Don't Miss Your Blessing!

The first time (8 years ago, went to San Martin Special Needs Center in El Salvador, I was shocked and horrified. It was so far out of my comfort zone! I never realized that people lived in such miserable, hopeless conditions....well maybe I just never allowed myself to dwell on it! I think that's true of most people that are living in 1st world countries, it's easier not to think about how people in 3rd world countries live!

San Martin was a dirty, filthy, seemingly hopeless mess! That first visit, I saw things too ugly to describe! Today was a sharp contrast to the first visit!  Now the sweet people who live there are treated more humane and it is cleaner, and no longer two adults to a twin bed! They actually have classes, and everyone is learning something!

When I think about all that God has provided, and changed about San Martin, and all the changes that we as Starfish Orphan Ministry have been blessed to be able to help with, I can not imagine what I would have missed, staying in that comfort zone!

I (along with my husband) have friendships with so many people in this center!  When I think of how close we came to missing out on the blessing of these precious friendships, I am just so thankful that we didn't miss it!

Please don't allow the state of being overwhelmed to keep you from unexpected blessings that God might have in store!

Laura

A few of us were able to go to the teen girls' prison today. What an eye opening experience and a blessing. This prison consisted of around 100 young girls that were split in half depending on the gang in which they were affiliated. As if going to prison wasn't enough and you were not in a gang, you had to make a choice of which gang you wanted to identify with while you were incarcerated.  We were able to attend a weekly Bible study held by Sus Hijos. When we walked in the girls were very attentive to the Bible story video. We immediately started showing God's love through massaging their shoulders and praying over them silently while they were listening to the Bible story. They loved the physical touch..... We were just God's hands. One young girl had her baby with her and shared that it was the her 18th birthday.  Not knowing what to expect beforehand, it was one of our favorite places. Had we not known we were in prison, we would have thought it was a typical young girl's Bible study. 

Cathy & Christy

This afternoon the team also had the privilege of spending time at the aids center for orphans. Our team was able to provide lunch for the children and it was their favorite... Chicken from the States Diner. Following lunch, we had many activities to share with these children! Joe began the activities by telling a story about King David. Even though King David was small, God was able to use him in a mighty way.  The children were then able to decorate their own crowns and pretended to be Kings and Queen for God! Soccer and beach balls are always a favorite with El Salvador children.  What impacted me the most, was a little girl in a wheelchair. She was also nonverbal but full of smiles. All she wanted was my presence and the touch of my hand. I was so blessed to have been able to share God's love with her!

A few of us were able to go to the teen girls' prison today. What an eye opening experience and a blessing. This prison consisted of around 100 young girls that were split in half depending on the gang in which they were affiliated. As if going to prison wasn't enough and you were not in a gang, you had to make a choice of which gang you wanted to identify with while you were incarcerated.  We were able to attend a weekly Bible study held by Sus Hijos. When we walked in the girls were very attentive to the Bible story video. We immediately started showing God's love through massaging their shoulders and praying over them silently while they were listening to the Bible story. They loved the physical touch..... We were just God's hands. One young girl had her baby with her and shared that it was the her 18th birthday.  Not knowing what to expect beforehand, it was one of our favorite places. Had we not known we were in prison, we would have thought it was a typical young girl's Bible study. 

Cathy & Christy

This afternoon the team also had the privilege of spending time at the aids center for orphans. Our team was able to provide lunch for the children and it was their favorite... Chicken from the States Diner. Following lunch, we had many activities to share with these children! Joe began the activities by telling a story about King David. Even though King David was small, God was able to use him in a mighty way.  The children were then able to decorate their own crowns and pretended to be Kings and Queen for God! Soccer and beach balls are always a favorite with El Salvador children.  What impacted me the most, was a little girl in a wheelchair. She was also nonverbal but full of smiles. All she wanted was my presence and the touch of my hand. I was so blessed to have been able to share God's love with her!

Melody

Melody

Perfect Day!

What an amazing way to start the day.... several countries came together for a joyful celebration: the United States, El Salvador, Chile, Canada, and Columbia.  All the Ambassadors from each country were there for this huge dedication of the new addition to  the local school, Centro Escolar Estanzuelas  in Quezaltepeque (city),  La Libertad (state).  Quezaltepeque is a impoverished community and was ever so grateful for the addition to the school.  Military forces from each  country came together to build the new classrooms!  

It was like a scene in the movies.  Armed guards from El Salvador were in their usual posts and hundreds of young soldiers were in the gated school grounds for the extra protection of all the dignitaries!  During the formal dedication.....the school children were in the midst of a carnival style party....... provided by the hands and feet of our Starfish Team and Sus Hijos! Popcorn, snow cones, face painting, crafts, piñatas, balloon art, parachute games, soccer games, homemade tattoos, and candy galore! 

As the carnival came to a close and the children were full of sugar and happiness, Mrs. Laura ended the celebration with a bang!!!!!!! Lines were formed and the boys received a t-shirt, girls received pillowcase dresses and sent on their way with a treat bag! 

