March 2013 Cojutepeque El Salvador

New experiences are always fun. March gave me the opportunity to have so many new experiences it was hard to keep up with! I was the secretary, gym teacher, art teacher, and the usual (and favorite) teacher's assistant. What fun!

Being secretary also comes with the perks of an assistant-Micah Fridenstine-to help sort paperclips.

Some of the kids from 6th grade warming up during gym class

 

4th grade boys starting English class

Esther is in charge of the music at the church, and its so fun to sing, especially in church. She allowed Oscar (one of the teens in the church, and school) and I to sing with her for a special. It was fun to sing in church again, and as always, its great to be in a small group rather than a solo any day! It's a privilege to be in a place where we are able to worship freely, without fear of reprisal.

Praise the Lord that this month I was able to start my thesis. It is my last requirement on the list for graduation. It is my prayer that I will be present in Lancaster, CA in May at West Coast Baptist College. I am excited to be done with school-for now.

Each week we take time to go soul winning, or door knocking. This is a scheduled time each week that we as a church have to reach out to others. It involves visiting those that attended the service for the first time on Sunday, and encouraging them to return. It also involves phone calls who have not been to church in a couple weeks, or those that are sick. Cojutepeque is a very hilly city, and this makes driving and walking during door knocking fun sometimes. We have had more involvement this month than any other time this year. Normally as a group we were handing out around 200 invitations/Gospel tracts, encouraging people to visit the church. With more involvement, this number skyrocketed! We are able to distribute anywhere from 500-800 on any given day. Many hands make light work! Thank God for those who get excited about telling others about Christ and His love!

Ashley-my regular 2nd grade soul winning partner

 

Because of the increased number of people from the church that are coming to soul winning/door knocking on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons, more people are being reached. I met a man on Saturday March 9th while handing out invitations to the church at a bus station. Stephanie and I were with one of the gentleman from the church, (Bro. Rivera) and he was encouraged to come.

On Sunday March 10th, Edwin came to our church for the first time. After talking with Adam, Edwin confessed that he had been confused about his beliefs, and wasn't sure what to believe any more. He was seeking more answers, and answers (from the Bible) is what he got from the message from Pastor at Iglesia Bautista Emanuel. He realized, after hearing the message that he was lacking something in his life. After hearing Pastor preach from the Bible, he realized his need, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. The change was radical. He signed up for Bible college to learn more about the Bible that very same day!

Stephanie and I with Edwin, and Bro. Rivera

Tuesday Edwin returned to the church in the morning, to talk to pastor more, and learn more of what the Bible has to say. He shared his desire to tell others (especially his peers at school) of his new found faith as well. He returned for the West Coast Baptist College Interim classes that were offered Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday, on the Life of Christ. He got his first Bible Wednesday, and expressed his desire to be baptised, join the church, and grow in the things of the Lord. Its overwhelming. A few months ago, he was experiencing some problems in his personal life, and decided to fix them, but didn't know the way to go about it. He wanted to see what the Catholic church had to say about it, but was repeatedly turned away, and left empty handed. He went on, still lost. Then he met us a few months later. Yesterday, Edwin aspired to be a Catholic priest and follow the rules of the church. Today, he experienced the salvation of God in his life first hand, and can't wait to learn more from the Bible. He now realizes that his salvation doesn't rely in what he can do on his own, but what Jesus Christ already did for him on the cross. What a change! What an answer to prayer!

Many of the people that attend Iglesia Bautista Emanuel are members. But there are many that are regular attenders that are not members. This church began few years ago, but last March was officially "born" when all the paperwork was finished for it to be a legal entity. A charter (fancy name for list) was started, and was signed by those who wanted to be members last March. Periodically throughout the year, people could, and would sign the charter to become members.  At a special service the night of March 10th, we officially closed the charter that was opened one year ago. On this night 14 people from the church decided to add their name to the charter. It was encouraging to hear the stories of the people that have been attending the church, and have a desire to serve here from a teacher at the school, to some of the teen girls in our Sunday school class.  Praise the Lord for these faithful people that have been added to the membership of the church here! What a blessing. Missions is what its all about.

