“The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Over the past several months we have had so many wonderful friends come and serve alongside us here at Love and Hope Youth Ministry. We say friends because whether we just met them, or have known them for years, each visitor has found a fond place in our hearts and in the hearts of our youth.

 One of the youth with Sam (right) during our annual youth camp.

Back in December we welcomed Sam and Lauren for a week during our annual youth camp. Both Sam and Lauren courageously participated in the camp alongside the youth! We loved how they engaged and connected with their teammates as they fearlessly competed in the various competitions. We watched as Sam willingly scarfed down 9 jalapeño stuffed pupusas in a pupusa eating contest and we were impressed as Lauren rapped alongside her teammates in the team-song competition.

In addition to participating in the camp, Sam and Lauren also helped add some color to the Hope Center! Sam helped paint the bathroom a bright shade of green, which goes perfectly with all the other bright colors in the Center. And, Lauren held a painting class with the youth where they painted a “tree of life” that is now proudly displayed in the library.

 Lauren giving a painting class

In January we welcomed Bonnie, Wilbur, and Isaac Zehr for a fun and exciting week. Isaac visited us for a few weeks back in 2016 when he and two of his friends passed through El Salvador as they made their way from NY to Panama on motorcycle. We were excited to welcome Isaac again and to meet his parents, Bonnie and Wilbur. If we could describe them in one word it would certainly be “adventurous!” We loved Bonnie and Wilbur’s enthusiasm and willingness to try anything new! When asked one evening how they would like their fish prepared – fried with the head still on (the way Salvadorans eat it), or the head removed and filleted (the way most Americans eat it) – they eagerly responded, “Fried with the head! Just like Salvadorans!” We enjoyed going to the market with them and watching as they enthusiastically tasted and tried new fruits and foods.

The Zehrs also brought down a generous donation of school supplies which has been a great blessing for our youth and in the minsitry. The guys also worked in the church doing electrical work and putting in new lighting while Bonnie helped Britney get the library organized. On their last day they tirelessly worked all day helping another ministry move to another location.

 Isaac, Bonnie, and Wilbur in El Salvador

We also had the great privilege of having Dan come and serve with us twice! Dan came for a month last October-November and then came again for a short visit in February. Dan has a true love for the Lord and his desire to serve Him is inspirational. During Dan’s visit in February he celebrated his 75th birthday! The youth love Dan so they wanted to make the day special for him so they purchased him a cake and made posters. Then, that evening they knocked on our front door and asked for Dan. When he went to the door, curious as to who would be asking for him, he was surprised to see 30 youth standing there holding posters and cake yelling “We love you, Dan! Happy Birthday!”

 Dan with the youth celebrating his birthday.

We are so grateful for each of these friends who have come to serve our youth and encourage us in our walk and ministry. For those who have come, please know that your time here, whether for a week or a month, has been an eternal investment in the lives of those we serve. You have made a difference in ways you don’t even realize. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 1 Thessalonians 3:9 NIV