When Barbara Campbell went to El Salvador in January as a volunteer with our reconstruction program, she had two expectations. “I knew that there was work to be done and I would learn more than I’d give,” she said. She traveled with a small group from her church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, in New Britain, Connecticut.
Making a difference in Izalco and El Congo
It was Barbara’s second trip to help with our ongoing work in the country. With the help of generous donors and dedicated volunteers, we are rebuilding the country after two devastating earthquakes destroyed many communities. Your contributions helped us provide initial emergency assistance after the earthquakes and develop long-term opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Barbara served as the group’s leader. They spent seven days in the country, working in the communities of Izalco and El Congo. “We were welcomed back to Izalco by a woman who remembered us from last year!” she exclaimed.
Putting your faith to work
“Going into the Salvadoran communities, I knew we would be in good hands,” said Barbara. The community leaders instructed the group on the tasks for each day. “We planted eight coconut trees in Izalco,” she said. “It felt so good to plant something that will continue growing after we leave and provide shade, food, and beauty for the community.”
But the hard work came in El Congo where the group cleared land for a house and street. “We wielded machetes on banana trees!” she exclaimed. “We piled the debris for burning and the wood for cooking.”
Barbara spent time talking with people in the communities she visited. During her visit in El Congo, she was moved by Arcelio, the community’s caretaker. “We took Arcelio and his family to Lake Coatepeque after working and enjoyed watching them swim,” she said. “Arcelio taught his daughter to be as comfortable as a fish in the water.”
Other group members saw that their work made a difference in the lives of the people they helped. Sara Koch, 18-years-old, was also part of Barbara’s group a year ago. “I didn’t get a chance to see the family I worked with last year, but I got to see their new home,” said Koch. “I was thrilled to have that opportunity.”
Through her experiences, Barbara has come to know and understand the people of El Salvador. “Most importantly, it’s an experience of intentionally practicing seeking and serving Christ in all persons and loving these new neighbors as Christ loves me,” she reflected.
You can rebuild lives
You can volunteer in El Salvador! Our program provides opportunities for groups such as Barbara’s to plant trees, clear land, and move building materials in four communities. Put your faith to work and change lives! To find out how your group can get involved, contact us at (800) 334-7626, ext. 6105. For more information, visit http://www.er-d.org/.
Did You Know?
Your gifts helped us respond immediately after the earthquakes in El Salvador. In the weeks and months after the earthquake, we were able to better identify the long-term needs in the country. With your generous contributions after other disasters, we can help people rebuild their lives. To support this program, send a contribution today.