Wendy, waiting in line to sign the charter at the charter service

Getting a new flag at the school

This month we also had three guests from Honduras stay with us. They traveled nearly 12 hours by bus from Honduras to join other students at Iglesia Bautista Emanuel for West Coast Baptist College (WCBC) Interim Classes. In the morning Bro. Lester taught on the Life of Christ, and in the afternoon, he covered Methodical Bible Studies.  Our Honduran guests were excited to come here for the first time to attend the classes and said that they are excited to return and study more in our June interim classes. They also mentioned that they would be bringing at least four more church members with them to share in the experience! Please pray as preparations for the next courses continues. The next courses will be taking place throughout the summer as WCBC professors travel here to teach the classes. A lot of work and preparation is put into each of the classes. Much time is required for the teaching of these classes, from the lesson translations to travel, to promoting the classes to the actual class itself. Please pray for the students, and the professors.

Stephanie and I with our visitors from Honduras

This month, as with every month, I pray to have a visitor. While out soul winning/door knocking this month I was able to talk to a man named Francisco. I briefly invited him, and went on my way. His house appears to have two front doors, so other members of the church knocked on the other main door of his house, and invited him again! After talking to him again, we encouraged him to come attend a service on Sunday, and got a non-committal response. We returned once more Saturday night before the service, but did not have the opportunity to meet with him. He failed to come on Sunday morning, but did bring his lovely wife Isis with him on Sunday night! What a joy! Not only did Francisco come, but I made a new friend with his wife, who is five months pregnant, with their first child. We are excited to have them as regular attenders of the church. Its is excited to see them come and learn from the Bible. Please pray that they will continue to learn more from God's word, and they they may see their need for the Savior.

March 19th a large group from Lancaster Baptist Church arrived. It was great to make new friends, catch up with old ones, and see my pastor! We were able to meet the group at a main bus stop in San Salvador and hand out about 8,000 invitations for a new church in San Salvador in less than 4 hours. Praise the Lord for the many that were involved!

Busy places like Metro Centro bring busy people on their way to work! We invited a clown!

Following this was a special dinner for the graduates and their family, as well as the Lancaster Group.
Monday night was a special time, as there was a dinner for the those that had completed their one year Bible certificate from WCBC, and would be graduating later that evening. It was also a great chance to introduce some of the typical food to those who were here visiting with the missions trip group. Pastor Navarrete preached a great message, and hosted the graduation ceremony. It was encouraging to hear that all of the graduates of the one year Bible program plan to continue their education, and all are seeking a four year degree from West Coast Baptist College.

The graduates (on the left) ready to recieve their graduation certificates

The following day we were again joined by the Lancaster group, and were able to hand out 1,250 invitations to residents here in the city of Cojutepeque. We were able to at least 100 in attendance that night for a special service commemorating the 50th anniversary of the school. Of these 100 in attendance, at least one man accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior.

This (busy) week with the group wrapped up with a fun time zip lining on Friday. It was nice to be able to take some time and explore a bit of the country side, and have some down time with the group. Although good-byes are never fun, I have no doubt that I'll see many of them again soon!

Members of the Lancaster Baptist Church missions trip group

 

After a whirlwind week with the group, we went even faster. The following day was the last chance to prepare for a new church plant in San Salvador. About 40 people rallied together and took a trip to San Salvador to the same area (near the location of the church, a main bus stop, Metro Centro) to hand out flyers. We were able to pass out an additional 2,500 flyers that afternoon, and talk to a lot of very nice, open people. This is the first (and only) church in San Salvador, and probably El Salvador that will have services in English. The church is being led by Pastor Luis Callejas, and the English services are directed by Missionary Nic Ruby. Those of us from Cojutepeque, as well as the Ruby's, and the Callejas' were able to have a nice time in prayer, preperation, and planning before the first service in the place where they are currently meeting.

