From Kristine
From Kristine, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Salinas, CA
When I first agreed to come to El Salvador, I didn't really have an idea about what to expect. Would I be surrounded by spear-bearing natives? Or would armed guerrillas bombard us in the night? Was there going to be plumbing? But then I arrived. I talked to the people, explored their 'ciudadelas', ate their food, stayed in their houses, blew bubbles with their children, and played fetch with their dogs only to discover that they are just like me. I didn't think that I had the skills in Spanish to be really able to connect to 'los salvadoreños', but human emotion translates better than words and phrases. It is not the village houses or jungle paths that I will remember, but the Salvadoran people. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to learn and to meet everyone.
Comments (0) Added by Kent September 5, 2007 (10:50PM)
Vacation Bible School in El Salvador
By Donna Kemper, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Salinas, CA
During our stay in El Salvador, one day in particular was set aside to bring VBS type activities to the children. We planned two sessions with about two hours of activities, including music, a skit and a craft. We were able to find Spanish CD's with children's praise songs as well as a bilingual Bible at the bilingual Christian Bible bookstore here in Salinas. We chose several songs, made extra CD's so we could all practice. We also chose a beaded cross for the craft project (no glue this year). For our skit, we decided on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15:11-32. (It was a tough decision. We could only choose one story to share, and with limited language skills. The story of the prodigal son seemed the best choice.)
Continue reading Comments (0) Added by Kent September 4, 2007 (10:45PM)
Delegation Worships with Bishop Medardo Gomez
By Chris Madsen, St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Santa Cruz, CA
When we visit El Salvador we build personal relationships, but we also continue to build a relationship with the Lutheran Church in El Salvador. We are privileged to worship with the people of our sister communities in the open-air church building located in the community of Monseñor Romero. We were very pleased to learn that there is now a regular pastoral presence. “Pastor Martin” comes weekly, usually on Thursdays, to hold a service. He is working with a pastoral team to do more outreach to the children and youth. Coincidentally, this year during the annual craft project (a beaded cross or a beaded cross necklace) we included activities to make it a mini 'Vacation Bible School'. Please see Donna Kemper's article about this. We donated the CD of songs and the “boom box” we used to help with the music to the church. Next year we hope to do more singing with the children!!
Continue reading Comments (0) Added by Kent September 4, 2007 (10:39PM)
