San Salvador, March 2009

By Paula Rhoades

Photos by Jeff Rhoades

On Friday, March 6, 2009 a team of 30 came from Abundant Life Baptist Church, Lee’s Summit, MO to join with the Pastors of Lourdes to do a week of evangelism, follow-up, and be used by God in great and mighty ways.  It was especially a blessing to have the ALBC team here because they are the sending church of Jeff and Paula Rhoades and faithful supporters of Steve and Pam Kern.

For many of the team this was the first time they had gone on a mission trip and the very first time they ever shared the gospel of Jesus Christ or preached in public.  So for the team it was a huge step of faith and God showed Himself faithful.

We began the trip with Family Festivals in Lourdes on Saturday and Sunday evenings.  During these mornings we went to the neighborhoods and invited many to come join us and shared every chance we had the Good News that brought us there.  Also, we attended Sunday service with New Life Baptist Church, Lourdes and began building relationships with our brothers and sisters there.

Due to the fact we were denied permission to go to the public park on account of the election we focused our mornings on the children of El Salvador.  We went to three different schools where we taught on values and purity.  Susan Anderson brought a drama with balloons that illustrated how we are allowed into heaven.  The children loved having us there and built some lasting friendships with the team.  Many began calling Shirley Heller “la abuela” (the grandma) and we were able to share the gospel and love of Christ with many.

On Thursday we went to an orphanage and held a one day Vacation Day Bible School and Super Fiesta for the children.  One young boy told Jill Sprinkle, “This is the biggest party we’ve ever had.”   Everyone from the team was very excited to have participated in the orphanage that day.  Later that evening we hosted a reception at the church for those who prayed to receive Christ during the week.  We had 82 visitors that evening!  It was such a huge blessing to see the fruit of our labor.  We had a mini church service with Pastor Alex sharing and then a small dinner afterwards.  We feel confident that these receptions are key in bridging the new believers into the local church and were pleased with the great turnout we had.

Finally on Friday the team headed back to Missouri.  As we dropped them off at the airport there weren’t many dry eyes.  The week had been such a success and each one felt that they really had done an eternal work here in El Salvador.  Thanks ALBC for coming and sharing in our vision of Metro America 020 and thanks to all the Salvadoran translators and those in the Lourdes church who helped make the events successful.  Together we can make an Eternal Impact.