TL Summer Intern Kyle Davis- Lessons Learned in El Salvador
“It is far too easy to get caught up in the ‘time is money’ mentality and pass by great opportunities to get to know someone.”
Five activity filled weeks flew by in San Salvador serving with ministry organization La Casa de Mi Padre. Engaged in projects to further develop the 17 acre site and future ministry home, I learned a great lesson as I joined to work with others in this Latin culture. El Salvador’s culture is centered on relationships. Business deals aren’t executed without casual conversation first. Meetings don’t start without small talk. This appreciation for relationships is woven throughout everything that Salvadorians do.
Even with the language as a barrier, the kids began to recognize my face after each week with a different team. After calling them by name and playing soccer with them, relationships began to form. I learned that a connection would grow with the kids even if they couldn’t say my name. I quickly learned that sharing Christ’s love towards the kids was the common denominator to build a friendship, not speaking Spanish. Friendship only needed a genuine smile, big hug, shared meal, or even a friendly soccer match.
It has been a blessing to work with the Third Lens staff throughout this whole experience. Professionally, I enjoy the capabilities and resources to build a facility from drawings and specifications for an owner. Further, I love that this construction ministry exist to leverage this skill set for the glory of God and to make Jesus known. I am grateful to have had the chance to work with great men who fear the Lord with obedience while at the same time loving Him and others so well. I know their efforts are building capacity at La Casa and other front-line ministry partners.
