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Partners in Mission
by Donna Guerrero –
Photo by Pili Martinez |
Active involvement by Southern California soldiers in ministry and giving—spurred on by learning of needs in the Latin America North Territory (LAN)—is providing life-changing results for many. As Salvationists have connected with their Partner in Mission over the past 18 months, the following has been achieved:
Water towers and pumps provide running water for the San Salvador Corps, regional headquarters and the Gualache Corps. The 65 children, plus staff, at Merliot grammar school have a much-needed bathroom.
In Xetonox, Guatemala, a village without a water supply, Norway funded a water well, and SoCal paid for its pipes to each home in the village, providing running water. An officers’ quarters was remodeled in Costa Rica; Honduras received Bibles; medicines were provided for LAN officers with special medical needs.
And, Panama City Temple’s timbrel brigade danced through their routines at the corps’ 100th Anniversary flashing new timbrels.
Three SoCal corps have stepped up with special projects:
As part of a facelift for Panama Temple’s anniversary, Los Angles Central Corps gave funds to remodel the corps bathrooms. Santa Ana Temple raised $5,000 in support of the Christmas toy giveaway in El Salvador.
And, touched by the condition of Hogar Jackson, the seniors’ residence in Colon, Panama, Pasadena Tabernacle raised $10,000 and sent a team of 12 to revamp the interior of the residence and install a new roof.
In the spring of 2004, four SoCal Salvationists visited five Central American countries to build relationships and experience firsthand the ministry and working environment of the Army in LAN. In turn Major Max Mayorga, the regional commander for El Salvador, was a guest in the division during 2004 Ingathering week. Those visits were the catalyst for an outpouring of support and the beginning of partnership.