It was very difficult to leave El Salvador but God was so faithful in leading me and confirming what steps I needed to take next. So this is exactly what I want to do through this post- share about my next steps.
After much prayer, I decided to pursue seminary; as you might recall I applied to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary last Fall. God has been opening many doors there. To start, I was accepted into the program I wanted: Master’s in Missiology with a concentration in Hispanic Studies. Then, I found out I would only be required to pay half of their regular tuition given that my church in San Diego, CA is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Association. Next, I found out that my two years spent here in El Salvador will count for their graduation requirement of serving oversees with a missionary organization for two years. Lastly, I found out that the first year of the program I would be partnering with a faculty member to process through my experience on the mission field. Pretty intense, YES, but I think this will be most helpful in transitioning back to the States.
Another big piece to all of this is that I’ll continue to be part of Christ for the City Int’l. CFCI shared that they wanted to continue to be part of whatever God was doing in my life, whether that meant coming back to El Salvador after seminary or not. They also agreed that seminary was the right next step for me in my missionary career. With that they extended me a two year study leave during which I can continue to be part of the CFCI family as a full time missionary and serve with them (if possible) during school breaks and holidays. It was very encouraging hearing them talk about the work I have done here in El Salvador and the ways they have seen God work through me. In all honesty, I feel like I’ve received so much more than what I have given. In the last two years, the CFCI staff has encouraged and challenged to me to rise above the hurdles which I have experienced here. At this point I am not sure if being a lifetime missionary is God’s call for me, but I do know that God has given me a passion for missions and I am excited to have CFCI by my side to help me explore this further.
Before I move further I want to say MUCHAS GRACIAS to you who have shared this journey of living in El Salvador with me! You have believed in what God has been doing in and through me, even at times when I didn’t believe in myself. You truly have been God’s hands and feet. You have supported me not only financially, but also with your prayers, with encouraging words, with notes of appreciation, and with various tokens of love. Thank you so much for believing that God can use a broken vessel like me and for your faithful partnership. I pray and hope you will continue to partner with me on my next steps. Needless to say, I still need you. And would love to be able to continue to share with you what God does in my life in the years to come.
As I move to Texas, I will continue to need both prayer and financial support. I’m planning to find a part time job while in seminary, but even with that income I will not be able to cover all my expenses. I will need to raise an additional $2000 a month in order to cover all my expenses. I will continue to be responsible for covering required US payments such as Insurance, federal taxes and social security. In addition, I still need to raise $400 for moving expenses.
If you feel lead to support me financially, please go to www.cfci.org and click on the “Donate” button (right under the CFCI logo). At the end of your transaction, before hitting the final “send now” button, please be sure to enter "Elsa Urquilla" under the expandable comment box that reads “Enter Missionary or Project Name”. In that same box you can write “sign up for automatic credit card or payroll deductions” if you desire to sign up for either option. A CFCI staff member will contact you with further details.
- If you prefer sending a check, please make checks payable to Christ for the City International and mail them to P.O. Box 390395, Omaha, NE 68139 with a separate note attached saying “for Elsa Urquilla” and “one time” or “monthly” (depending on your preference). Also remember that all donations are tax-deductable.
You are very important to me. Once again, THANK YOU for sending me to El Salvador to love on God’s people here. I pray that God continues to bless your life in greater ways than you have blessed mine. May His love and grace go before you always.
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