Mark 9:37  "Whoever receives one such child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me"!

Just when we thought the morning was the best ever, and the day could not get any better, our Lord was preparing another joyous journey for our afternoon! 

We left Quezaltepeque and headed back to Santa Anna. We had a few things to finish on the home we built yesterday. As always, Orsy to the rescue! During the final touches, the furniture arrived for the family: 6 bunk beds, 2 rocking chairs, table with two benches, and a tortilla oven! Once the furniture was in place, Martha Stewart (Aka Laura Roberts) put the decorating spin of color to the home with flowered floor rugs, sheets, storage bins, plates, bowls, utensils, and flatware. 

The rain clouds were rolling in so we decided to dedicate the home to the family after we took food the community. We gave each family: beans, rice, cornflower, sugar,  a New Testament, a scriptural calendar, a clothing item, and treat bags for the children! 

While everyone was returning from the community, the rain began. We gathered in the neighbor's home that is also used as a church trying to stay dry . We sang, shared testimonies, prayed and had a hallelujah worship time together! 

Rain stopped at the perfect time for the home dedication!  The family was so thankful for their new home, and the encouraging words from Kurt and Laura.
Kurt read  II Corinthians 6: 1-10 and Joe prayed as we laid hands on the home and the family!
A perfect way to end the day! 

Cathy Botts

Home in a Day!

Today is Tuesday June 9,2015. 

Our plans today were to build a house in a day during rainy season. Seems easy right?  Yes it was because Gods hand was in every part and worked out all the rough parts. 

First we loaded in the van and loaded all the building supplies. Next we are on our way. The trip was around an hour so there was time for meaningful conversations and music. One song that spoke to me was the song by sidewalk prophets "Live Like That".   Just a few lines that made my heart rejoice: Was I Jesus to the least of us, did I worship more than just a song. I want to live like that, give it all I have. So that everything I say and do points to You".  As I pondered on these words, I know that is  how we all should be living daily. We need him to light a fire in our souls!!!

As we arrived at the building site, it was such a nice spot surrounded by Gods beauty.   We got to first meet the family giving the land. What a Christ centered family. Scripture hanging in the house and outside was surrounded by beautiful flowers. The  man of the house held prayer meetings in their home and they were so welcoming. 

We unloaded the building supplies and went to work. Everyone had a hand in working on the house.  Piece by piece it was put up. This house was truly built out of love. Kurt even picked out a lovely color of paint to adorn the house. The house was finished in a day!!! God held off the rain and He gave us strength to work through the heat. 

All in all a very successful day working for our Heavenly Father. What a blessing it was to be a part of this process and watch the families face as they watched their home go up.  Tomorrow we will add furniture and the finishing touches as well as bless the home. Then they can move in. Thank you to those who also had a hand financially in getting this house built. You were also a part of this blessing!  Without you listening to God and giving the funds it wouldn't be possible. 

After a long day we got to come home to a warm cooked meal and visit with one another. This new family is pretty awesome!! We are brought together from different lands and tongues to do the work of God. Thank you God for your many blessings!

Written by Christy Torbett

God is so Good

El Salvador trip day three.

Started out with a great breakfast prepared by mission house mom and dad, John and Judy. There are volunteers that assist the teams and help feed us to keep us going. We started out at CIPPI this morning. This orphanage, to look at it when driving up would almost look as if deserted. You can almost feel despair and hopelessness.  But the teams that visit with help from interpreters from Su Si House bring Jesus with them. And in case you don't know there is peace, JOY and hope in Him. I was loving on babies of babies. 14-15 year old moms with babies of their own. Here is one learning about American football. They have a concrete cubicle no door a bed and a dressed and a mosquito net in most. These were just recently installed since Starfish has been trying to improve conditions. There are small stickers on the wall that they have been given that you would see on a paper teenagers have. But these are moms with no family or hope. 

We have them small treat bags and some clothes. I then was loving on a young man and he asked to see my phone.  I showed him pictures. He said I was special because I shared my pictures. The smiles I received lift my spirits. Here is a picture he saw and so here is one we made. 

We then went to lunch at The States Diner. This is a restaurant that is ran to train young people that graduate out of the orphanage to help give them skills to survive. 

We then went to another orphanage Guirola.  This is a facility that is just for special needs children. We stayed and loved on these kids. We gave the ones that were able some treats to enjoy. But the thing that brought the most smiles was the time we spent with them. Hugging holding and playing and talking. Here are a couple of pictures. 

If ever you can see the Joy of our Lord, Hugging on these special niños (children).

  

We then came home and fixed food in bags to take to the homeless on the streets. We will leave soon to do this seeing the thankfulness of these is so humbling. 

We have a team of 8 people that will personally touch the lives of over 1000 people. Not preaching or teaching the masses but just loving on them and telling them of Jesus. Everyone can't come here. But there is no way we could do this without the support of others in the States. If you want to share the love of Jesus, or help someone be the hands and feet of Him, pray about supporting this ministry.