What Operation Mobilization looks like in El Salvador

Nov. 9

EL SALVADOR

After serving with Operation Mobilization (OM) for six months in 2021–22, God directed us back, and we committed to another nine months in El Salvador. Another nine months of enjoying a different culture, learning more Spanish and of course, eating more pupusas.

Our main ministry involves mobilizing people in churches and equipping them to go into missions. We teach English and organize events to inform people about evangelistic needs throughout the world. We also train volunteers and plan retreats for people who have a sense of calling but don’t know where to begin. We help them understand what they can expect in a foreign mission field, provide them with the tools they need prior to committing themselves to missions and teach them the importance of being prepared.

Our team at OM treats us like family. We have regular staff and volunteer meetings where we discuss and pray for our ministries throughout the world, discuss OM ministry opportunities and encourage personal devotional and prayer time. The heart of the ministry is to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached.

Along with our ministry of mobilization, we partner with other ministries in El Salvador. The first one we support is YWAM. Every other Tuesday we travel to a community to help them prepare and serve food to approximately 80 young children. We hope to be involved with their VBS program prior to their Christmas break.

The second ministry we serve in is Love Link, a Christian organization that receives malnourished babies ages one to 18 months from local hospitals. Most babies brought to Love Link are near death when they arrive, and they receive round-the-clock care, nourishment, and additional medical care. Families are taught how to care for infants at home. Once a week we go to Love Link to play with the babies, help feed them, and change diapers as needed.

A new ministry we started partnering with is called Envision. Their local youth program is called “La Fuenta” which means “The Fountain.” This Christian organization wants to bring hope, restoration and transformation to Salvadoran youth through Bible study, art, music, English class and sports. The favorite, of course, is “futbol” which we call soccer. Our involvement includes helping with English, art, playing sports and relationship-building.

Another ministry we are involved with is El Salvador’s Hope. We prepare and hand out food to people who sell goods on the streets, praying together and trying to develop relationships. We also assist with a rural children’s ministry and a feeding program.

Mary and I are blessed to have this opportunity to serve the people of El Salvador. We are encouraged to see the gospel being preached and the love of Jesus in action. The Lord leaves us with this promise in Hebrews 6:10, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”