For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. Ga 2:19–21
In preparation for our mission trip to El Salvador, Jill, Marta and I, along with the groups traveling in August for Thrivent Builds in El Salvador have been learning about the language, culture and history of the country.
In a country that is mostly Roman Catholic, the Lutheran Church in El Salvador has a surprisingly large presence.
Who is the Salvadoran Lutheran Church in El Salvador and what are its ministries?
The Salvadoran Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Salvadoreña - ILS) is a member of the Lutheran World Federation and the Communion of Central American Lutheran Churches (CILCA). The ILS is the largest Lutheran church in Central America with 15,000 active members in 60+ congregations. Its holistic approach to ministry emphasizes ongoing pastoral-theological education for its more than 80 pastors, evangelists and catechists, and community-based programs for the care of creation, disaster prevention & mitigation, holistic health care, HIV & AIDS awareness, human rights and advocacy. (see the entire article on the ELCA website for more information about the Lutheran Church in El Salvador)
We’ve been learning that in El Salvador, national unrest has taken many different forms over the years. From civil war to corporate greed and abuse to gang activity, the Salvadorans have suffered and survived much. But from what I have learned, they are hopeful, resilient people who are building a bright future. Through our partnerships, we are walking alongside them in faith. The Seeds of Hope sponsorship program through Family of Christ and Trinity enables more than 300 Salvadoran kids purchase supplies and necessities needed to attend school, and recently, through your generosity, fees were covered for four students to graduate from college.
In the movie Romero, the actor Raul Julia portrayed Archbishop Oscar Romero, who preached liberation theology and hope for the people of El Salvador in the midst of civil war in the late 70’s and 80’s. As he stood before the people, surrounded by hostile military, in a bombed out church, Romero reminded them that they were children of God, and people of the church.
“You have not suffered alone. You are Jesus in the here and now. He is crucified in you, just as surely as he was crucified on a hill outside of Jerusalem 2000 years ago. You should know that your pain and your suffering like his will contribute to El Salvador’s liberation and redemption.”
Thanks be to God that Romero’s martyrdom and prophecy is bearing fruit in the country of El Salvador today and into the future. God is working in El Salvador, and God is good!
Watch for blog entries during the next 10 days that will keep you updated on our trip and please keep us in your prayers.
Pastor Carrie
In preparation for our mission trip to El Salvador, Jill, Marta and I, along with the groups traveling in August for Thrivent Builds in El Salvador have been learning about the language, culture and history of the country.
In a country that is mostly Roman Catholic, the Lutheran Church in El Salvador has a surprisingly large presence.
Who is the Salvadoran Lutheran Church in El Salvador and what are its ministries?
The Salvadoran Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Salvadoreña - ILS) is a member of the Lutheran World Federation and the Communion of Central American Lutheran Churches (CILCA). The ILS is the largest Lutheran church in Central America with 15,000 active members in 60+ congregations. Its holistic approach to ministry emphasizes ongoing pastoral-theological education for its more than 80 pastors, evangelists and catechists, and community-based programs for the care of creation, disaster prevention & mitigation, holistic health care, HIV & AIDS awareness, human rights and advocacy. (see the entire article on the ELCA website for more information about the Lutheran Church in El Salvador)
We’ve been learning that in El Salvador, national unrest has taken many different forms over the years. From civil war to corporate greed and abuse to gang activity, the Salvadorans have suffered and survived much. But from what I have learned, they are hopeful, resilient people who are building a bright future. Through our partnerships, we are walking alongside them in faith. The Seeds of Hope sponsorship program through Family of Christ and Trinity enables more than 300 Salvadoran kids purchase supplies and necessities needed to attend school, and recently, through your generosity, fees were covered for four students to graduate from college.
In the movie Romero, the actor Raul Julia portrayed Archbishop Oscar Romero, who preached liberation theology and hope for the people of El Salvador in the midst of civil war in the late 70’s and 80’s. As he stood before the people, surrounded by hostile military, in a bombed out church, Romero reminded them that they were children of God, and people of the church.
“You have not suffered alone. You are Jesus in the here and now. He is crucified in you, just as surely as he was crucified on a hill outside of Jerusalem 2000 years ago. You should know that your pain and your suffering like his will contribute to El Salvador’s liberation and redemption.”
Thanks be to God that Romero’s martyrdom and prophecy is bearing fruit in the country of El Salvador today and into the future. God is working in El Salvador, and God is good!
Watch for blog entries during the next 10 days that will keep you updated on our trip and please keep us in your prayers.
Pastor Carrie