El Salvador or Bust

Do you believe that God still provides? Do you believe that He meets every need? Do you believe that He even gives you the desires of your heart? I am here to tell you, "He most certainly is that God!"

Back in September, I was invited by our esteemed District Superintendent, Rev. Greg Reynolds, to be part of an administrative trip he was leading to El Salvador, December 4-11. It would be a trip focused on encouraging the Wesleyan work in that country; intentional investing in our national leader there (Rev.'s Rene and Zoila Melendez) as well as the other pastoral families. There would be visiting of churches, teaching of lessons, preaching of sermons, and whatever else we could do to be a blessing.

I was stoked at the idea of visiting one of the countries that we will be working with once we get to Central America. The only problem - the cost. As Pastor Greg outlined the costs involved, my heart slowly sank little by little. I knew there was no way possible we could swing the money for me to go. So I gave the "pat" Christian answer - I'll pray about it - even though I knew it would never happen.

About six weeks later I received a phone call that demonstrated once again how God truly is the Great Provider; how when our desires our lined up with his desires, he removes the "im" from the word impossible. Long story short, 100% of my trip is being taken care of. How cool is God?!

Now for, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story...

Given that none of us who are going are fluent in (or speak any) Spanish, there has always been an interpreter traveling with us. As God would have it, our traveling interpreter is none other than our Area Director, Jarvis Ferguson. That detail in itself only worked out in the past month. So now, not only do I get to be part of everything I've already mentioned, but I also get to be engaged in the work there with an toward future ministry and partnership. "What will theological training look like on the ground there?" "How can we mobilize disciples there to become missionaries themselves? "What are the goals of the national church as it relates to..."

It is most definitely a God-orchestrated trip for which I am most humbled and grateful! I have the most amazing family who I hate leaving behind (hopefully the next time I touch down on foreign soil we will all be departing the USA together). Yet they have sacrificially released me for such a time as this.

I would be honored if you would consider praying for the trip. I would also be grateful if you remembered in prayer the rest of the V-Team who will be stateside.

Lovingly and appreciatively,
Barry