October 2021

¡Hola Familia!

I pray that these last few months have been fruitful and restful for you! I am so thankful for your continued support and prayers. I think of you often!

These past few months have been very busy, and the Lord has graciously been showing me the ways that He is using me. I'm excited to update you on ministry, CDI advancements, missions trips we had this summer, and finally housing and residency!

Ministry

In the past few months we hosted 2 mission teams, and I had the privilege of watching God move in great ways through each one. They built 9 beds for children in the church as well as members of the community, made and distributed over 200 meals for a community, hosted parties for the CDI kids, and gave the CDI a fresh coat of paint!

In addition to hosting groups here in La Libertad, I also had the opportunity to go with one of them to our sister church in San Miguel for their first mission group! There we had the opportunity to help the new church build relationships, paint part of a school, hand out meals, host a children's party in a nearby community as well as host a party in an orphanage!

CDI

We continue to wait and pray for the Lord's timing in re-opening the CDI. Due to a rise in COVID cases, we decided to wait and see what the effects in the school system would be. Now that the government has opened up vaccinations for everyone over the age of 6 years old, we are hoping that for the new school year in January we will be ready to start back in-person at the CDI with full attendance. In the meantime, we are distributing food packages to all CDI families monthly and preparing to return. 

Women's Fellowship

Recently the women in the church had the privilege on going on an overnight retreat! It was an incredible, refreshing time of fellowship. Our theme was "D.A.S" (Dios, Amor, Servicio, or God, Love, Service). We talked about the transformation and renewing of our minds, and how God can do big things through us even in the seemingly small moments. It was an amazing time that I used to get to know the women in the church better, and rest in the Holy Spirit. My favorite part was that two women decided to get baptized!! Praise the Lord!! I was honored not only witness the baptism of my good friend, F, but also to take part in it as well. Please pray for F as she continues to grow and mature in her faith!

Young Adults Group

This past month we had our young adults group outing! We went to an outlook over San Salvador's volcanic crater and then went to a park and spent the afternoon together building community. 

Residency

I am SO excited to finally say that I am officially and legally a resident of El Salvador after almost a year! Thank you SO much for your continual prayers throughout this process. Officially having residence means that I was also able to open a bank account at a local bank here, which is a huge blessings. I've had to get pretty creative to pay my bills over the past year and this will make it possible for me to pay directly.

Living Situation

A while ago I was given notice that I have to be out of my house by Mid-Oct and we have been looking for a new house/apt for a few months now. My options in La Libertad are severely limited because I need to be in a residence with private security, of which there are two. So far we haven't been able to find anything within my price range, so we continue to search. Please be praying for this process, I know that the Lord will provide the right place for me in His timing!

Pray with Me

• CDI- wisdom for reopening, safety for all our staff, volunteers, and kids.
• Women's discipleship and ministry- Please pray for F, and X, who were baptized at the women's retreat! Pray that the Lord would guide them and grow their faith daily. 
• Praise for residency!
• Housing-that the Lord would provide a place for me in His perfect timing!

It's crazy to think that I've been here almost a year already. The Lord has been constantly growing and teaching me to depend on Him for everything. It has been an incredible blessing to get involved and be focused on discipleship and relationship-building during this time. God is constantly faithful and abundantly rich in mercy and grace. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued prayers, words of encouragment and financial support. 

Abrazos!

Bendiciones,
Alyssa

Hebrews 3:13-14
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end."