Several members of the Cojutepeque group in San Salvador before the first service

Praise the Lord for all the fun we had in Sunday School and kids church with nine children! We had such a blast together learning the story of Palm Sunday!

Kiddie Church fun!

Praises

• Running, hot water
• Extension paper work was granted-I am allowed to stay in country for an additional amount of time. Normally a visitor has to leave the country (as well as Central America) for a period of 72 hours if this extension paperwork is not granted.
• Hot, running water! The water at the house was not only cold for two weeks, but it was nearly shut off, only dripping most of the time. Praise the Lord that we were able to get it taken care of in a short amount of time! I am so thankful to have running water, and even more grateful that its hot!
• Visitors Francisco and Isis
• One salvation on the anniversary of our school
• Involvment of the teens in the church, attending, singing, and soulwinning faithfully

Pastor Callejas and Pastor Ruby in the first service.

 

 

Funny story: I had the opportunity to work in kiddie church one Sunday and teach Sunday School. The kids in this class were from four years old to about nine. We learned about the wall of Jericho. These kids loved marching around the classroom and blowing their "horns" when the wall fell down...or so I thought. Immediately following the song time at the end, one of the students said, "Mrs. Rivera IS going to be back next Sunday-right?" Gotta love pointed questions!

February 2013 Cojutepeque El Salvador

Life in February has continued at a rapid pace, but nonetheless has been such a blessing.

This past week brought a lot of fun as we prepared for the couples conference. Over 15 couples came, including many of the teachers in our school. We were privileged to have Bro. and Mrs. Charters (missionaries in Northern El Salvador) speak during several sessions Friday and Saturday. The theme was "Solamente Uno," (meaning, only one) and they had a great time learning how to enrich their marriages. They were able to have sessions together, individual sessions divided among the men and women, as well as as nice meals, and fun game times.

 

"Solamente Uno" theme strung across the front, with pictures of all of the married couples that attended the marriage conference.

Several of the couples enjoying their meals at the start of the conference.

Adam and Esther taking part in the games

Mrs. Charters teaching the ladies

 

Sadly, this week Pastor Castro, a faithful national pastor of many years, and a church planter in both Mexico and El Salvador passed away. Pastor and Mrs. Fridenstine allowed me to accompany them to the funeral. The customs here are much different in the states, and it was interesting to observe several of the differences yesterday during the ceremony and burial. Pastor Fridenstein was invited to preach at the funeral, and gave many comforting words of hope to the family.

Traditional "walk" around the city. After the ceremony, those who are present follow the casket around the city for one last farewell, and then walk to the cemetery.

 

 

Valentines Day here was delightful-All the staff had a secret friend the week prior. I did not know that you were supposed to give your secret friend things the week prior to Valentine's Day. I have since learned to ask several specific questions before each holiday and event that takes place here. It can be a small token, such as a piece of papaya, a cup with candy and a note, a garden flower-it just depends on the person, what you want to give. Now-you're supposed to deliver this via a student, so your secret friend doesn't know who it is. At the meeting 2 weeks prior to Valentines Day, a gift exchanged was announced. The value of the gift that you were to give your secret fried was a 1.00-5.00 value. I was thinking simple, and American. I love to buy flowers, and my roommate and I always keep fresh cut flowers in the house. We decided that we would both get our secret friends the same things-flowers. Simple, comes in pretty paper with a bow, no effort required. Flowers here are commonly known for being 1.00, but I was assured that was OK. On the day of the gift exchange I discovered that I was the only person with flowers. The unspoken rule of thumb apparently, was that your gift was to be wrapped, with a bow. I was the only one without. It also appeared that everyone spent significantly more that Stephanie and I (but we didn't really know-we were the only teachers there with gifts that were not wrapped) so a last second change prompted a card inviting our secret friends out to lunch with Stephanie and I. To add to the fun, Stephanie was absent, so, I got to give the same gift twice. I learned a valuable lesson-ALWAYS ask about holidays and special occasions. What is "normal" in America, does not mean it is safe to assume that this is the way that its always done! I'll be ready for the next holiday!

