From the Field El Salvador: Focus on the Kids
Written by Sara Giguere
The Institute for GOD student Sara Giguere is on her six-week immersion trip in El Salvador. Over the years and throughout her trips with GOD International and SLAM, Sara has witnessed remarkable transformations within the community, illustrating a shift from dependency to empowerment. Here, Sara shares her firsthand experiences and insights from her current stay, offering a vivid account of the profound impact that the mission work has on both the local community and the volunteers involved.
Sara Giguere (third from left) is in El Salvador for a 6-week immersion trip, her third trip since being a student at The Institute for GOD.
Beneficiaries to Laborers
Reflecting on my second week in El Salvador, I am continually inspired by how God shapes and develops His people. Observing my Salvadoran friends, some of whom are cooking as I write this, I see a testament to God's faithfulness. My first journey here was back in 2016 when many involved in our ministry were primarily beneficiaries of our programs. Today, they are confident, equipped laborers eager to live out God’s word in their own lives and communities. Despite the challenging realities they face, they hold onto a hope rooted deeply in the Lord—a hope for their society's vulnerable to be uplifted and cared for.
Nurturing the Next Generation
I've seen the Salvadoran team's focused efforts on nurturing the next generation. As they are molded into Christ's image, they recognize the importance of caring for the children in their community. Their days are filled with activities designed to foster a nurturing environment: supporting local teachers, engaging children in games that teach and entertain, and providing academic assistance where needed. Every Saturday, our campus becomes a haven for children to learn valuable life lessons from God’s word, focusing on building self-esteem and understanding their intrinsic value. Such initiatives are crucial in a country where youth often grapple with depression and anxiety from a young age.
Leadership Development and Community Impact
Witnessing the growth of my friends here as they lead these programs fills me with hope. They view the younger generation as heirs of Christ’s kingdom, deserving of every effort to create a brighter future. Our work doesn’t stop with spiritual and educational support; we’re also launching a startup on campus to provide local youth with job opportunities. This initiative is designed not only to offer practical skills and income but also to prevent the need for young people to seek employment in potentially harmful conditions or feel compelled to emigrate in search of better opportunities. Just last week, I was reminded of the harsh realities many face here; a young man I met at a Bible conference years ago was diagnosed with kidney failure due to poor working conditions. He’s only 21.
Continued Mission and Hope
The challenges are significant, but so is the progress. Each return visit to El Salvador shows me how much can be achieved when faith, love, and dedication come together. God is far from finished with this beautiful community or the children growing up. There's still much to be done, and the ongoing support from The Institute for GOD is vital in continuing these life-changing efforts.
Through God’s grace and the relentless commitment of many, hope persists and thrives in El Salvador. As I share these stories, I am reminded of the power of collective action and the enduring strength of faith in overcoming adversity.