It’s been about a week and a half since I posted and I hope that you all had a Merry Christmas! I will post some pictures about our Christmas celebrations but first I wanted to share with you some ministry we did at San Martin. San Martin is a home for mentally and physically handicapped kids and adults. Many of them are severely handicapped. A lot of the residents at San Martin have been abandoned by their families. They don’t get many visitors, and many ministry teams that come to El Salvador don’t stop by San Martin. On Christmas Eve, our family was able to help fund a Christmas party for the residents there. We used funds that have been donated by our supporters – by many of you! We purchased candy, pinatas, and gifts for each of the 120 individuals that live at San Martin. Thank you so much for your generous giving to our ministry…this party was funded by you and we are so grateful for your willingness to give to these people. They may never know who you are, but you have touched their lives.
Unfortunately, I was unable to go because I was feeling sick that morning, but Jon,Tori,and Ian went. Tori and Ian were a great help and it was a great party! We are so glad that our kids got to spend the day before Christmas focusing on and serving others!
Tori and Ian help stuff the pinatas. Their friend, Kylie, helped too!
Everyone at San Martin was happy to have visitors!
Discovery teams have gone to San Martin on every trip so it was great to see some familiar faces.
Ian and Tori handed out snacks and drinks to everyone. We're so proud of them!
Everyone lines up to receive gifts.
Some of the kids were bed-ridden so "Santa" went to them.
Each kid got their own wrapped gift.
Everyone followed Jon and "Santa" down the road.
Thanks so much for posting these pictures and describing what’s going on with your ministry. What a wonderful opportunity for your kids – to minister to others at such a young age. We’re so glad you have a heart’s desire to serve others in the name of the Lord.
Much love,
Mom
I get tears in my eyes hearing your stories! Thank you so much for sharing and keeping up so often with your blog. It is awesome to hear how God is using your entire family! Tori and Ian will grow up to be so selfless and compassionate. I’m glad things are going so well! I hope you have all been able to stay healthy too! 😉
After spending just about my entire life advocating for & working with folks with disabilities, it’s great, unknown to me or Carol, to see your ministry to folks with disabilities in the first part of your ministry. My guess is that the life for folks with disabilities there is probably what it was like here in the States some 20-30 years ago. We will be praying for you & trust that we will be in a position to provide monthly support. Lynn just told me about this “blog”(whatever that is), message board,web site or whatever this is. I’m pretty low tech.
Jerry,
I actually thought about you and your work when we were planning the Christmas party! Life for people with handicaps – mental and physical is extremely difficult for many in this country. This particular home, San Martin, is often one that missionaries from the U.S. don’t always choose to visit but it is truly a rewarding experience to serve the people there. Many of them never have visitors. We will keep you updated on our further ministry with them and thank you for your prayers and support!
Danielle
What an awesome life-changing experience! How exciting it is to serve and for Ian and Tori to be a part of that at such a young age is wonderful! I am so proud of all of you! I am sure the Lord is smiling!