A "normal" secret friend gift...unlike the thoughtless disposable cup filled with candy from the cafeteria that I gave my secret friend....I know better next time!

 

 

The wrapped gift I received, complete with a bow. Typical, I've learned... Next time I'll be ready!

 

Adorable candy and card made by one of my 3rd graders.

"Friend Day" is celebrated here at the church around Valentines day every year. This year it took place on the 17th. Friend day is a chance to go out of your way and invite someone to the church that has never come before. Also, there is special dinner that follows. In preparation for this friend day, I learned that one of my teen girls from Sunday school said she had invited 6 people (and had a goal of 22) from her school for friend day. How exciting to see the young people here involved in the ministry! Much of the week prior to this was spent in preparation and planning the final details of this day. It was such an encouragement to be with fellow church members, inviting others to come as their special guests. None of the adults that committed to visit the church on Friend Day came, but two of my students (one of which is pictured below on the left) that I invited to come, showed up, and enjoyed their Sunday school class so much, they returned.

Four of my students enjoying their Burger King on Friend Day. Lucky for them Bro. Mauricio noticed that the snack provided would not be sufficient so they got a special treat on this day!

More kids from kiddie church enjoying friend day.

Full house for Friend Day.

Prepping for a special meal after the service for Friend Day. 

 

Door knocking is an opportunity that we take twice a week to invite people to church, and visit those who've come or just need a little extra encouragement. While door knocking, we went to a house with a woman in ill health. She mentioned that because of her ill health, she was not yet able to put her youngest daughter in school, nor did she think she would be able to. I mentioned that we have a Christian school, and asked her to consider it. Mrs. Fridenstine suggested that her child would be able to walk with the other kids to school every day, alleviating the burden of going with her each morning, if she continued to be in ill health. Don't you know. The next day, she brought her kid to school, signed her up, and put her in kinder! I'm happy to report that she is doing well in her kindergarten class! God is great!

 

Cute kid from the neighborhood that we were door knocking in that day.

 

We have a schedule here that is loaded with activities for teens, kids, the church body, ladies, and men. This month the men in the church decided that they would go camping on the beach. And so they did. From what we hear, it was an exciting and interesting time, as it was the first time that this event took place. From catching crab on the beach at 2 am to cooking fish soup for breakfast and not sleeping, it sounds like they covered all necessary elements of having a good time on the beach!

 

Men's camping group

As always, we have a game time before we start the Sunday School lesson!

Several of the girls frantically trying to assemble a puzzle before the lesson time starts!

In summary, the blessings for this month are overwhelming!

• Two people accepted Christ as their personal Savior on Friend Day.
• Stephanie and I now have our own refrigerator! (As oppossed to the small college sized one we were borrowing).
• Screens were installed on all the windows in the house, eliminating the large majority of mosquitoes.
• Finished a three credit hour college course online, so I've only got one class to go until I complete my graduation requirements for my Master's degree in Bible this May.
• Had the chance to talk to the man that was doing some work at the church, who said he was an infrequent attender. After our conversation, he committed to come more frequently, and is a regular attender once more.

First month of Life in El Salvador-January 2013

Life this January has been exciting! Immediately after celebrating the new year with my family in Iowa, I departed for Cojutepeque, El Salvador.

 

The last several weeks have (undoubtedly) brought many new experiences. We arrived late at night, and the next day, I found myself in teacher orientation at 7am. I hit the ground running, and that's pretty much been the pace for month of January. The remainder of the that week, and the next week as well, brought the completion of teacher orientation, building modifications, classroom preparations, and painting along with the first day of school!

