Just got back from a Herald of Truth trip to El Salvador. We’ve been doing radio there and went on an evaluation trip to see how the project has gone. The local churches have decided to keep the program going, which is always a delight to us.

On Friday, we recorded a couple of programs t0 be broadcast the following two Sundays. On Saturday, I spoke at a regional seminar, doing 4 talks on “Setting Our Eyes on the New Testament.” I gave some background information, interpretation concepts and a synopsis of each New Testament book… all in about 2 and a half hours. Whew! Then they asked questions on ANYTHING relating to the New Testament. Yes, I did get put on the spot quite a bit.

Sunday I spoke at the church in Quezaltepeque, where Alexander Castellanos and his family work. Steve Ridgell, who was with me on the trip, spoke to the church in Zaragoza.

Great trip, as always. It’s so encouraging to be with God’s people.

I spent this past weekend in San Salvador, El Salvador, on a trip for Herald of Truth ministries. We’re doing a media project there this year. The project will involve two different radio programs that I will be doing, as well as Bible/literature distribution and a preaching campaign in October.

The churches in El Salvador are very active and seem to be extremely well organized. There is little dependence on outside influences, and we’re doing our best not to interfere with that. That’s why these trips are so important, so that we can talk with the brothers, get their input, hear their concerns and learn from their suggestions. It’s also helpful to them to know exactly who they are partnering with.

Steve Ridgell and I arrived on Thursday. Our colleague from Honduras, Rigoberto Vargas, had arrived on Wednesday. He came to the airport with Julio Mejía Mateo, the local preacher that will be spearheading our effort. We spent Thursday afternoon visiting with them, finalizing our plans for the next few days.

On Friday we visited two radio stations, a print shop and the local Bible society. We worked on getting final prices so that we can give the project a definite structure. Friday evening, we met with a small group at Julio’s congregation. He encouraged them to “ask us questions about anything.” The first question concerned what Peter writes about Jesus preaching to the spirits in prison… and the questions didn’t get much easier from there.

Saturday morning Steve did some sessions on leadership. We didn’t know how many to expect since the seminar was arranged on somewhat short notice, but we had approximately 70 people there. They really appreciated what Steve had to offer. Then I described the project to them, letting them know that we wanted all of their congregations to participate and feel a part of the project. Saturday evening, we went with Adrian Larin to his congregation, where they were having a meeting of married couples. I got to share some thoughts on marriage with that group.

Sunday morning we were with Julio Mejía Mateo’s group. They have Bible class at 8 with small groups, then a general study at 9, followed by worship at 10. Steve taught a men’s class at 8, then I taught at 9 and preached at 10. After lunch, we had a strategy meeting: me, Steve, Rigoberto, Julio, Adrian and Jorge Navidad.

Sunday night wasn’t a work night, so we went to the small store of one of the sisters from Julio’s church and got to eat pupusas, a famous dish that is very popular in El Salvador. The woman let us know that her food was very safe, that many famous people had eaten her pupusas, including Pope John Paul II. I pointed out that that was no real comfort, since John Paul II is deceased! She got a good laugh out of that one.

Monday we headed home. Gotta say it… I love my job.