An Update on our El Salvador Travelers
For several months Institute students have been preparing to be a part of a 58-person mission to El Salvador. Participants from the Academy for G.O.D., the Institute, and G.O.D. Latin America have been preparing to facilitate the annual SLAM Youth Bible Conference, the “Club de Niños” after school program, teach ESL at the village school, and perform various development projects.
On Wednesday, two groups began their journey to El Salvador. The initial group, including some core leaders, landed. Incidentally, the other was not allowed to fly. The President of El Salvador issued a quarantine for his country and restricted all incoming flights at the very moment the second group were boarding their plane. All of our Institute students were a part of the second group. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Salvador.
Our team’s mood was fantastic. They were examples of faith in the airport where they prayed, worshipped and continued practicing the skits and songs they had prepared.
The 46 who had to endure 24 plus hours of delays have handled the situation amazingly well. Leaders said they were fighting back tears as they watched these young people maintain positive attitudes, spending much of their time at the airport in worship and prayer, inspiring other stranded passengers, some of which joined in.
Students were all invited to a dinner the night of their return. They spent time reflecting on their journey. They agreed “nothing was lost,” and they’ve learned so much in the process.
As for the team of 12 who made it into El Salvador, they are doing well. This group includes some of G.O.D. International’s most experienced development workers in Latin America. They’re taking all necessary precautions to keep safe, faithfully assessing the plans they believe God gave the overall team to implement, and have chosen to remain in El Salvador to carry out the mission.
We thank God for his protection and guidance. We’re grateful for the prayers and kindness given by parents, spouses, and friends. Please join us in prayer for the remaining group of 12 who have chosen to fulfill the objectives of the trip with a significantly smaller team, including 5 junior high and high school students.
