Wednesday July 22

Last night and tonight we had the “usual” rainstorm, except first there was lightning and thunder which abated and two hours later after we had gone to bed the rain came down—hard! This has been a frequent pattern—the days are delightful and sunny, and the rain comes in the evening or at night. To us, this is God’s blessing on our time to both give the rain and allow our days to be pleasant. It is raining hard as I write; hope to get to bed to enjoy the noise to go to sleep (didn't, but that's a technical story)!

Today we went to two public elementary schools. In El Salvador, elementary school classes are usually held in the morning while most high school classes in the afternoons. So we went to El Volcan rural elementary school in the morning. In this school (and others), there can be up to 46 students in a crowded classroom with one teacher. The students may be older than their grade level due to the delay in starting school. Jim talked with two boys, Marvin and Ernest, who were practicing their English on him (thankfully for Jim!). They were 22 but coming to school early for the afternoon classes. To go to a public school here, families must pay for books and school uniforms (Anyone out there like me counting our blessings of the right of every child to public education in our country?)

Murelia (center) another Global Action contact, found this school and she and a friend (left) have committed to personally ministering to the school and principal. We met the principal, Thomas, who is a believer and has a great heart for the students as do his teachers. The school is on the side of a volcanic formation (great view!) and in a very poor rural area. The school attempts to feed students since some come without food or money to buy a snack at the school store. Thomas reported that up to 30% of his students do not have the money to attend but the school provides as much as it can to allow them to come to school. Since it was recess, after our briefing, the team jumped out to the field and played some soccer and hung out with the students curious to meet their visitors. Tim inflated our (American) football and we did some catch and run with the boys. We found out that students often use their feet to field the ball (surprise!) and they can kick well (another surprise, but not really since soccer is big here). Without a translator, we divided up into "dos groupos" but the resulting game was a cross between soccer, rugby and football. However, a good time was had by all and no instant replays were necessary!

After recess, we split into two groups led by senior team members Mariah and Jared to go to eight classrooms to do some singing, movement activities and some crafts with the students in each room. Kathryn was able to present the gospel using the Evangicube (ask her) in her rooms. We covered grades K through 6 but were not able to get to all rooms due to the time. We had an opportunity to pray for Thomas and the school before we left and were able to leave some craft supplies at the school.

In the afternoon, we went to Ignacio Ellacuria School, a school where Murelia volunteers twice a month and does presentations to the students on abstinence. Due to the school just reopening after being closed for weeks after the swine flu scare, the Principal could only give us a 30 minute assembly with over 150 students in grades 2-8. She related her concerns about the increase in gang activity in the area and the possible affect on her students. The gospel is needed here (and everywhere)! That is why we are here, planting seeds or watering a future harvest. We did some Spanish songs, some silly motion songs/rhymes, and the New Testament team did the Bible skit of Jesus and Peter walking on the water. Zach shared some of his story with the students and gave a very clear gospel presentation with an invitation. Only God knows now how he will be used in the students’ faith journey but our prayer is that will be known in His time.

Happy Birthday to Larry Peters yesterday, July 21. We prayed for you tonight!

Praise for:
- A great day of interaction and effort; Zach and Kathryn’s gospel presentations
- Improved team bonds

- God’s opening doors and the favorable weather pattern
- Continued team health and safety

Pray for:
- Murelia and her ministry to schools
- The work of the Holy Spirit in students who heard the gospel today

- Boldness for our team students in prayer
- Preparations for out ministry end retreat on the weekend

- Continued team health, safety and positive attitude