Reflection
on El Salvador
It is very difficult to sum up my experience here in El Salvador but I
will try my best. I’ve enjoyed my time here so much that there really aren’t
any words to explain the journey that God has blessed me with so far. From the
very beginning, the Lord blessed my support to be able to come here and I know
it was His plan that I am down here.
My initial expectations before I came here
have been completely blown away. From the mission house, to the food, to the
wonderful hospitality that is offered here, it has been wonderful. The only
expectation I had that didn’t turn out quite the way I wanted was the clinic.
Initially my heart was set on working only in the medical clinic and learning
more on what it means to be a medical missionary. But it’s more of a formal
doctor’s office and not much of a fast-paced environment that needs much
outside help with the patients. Despite this, I think it has been good because
I have learned to work in more humbling areas which still help the clinic out a
lot. I honestly didn’t have much interest in teaching English but I think it’s
funny how God has completely changed that and it is actually the ministry that
I enjoy and love the most. Having this English class in an area that is heavily
impacted by gangs has given these kids an opportunity to do something else,
rather than be involved in the gangs. It also allow them to learn a language
that can help them in the future. Knowing that God is allowing me to be a part
of this is such a privilege.
I have enjoyed much of
this country and all of the people in it. The staff here at Christ for the City
is incredible. The thing I love most about all of them is that they admit and
know they are not perfect and have much to learn and grow in Christ. Despite
recognizing their faults, they give all their hearts into the ministries God
has given them. It’s been a true honor to work with the people here in El
Salvador, grow with them, and become a close friend. I wouldn’t have traded any
of the staff that I have been blessed to know with anyone else. The love that
these Salvadorians have is extremely great. They have been so helpful to me in
many aspects especially my love and wanting to learn more Spanish. I have had a
great experience bettering my speaking skills in a language that absolutely
enchants me.
I think one of the
biggest things God has shown me during my time here is how to love like Jesus
without words. He has taught me that a missionary doesn’t necessarily mean
you’re always going out into the streets preaching the Gospel. As important as
it is to share Christ…it’s more important and even vital to get to know and
truly love those that are around you. When I first came here I didn’t know a
whole lot of “spiritual’ words in Spanish so I physically was not able to speak
much about Christ to the people here. But the Lord taught me how essential it
is to truly LIVE with the people here, know their hearts, gain their trust, and
love on them. Whether it’s a hug, a smile, or simply listening to that person,
it speaks volumes and it demonstrates the kind of actions that Jesus did
Himself. But just as the Lord often does, after learning this valuable lesson,
He completely opened the door for me to physically speak about Christ and His
love. After much prayer and waiting, different opportunities arose where I was
able to explain why I have love for them, why I am here, and simply speak the
name of Jesus. I was able to encourage a little boy who was getting made fun of
and tell him that the only opinion that matters is the opinion of God. I got to
share my full testimony to a girl…in Spanish! I even shared a small devotion
with the kids at the soccer school…in Spanish. I have no words to say except
thank you Lord for giving me the words to speak and the opportunity to do it.
The Lord has been so kind
to me and the other missionaries that have lived with me by keeping us safe and
protected. I have felt very safe while being down here in El Salvador and it
has added to a great experience. I know that God is growing this ministry and
will send down the right followers to continue to do His work. As Psalm 147:17
says, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made”. God surly has been loving and kind to me
while I’ve been here for these 4 months. I praise Him for the opportunity to
serve here and prepare me for whatever is to come in my life. All we need to do
is wait and listen for the Lord, then once we hear Him call step out in
obedience because He is worth it.
This
time has been so precious to me and the memories will forever be in my heart.
One question that I would ask to other believers is…are you willing to serve
Christ out of your love for Him? Jesus said, “The
harvest is plentiful but the workers are few”. The harvest is plentiful in El
Salvador, but who will be the worker?
With the sweet love of Christ,
Lauren DeHays
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