up these new sports.

Some of the prayer requests that I have are: 1-For the wisdom to know how to best guide and lead these girls in running and volleyball ministries. 2-For rest and peace as things are getting really busy and hectic, especially with planning for the team and missionaries that we will receive Spring and Summer breaks! 3-The Lord continues to draw me close to Him each and everyday so that I can better hear and follow Him.

I want to thank you for supporting me and playing such a HUGE role in me being here. I don't think you realize that I could not do ANY of this without each of you! Your prayers, gifts, and encouragement literally allow me to continue on this path that God has lead me to! You are a blessing and I am praying for you too! Please please don't ever hesitate to contact me and let me know how I can be praying for you specifically! I really LOVE being able to do that!

In faith, 2015 is going to be a GREAT year!! :)

Many blessings,
Lauren


(Here are some photos from our sports ministry training and some time spent with the kids putting it into practice!)

December Update!

Wonder And Awe From Up Above

As I write this update on my flight from El Salvador back to Ohio, I am simply awestruck. It's difficult to put into words the sense of amazement that is filling me up as I reflect of these past months moving to El Salvador and beginning the initial steps of long-term missions. I also am blown away as I look out my window and see the intricate yet majestic earth that only a Creator could have come up with; vast oceans, volcanoes, vegetation and the millions of people that each hold a special place in our Heavenly Fathers heart. At times it almost seems unfair, that I get to live this life that He has given me, knowing how many times I falter and mess up-God continues to love me and bless me in ways that I truly do not deserve. That kind of love is difficult for us to understand at times, but nevertheless very real and very powerful.

I'm overjoyed that I get the opportunity to return home for a handful of days to spend Christmas and New Years with my family. The old saying sure does hold  some weight, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder." I have certainly missed them a lot and am excited for the time we will have together. I'm even more grateful for my family after seeing so many of the people down in El Salvador lacking a true place to call home; children without one of their parents or none at all, youth who don't receive the love and support that they are so desperately searching for in their parents, and adults who simply are trying to survive and can't spend time with their kids. All of this makes me reflect on the HUGE blessing that I have at home with my parents and brothers and other extended family members who love me without a doubt and are there by my side. I hope that the biggest thing we can all reflect on this Christmas is how grateful we should be for the families that we have, and that those of you with kids (no matter what age) can be encouraged to never stop loving them, supporting them, and realize what an important role that you play in their lives.

God is certainly on the move in El Salvador and I'm beyond grateful to have a good view in watching it come together and partaking in what is to come. As I said in my last update, I've been doing lots of preparation for the new year, communicating with teams and missionaries we will receive, and personally adjusting to my new home. Thank you for your prayers in my adjustment-everyday I feel more and more at home and definitely know that this is exactly where I'm supposed to be in this stage of my life. I've had to really cling close to Him in the times that I may feel alone or isolated-but those moments are so vital and a good reminder that I can't do anything on my own power. And I certainly cannot do anything without your prayers and support. For the upcoming year we are excited to offer the sport of volleyball to a local community in where our Soccer School and English classes are. Although soccer attracts many people, most girls have no interest in playing and wonder around the streets doing nothing, and unfortunately being influenced in a negative way. Our desire is to give these girls an opportunity to do something constructive for their lives (physically, spiritually, and emotionally), allow them to have fun playing a sport that's not too common for them, and providing an encouraging and welcoming atmosphere where the can feel the love that God has for them. Please be praying for this new opportunity as we hope to start as school begins in February. As well as starting volleyball, I've also had the opportunity to talk with some girls my age who live close to me about starting a running club. Because of the nearby college, there are lots of college girls who have an interest in staying fit and love to run. Sport is a universal language that can bring so many different people together. Why not collide our love and joy from the Lord with the gift of running together?  After many many meetings with various coworkers, pastors, and other ministry partners it seems pretty apparent that God is creating many opportunities to reach out to His people in El Salvador and be a light in this dark world. Please be praying for these new ideas for ministry and the existing ministries that we are humbled to serve in. Jesus came to the earth and humbled Himself as a servant-I pray that I can continue to follow that model and be a blessing to the wonderful people that are around me.

I will finish up writing for now but stayed tuned! Can't say thank you enough for your generosity and sticking with me on this mission together!. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! See you all next year!

Love you all dearly,
Lauren

Already 1 month!!!

The phrase "Time flies" really does hold truth. I can't believe it's already been a month since I moved to El Salvador. A lot of great things have been happening and I'm so excited to summarize for you all!

To start out...I'd like to share how God has answered the many prayers that you all have prayed on my behalf! This Monday I received the good news that Immigration finally accepted all my paperwork and I now have my VISA! Wheeww! This was a really important step in me being here and to be honest was a tough and, at times, a discouraging process. Any of you who have ever dealt with this process know exactly what I'm talking about. God really helped me to be "okay" and relax in the frustrating moments. So Praise God that is over with...for now! Second answered prayer is that Wednesday God opened the doors to find and buy a car!! Because of the provision that God has given you all, which in turn you have blessed me with, I now hold the key to a 2009 Nissan Sentra in good condition! Car buying is hard enough...add on a used car, shopping in a foreign country, trying to negotiate a good price, having a good mechanic to tell you exactly what you're getting, and you've got a recipe for the perfect area to practice patience. :) So grateful to finally have a car and be able to "go" and learn the roads here. Having a car is going to help out with ministry in TREMENDOUS ways, so it's a really big blessing to have some wheels! Thank you for you diligent prayers and generous giving! I am reminded of Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

