"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
Philippians 3:7-11
We were created to know Christ. Nothing else that is in this world--that is created--will ever satisfy. While it's easy to view the earthly things around us as more tangible and fulfilling, the truth is that they are all transient. Our desire should be to know Him even as we are fully known in Him, and as a result wanting to live according to His Word.
Following Jesus means that we will inevitably face suffering, so that we may know Him better in His death and attain the power of the resurrection. He can and will use whatever we face to draw Him closer to Himself and make us more like Him, we only need to trust in His sovereignty and love.
PROJECTS
LA FUENTE
We are currently in the month of June and our students are a little over halfway through their school year! The students in the program are taking advantage of all the tools provided to them in tutoring in math, science, English, and social studies. We equip them with these resources and measures of support so that they may excel in their education and become lifelong learners. There are also various workshops for them to explore the different ways God has gifted them, including music, art, sports, and others. Our students are incredibly talented, and it is beautiful and rewarding to witness them discovering their passions. We trust that as the Holy Spirit continues to guide us in usage of the resources we have for these kids, He will make a lasting impact for His kingdom.
LA FUENTE FC
La Fuente FC is a program that we carry out in order to reach more young people for Christ through soccer, a sport that many are passionate about here in El Salvador. This program is not only for the youth in our program but extended to the youth of the community as well. Stanley Larreynaga, Samuel Andersen, and Milton Ortiz are working on the growth of this project. The ultimate goal, Lord willing, is to one day develop a professional soccer team in El Salvador. We ask for prayer for this project; that we would be sensitive to the needs of the youth and for the provision of resources in order to develop a professional team.
SPIRITUAL AREAS
As Envision El Salvador we are committed to our main objective, and that is to show our students that knowing Christ is the paramount above all things. Many of these students do not have a consistent and loving relationship with their parents. The relationship we have with our family often dictates the framework we use to relate to others, even into adulthood. It also can affect the way we view God. If the only association a child has of a father figure is created by an abusive or absentee situation, this may translate to how they understand their relationship with our Heavenly Father. We want to impress on their hearts that He is the only constant thing in this life. "He will never leave you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6). We were all created by and for our Creator, but without the knowledge of His sufficient grace, love, and acceptance for us, we will turn to other things. That is why during our time with our students of the La Fuente program, we seek to be intentional in sharing God's Word and His work in our personal lives. Every week, we have devotionals, times of prayer, and reading from the Scriptures. We desire to exemplify Christ in our actions and our words, with the hope that our students will choose to follow Christ and take that message to their families, friends, and wherever God may guide them.
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
MEET SOFIA
Sofia entered our program when she was ten years old. She has shown great perseverance in her work and attendance here, and we have seen her grow not only academically but in her character as well. She came into this program not knowing any English, and today she is one of our most advanced students. She exemplifies so much joy and passion in whatever she sets her heart on. She is continuing on with us in the La Fuente program while attending a demanding Christian educational center so that she can excel in the future.
The scholarship program is designed for students who are in their last year of elementary school and going on to high school. These scholarships are given to students who excel in their grades and demonstrate good character. We are thankful for Sofia and all that she brings to this program.
PROJECTS
INTERN HOUSING
We love our interns here and are so blessed by the service they provide, however we have limited options as far as housing for them. It is for this reason that we are currently working on remodeling the interns' house. Our goal is to finish as soon as possible so that we can start the new private high school project. This new project would provide more opportunities to low-income youth and provide them with a quality education. God has been so faithful in providing what we need to continue this project thus far, but we still need financial help to finish it as soon as possible. We need $40,000 to finish the steel structure and roof of the building. Please pray for this project to be finished.
WATER BUSINESS
A couple of months ago we started a business selling safe, clean drinking water through vending machines. This water is priced at a low cost so that it is affordable to anyone who needs it. There is currently one machine installed in the city of Apopa where our La Fuente program is located. The overall goal is to use the revenue from this business to fund our programs. In the future, we hope to install multiple water machines all around the city to generate more economic resources.
We are also in the process of developing plans to begin a business of personal and tourist transportation for nationals and foreigners. Thanks to the support of people with kind hearts, a new van was purchased. This will also serve as financial support for the site and all of our programs. We ask for prayer for the logistical aspects of these business projects.
THE FACES OF ENVISION EL SALVADOR
INTERNS
God has graciously blessed us with five interns! Sam Andersen as a resident, Nick Myer, Elijah Sander, Bethany Gunn, and Christie Estime. They are all uniquely gifted and putting their skills to the service of the Lord and our program. They teach classes in music, art, English, and sports, while also sharing the God's Word. Please be praying for strength, energy, and joy as they continue their work with us!
SHORT TERM TEAMS
The team season has just begun and we are very excited about it! Currently, we have been blessed by the presence of two teams: Lewistown Alliance and Franklin Alliance. This year we have around 12 short term teams signed up, praise God! Each group that has come through always brings life and joy to our team and to our students. We are SO grateful for each person and love partnering together in making His name known in El Salvador. We pray that it is a special experience for each team.
Lewistown Alliance
Franklin Alliance
THE ESCALANTE FAMILY
We are continuing to pray for the Escalante family; they are back in San Salvador but are still in the process of trying to obtain an immigration permit so that they are able to stay with Envision El Salvador.
PRAYER REQUESTS
We invite you to partner with the Envision El Salvador site, whether that be through prayer or financial support. Please pray for the overall finances of running this site, funding our staff, and operating the various businesses and programs. We look to Him as our Provider of all things. We believe He goes before us in all things and we seek to walk in the path that He has set before us, fully trusting in His faithfulness.
* For the hearts of our youth, that each one of them would come to know Him and follow Him the rest of their lives.
* Pray for the funding of remodeling our intern house.
* Pray for our current and upcoming business projects.
* Pray for our 2023 short-term teams, that God will touch more hearts through them and raise up more workers through this experience.
* Pray for all of our supporters and any donations made to the site. May God bless each of their lives and that every penny donated would be fruitful in making a kingdom impact.
* For the scholarship program.
* For the health, protection, and unity of the students and staff at our site.
* For our director Tony Escalante and his family.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."
Deuteronomy 6:5
