El Salvador Mission Trip - Thursday, April 9

By Jeff Philbrick, Headmaster

The Lord brought us to another great day today. We were up early, had a nice breakfast, and we’re on the road by 7:30. Today at Casa Manna, it was more of the construction projects, and also many wonderful experiences with the children. Work on the project continues to show progress, amidst the very high temperature and humidity. Today we erected the stair platform, which will be outside the building, and the children will enter through an upper porch into the study center. We also fastened much of framing steel on the second story, and also I did it all with an enamel black.

It is fun to learn the different techniques of building and construction, especially knowing this facility is for the church and school.

Today, we presented our Bible and English lessons to two different groups, the younger and the older students. We held English language pods, and the Jesse students were excellent presenters, and the El Salvador children were very engaged. Our Bible lesson is rooted in the book of Daniel, and we presented it through drama games and activities. Each child made a lions mask and it was a beautiful moment to behold! We concluded each session by handing out some of the many material goods that we packed over here that everybody helped raise: shoes, clothing, hygiene supplies, stuffed animals, dental supplies, and so much more. It brought joy to our team to see the children enjoying the gifts.

We finished our day with a visit to the ocean, the first time to the Pacific for most of us. The water was 83° and refreshing and exhilarating to experience. Pastor Magdelino brought us to a private beach because of good relationships he has in town. On our way back to our villa, pastor stopped on the side of the road and had us partake in a cultural tradition of washing our feet upon leaving the beach in a natural spring.

We finished the day with a cultural dinner, our team, devotion, and debriefing time. May the Lord help us to rest well and prepare for tomorrow!

Josiah, Senior

For me, new shoes are something I can get by clicking one button on Amazon. However, for the kids at the school new shoes are a priceless luxury. This moment of giving every kid a pair of new shoes was extraordinary. The kids would come up one by one to get their pair of shoes, and then they would keep trying on one until one fit. When the kid found one that fit, their face lit up in utter joy for they could not contain their excitement. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to bless these kids through seemingly normal items. 

Meredith, Senior

 What was especially impactful for me was the opportunity we had to connect more with the kids, through Bible stories, craft time, and teaching English phrases. At the start of the day, I met a little girl named Stephanie. Only five years old, she surprised me with her confidence and ability to communicate with me despite the language barrier. As we interacted throughout the morning lessons, Stephanie and I became friends. I was struck by her enthusiasm and joyful spirit, regardless of her circumstances. This sweet girl never stopped smiling, making my day one I would never forget. Stephanie taught me a very valuable lesson without even realizing it. That joy is not something based on the circumstances you are in, but something you can choose to have in Christ. Stephanie reminded me that in a world so focused on material things, we are called to be set apart as believers to focus on what really matters, Jesus Christ and then joy that comes from him.