Speaking Hope

"So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up HOPE so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this, just keep on doing it" (1 Thess 5:11).

Speaking Hope is now an official ministry of Christ for the City El Salvador! This ministry reaches out to children and youth of low income communities and teaches them English as a means of providing different career options other than joining gangs, stealing or engaging in any illegal activity. Additionally, this ministry seeks to mentor and guide children and youth to live healthier lifestyles, free from violence, abuse and addictions. It is this ministry's desire to encourage and plant seeds of hope in the hearts of all the children and youth that we work with in order for them to dream and believe in a better future.

With this said, Speaking Hope has been growing and shaping up. Most recently, we have been working in one community called "Bendicion de Dios" with about 20 children. Additionally, the new year has brought an opportunity for Speaking Hope to teach 5 new English classes to children of gang members or children who have a gang member living at home with them (brother, cousin, uncle or friend). Working with these children is specially challenging, as must of them have very little respect for others and themselves, very low self-esteems and are very resistant to any form of discipline.

But despite the challenges, it has been very exciting and purposeful investing in the growth of these little ones. I am learning how to love and serve better. Learning how to reach out to these kids, how to show them my love and care for them and how to teach them to love themselves, others and God better.

Last week, I shared with some of my students a list of jobs that use English. And one of them, exclaimed in amazement, "Really? Those kinds of jobs are accessible to people that speak English? So if I learn English well I could apply for some of those jobs?". I said "yes. Then she was quiet for a bit and then said, "I never thought those opportunities could ever be available for me". Jacky is 16 years old, takes care of her ill mother and younger sibling during the day time and goes to school at night time. She has always thought that her life will continue to be the same and that if it changes she will work cleaning homes, selling food or babysitting- making a few dollars a day as her family does. I love having the opportunity to tell Jacky that her future could look differently and that she doesn't have to be limited by what her parents have done or haven't done. I love being able to plant seeds of hope in her heart for her to dream and wish different things. I love that I can teach her English and give her an additional tool to fight for her dreams.

So grateful to speak English and for the opportunity to share this with others. So grateful for my students and for this new ministry where I can love on others more and can learn how to do it better.

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