Spiritual Formation | 12/19/2025 7:19:00 AM
Written by: Anna Claire Brown and Bridget Craig
Today was our last full day in El Salvador. Each morning started with a nice breakfast from our hotel and a devotional. We went to the school that Mirna teaches at after and got to bring gifts to the community. It was special to see the kids that we had played football with over the past few days. During the Christmas celebration, some of our team was able to share a part of their testimony, as well as Humberto sharing the gospel and the reason for the season. That ties into what I want to say in this blog.
Tonight was special as the team was individually reflecting on the past week and how the Lord worked. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." John 15 is the commandment the Lord gives us to be connected to the vine as we love one another like Christ loves us.
Lipscomb Athletics partners with Sports Impact International year after year. Humberto, Mirna, and Hilda have amazing hearts and give all the glory to the Lord, which is the best leadership to be under. Sitting down and listening to parts of their stories points me to Jesus and the plan He has for each one of us, despite our own plans that sometimes get in the way.
I was also encouraged by the team members on my team with their total reliance on the Holy Spirit in moments of discomfort. We didn't just go on this mission trip to feel like we had accomplished "serving those in need" or "feeling good," but rather partnering with God's truth to make disciples of all nations and come together in love. We are only able to do that if we, as the branches, are connected to the vine of Christ.
I want to thank our leaders again for preparing a way and being obedient and disciplined leading up to this week. The Holy Spirit was alive, and we are all excited to go back and abide in the Lord! I am grateful for the people of El Salvador and their country. It is beautiful to be surrounded by people who love deeply with the joy of the Lord.
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On our last full day in El Salvador, we got the privilege of hosting a Christmas celebration for the kids in the area. Inside their school courtyard, we greeted them with gifts. Humberto then preached the Gospel to the kids. After that message, we hosted a raffle and handed out toys to the kids.
We said goodbye to the kids, and it was very sad to say goodbye to kids we had built connections with all week. We loaded the bus and headed to the beach. The beach was one of the most beautiful afternoons. We played in the 6- to 7-foot waves during sunset, and the sunset was beyond incredible.
After dinner, we went back to the beach and had a huge bonfire. We sat and listened to worship music while reflecting on how God had worked in our lives over this past week and what we wanted to bring home. We concluded the night with a game of Mafia on the beach!
