‍We recently welcomed back to LifePoint a short-term mission team to El Salvador. In today’s Jym Shorts article, Andrew Royer, a member of that team, shares with us some takeaways from the trip.

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The recent mission trip to El Salvador, led by Greg and Dawn Meadows, took place from November 2-9. Twelve members from LifePoint, three members from other churches, and a local support team from El Salvador embarked upon the coastal area with a mission and desire to serve at a local school and share the gospel with the adjacent community.

The following projects took place during the week:

• A complete replacement of the school's electrical system,
• installation of air conditioning units,
• painting of the school exterior office building and kitchen,
• installation of toilets and sinks in the newly built bathrooms,
• a water purification system,
• a drop ceiling for two classrooms,
• a new roof for the office,
• a swing set for the children,
• community evangelism, and
• daily Bible teaching for the children.

Our days started with breakfast and a time of group devotions led by various members of our team. We would then head towards the school where we often saw people along the drive who were selling freshly prepared food items, locals busily working, and even those who were washing their clothing in the river near the school. When we arrived at the school, we were greeted by the school children with a gentle hug. This spurred us on to the tasks that lay before us.

The start of each day consisted of a group of ladies teaching the children from the Scriptures, singing songs, assembling crafts, and playing games such as kickball. This was a beautiful thing to see in action. The morning included a rotation of people presenting the gospel, local guides, and translators walked throughout the community sharing their testimony to all willing to listen. Several individuals placed their hope in Christ, and many were challenged to consider what they had heard and to read the Bible tracts they were given.

For many of the men, the days were spent working on the schoolhouse. Friendships were deepened with each task, and challenges also arose along the way. But with much sweat and determination, a great deal of work was completed, providing the children with a comfortable environment for learning for years to come. Our evenings consisted of meals prepared by the El Salvadorian team that graciously served us throughout the week, followed by a debrief of the day’s events. The debriefs consisted of everyone sharing a high point for the day, a challenge, and how we saw God at work.

In closing, the concept of “laying up our treasure in heaven” was a theme that stuck with me during our week. Mathew 6:19 tells us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

One way we can lay up treasure is by going on a mission trip. Although a typical vacation can be a great time making memories with family, it can, at times, also be a time of consumption, spending much on ourselves and leaving us feeling somewhat “empty” at the conclusion.

In contrast, a mission trip is an investment in eternity. It too can be a time of memories with family and friends. Yes, much of your money will be spent, but you will have laid up treasure in heaven, and at the end, you will have a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that you have planted seeds that will produce an eternal harvest.

Andrew Royer



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