 

Group of teachers and staff at Colegio Emanuel, with Dr. Salazar after Teacher orientation.
 

Steph and I painting the 2nd grade classroom.

Originally, it was thought that I'd be assisting with 1st-3rd grade English classes as a teacher assistant. A few days into school, it morphed into the entire 1st through 9th grade (that's about 200 kids). Change, as I've come to learn is constant, and, a good thing. I enjoy every single one of my classes here with these kids. I'm looking more changes in this area-I'll keep you posted!

 

Stephanie (my roommate) and I took great pleasure in taking part in the teen activity that happens once every couple of months. We had a scavenger hunt, Bible Study, games, food and fun.  Its always a joy to be around young people that have a desire to grow in Christ. We have faithful teens each week during our soul winning time who have a heart for God, and like to reach out to others who are their age as well.

 

Teen Scavengar hunt-they required the Fridenstine's Dog for one point.

Jr./Sr. High girls Bible Study as a part of the teen activity in our home.

 

I've gotten a few inquiries as to what my "regular schedule" is like. A schedule I have, but something of regularity, I do not. A "regular" thing is being in the classroom Monday-Friday from 7-12. After lunch, I am available from 1-4 for after school English tutoring, as well as a computer monitor/homework helper for other subjects in the Internet cafe at the school. During this time, I also take private Spanish lessons. This also is a great time to do things that need to be done for school, like grade papers, and plan upcoming classes. Oftentimes, there are things that need to be done in the church, perhaps organizing, planning things, or helping Esther (Mrs. Fridenstine) with a project, so this time is also used for that.

 

Tuesdays are exciting because there is Soul winning at 4. Wednesdays we have church in the evening, and Thursdays Adam and Esther (Fridenstine) will to have some time to themselves while Stephanie and I watch the boys. Friday night is sometimes an activity, or discipleship, perhaps preparation for school that following week. Saturday afternoons we have soul winning, followed by making sure the church is ready for the Sunday service. For the morning and evening services on Sunday, we help Esther prepare for the service in whatever ways possible in preparation for the arrival of the church family. Sundays I'm also in the girls Sunday school class, and help with games, which is always a delight. There is a regular attendance of 10-12 girls in our class. Please pray for growth as the teens invite others.

Some of the teen girls playing a game in Sunday School in January.

 

We were privileged to have missionaries Mr. and Mrs. White come and visit us from Canada. She was our guest speaker at our ladies meeting and what a blessing she was! She spoke on being a better Christian, and how we needed to be as a sharpened pencil-one that's ready to write, to work. Not being a pencil that is dull, broken, or not sharpened at all but is brand new, just sitting on the desk. Its great to see ladies present for these special event, eager to learn, happy to be present, and learning more about how to grow in their walk with Christ together with other believers. The fellowship comes as a welcome break to many of them that do not attend our church regularly, or perhaps would not normally come to a church service. Mari, is a dear sweet older lady that was saved about a year ago when an evangelist from Lancaster, CA came here to teach a distance learning course. She hasn't been attending regularly, but after this meeting, she walked to the church for 1-2 services. Shes a delight to be around. Please pray that this pattern would continue!

Beginning the meal during ladies night

 

 

Upcoming special events for February: Friend Day is tomorrow, February 17. Please pray for Pastor as he preaches, for clarity, the salvation message, and wisdom and discernment. My roommate and I have invited many to this special day. Please pray that they would ALL come, especially my neighbors, Concepcion, and Mauricio.
 

There is so much that goes on here, I thank you very much for your prayers. God bless you, and thank you for your support, both prayerfully, and financially! 

Left to right is Stephanie (my roommate) me, Adriana, and Alejandra. They are both faithful soul winners, and members of our teen girls class. We had a quick moment to take a picture overlooking some of Cojutepeque during our regularly scheduled soul winning times.