As far as ministry goes, as I said before, right now is "summer vacation" so things are more relaxed and not a whole lot going on. However, it's been a great time to learn the ropes with how the different ministries operate and work on some little projects that we have. One of my roles here is being a coordinator and leader with the teams and short-termers that the base receives. I have been connecting a lot with our base in Omaha in preparation for the people that we will receive. It's really exciting to be able to plan and wait in anticipation for those who feel led to serve here in El Salvador. What I am most passionate about is the spiritual-wellfare of those who are to come. I want them to be prepared, as best as possible, to encounter God and grow spiritually while serving down here. I ask for your prayers in the wisdom to know how to best do this as we begin receiving missionaries and teams next year. 

Personally I am beginning to feel a bit more "at home". There is still lots that I am learning and getting adjusted to, but by the grace of God it is coming along bit by bit. This time truly is perfect...I am really able to focus on the logistics and have no excuses for  not spending time with the Lord. It's been great to wake up, enjoy God's wonderful creation (it's so apparent here) and spend time in His presence. I so encourage you all, especially during this Holiday season, to stop and spend time with our Creator...He longs to pass this precious time with us, if only we would take the time to do it. 

I'd appreciate your prayers for the following:

-Safety, protection, and wisdom while driving in this crazy country

-Wisdom for planning and preparing for the missionaries and teams to come and serve

-Peace and unity within the organization...to really come as one in love

-Strength and growth in this time of preparing for the areas that I serve and will begin to serve in

I'm so grateful for you all...I will never be able to stop saying that. I love to hear from you as well, so please don't ever hesitate to write me! Enjoy the pictures!!!

Much love and warm hugs,

Lauren :)

Me with the much awaited Visa

CAR!! Praise Jesus

Valeria (Pastors daughter) and I at Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday!

Settling down in El Salvador

It's been about 2 weeks since I left the US to begin this long-awaited journey to serve in El Salvador for longer term. I am sure you all are wondering what I have been up to; so this update is to do just that, let you all know what has been going on since I arrived.

First of all, I just have to say THANKS! Many of you have been in this process with me since the start and have seen how God moved in BIG ways to get me down here. I am so grateful to each and everyone of you for supporting me emotionally, spiritually, financially, and in many other different aspects. I literally would NOT be here if it wasn't for all of you! It is a huge blessing to know that there are so many incredible people in my life who believe in me and the mission which has been placed before us. Thank you thank you thank you!

Well, for starters I think the timing of me coming down here has been perfect. The schools here have already taken their final exams and are now on their "summer break". Everyone will be on vacation until the middle/end of January, when school will start back up. The reason I say it's such perfect timing is because it allows me to focus on getting my temporary residence, which is extremely important. This process has so many different requirements and paperwork that it has been occupying most of my time. For those of you who may not know the culture and understand what "latino time" means, things around here don't always happen right away when you need it. For example, if someone says they are going to meet you somewhere at 1, you may not get together until 1:30 or 2. Therefore, these couple of weeks I have simply been waiting for people to get back to me and sometimes getting the run around with the Salvadorian government. This is pretty normal but also a bit frustrating as I have to turn in my paperwork this week before some of my documents expire! Please please be praying that I can get all the correct paperwork in my hands and that the visa process goes well.

Apart from focusing on my Visa, I've been getting adjusted to life down here and doing all the normal things that one would do when moving to a new place. Again, the timing is perfect as a few people and families have been free to take me to all the places I need to go and help me with this big move and all the details since I don't have a car yet. Specifically, a retired American couple who are also missionaries with our organization (CFCI) has been absolutely amazing in taking care of me. They are extremely hospitable and have really shown me what it means to take care of "the body of Christ". In Acts it talks about how the body of believers took care of each other, shared amongst themselves and no one was in need. It's been a humbling experience to have Andy and Deborah caring of all my needs, making me feel welcome and being a comfort as I transition from life in the States to here. May we all be living examples of Jesus by taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters.

I am happy to say that I am officially settled in my apartment and have a spare bedroom which I would LOVE to fill up with visitors!!! :) The area in which I am staying at is very safe and beautiful. I can walk just a block down the street to the grocery store without problems and the other 2 American missionary families also live in the same complex. I feel very very blessed to be staying where I'm at and little by little it's starting to feel like a home. I have been able to visit with people who I haven't seen in a while and have had a day here and there to just relax amongst the business and chaos, haha. :)

Once I have officially turned in my paperwork for the visa and things start moving with that, I will be sitting down with some of the directors and further discussing my specific roles and schedule within the ministry. The basic overview of what I'll be dong includes; sports ministry, ESL, and helping with teams and short term individuals that the base receives. I'm excited to further define how I can use my talents and resources to further God's Kingdom by serving here in El Salvador.

In risk of writing a book, I think I'll wrap it up for today's update. Thank you for your prayers, I can definitely feel them. I ask that you continue doing so, specifically for my visa and all the other details of moving to a new place. I look forward to updating you again here soon and would love to hear back from you! Please don't hesitate to contact me, ask me questions, or set up a time to Skype! You all mean so much to me! Until next time!

Much love,
Lauren