Alyssa Sooy Bonilla
June 2020
Hola amigos,
Tropical Storm Amanda
Over the weekend Tropical Storm Amanda went through El Salvador, killing 20 people and leaving thousands of families without food and shelter. 6 people are still missing. Five families from the Development Center lost their homes, as well as one from the church that we know of. All along the coast and throughout the city of La Libertad people have lost food, houses, and businesses. I've been in contact with friends in the church and I am so relieved knowing the Lord has protected their lives, but my heart is so heavy for those who have lost everything. Friends, I implore you to lay our friends in El Salvador at the Father's feet. We know that our God is alive and active and is with El Salvador. Ask him to bring peace in the chaos, ask him to work through his people to provide for those in need, and ask him to protect the health of those who are now exposed and vulnerable to the Coronavirus.
Honestly I feel a little helpless. It hurts to know that so much pain is happening in La Libertad and I can't be there to help, but I've been reminding myself that no matter where I am the best thing I can do for someone else is pray for them. God continues to be in control and He loves his children more than we can fathom. So I pray, I wait, and I trust.
As soon as the weather permits those that are able are going to be delivering food, clothing, and furniture to those that need it most.
While there is much fear and worry surrounding all the events that are going on, not only in El Salvador but in the U.S. as well, I urge you to remember Who is in control. I remain firm in the belief that our God is loving, faithful, all powerful and active in our world. Just the last few weeks have presented us with even more clear opportunities to be his hands and feet and be a light to the world.
You read at the top about the state of El Salvador before the storm. Now, with all the devastation, there's no telling what will happen next. El Salvador is facing an uncertain future that includes storm devastation, an increase in COVID-19 cases, job loss, and hunger.
Pray with Me
- Specific prayer requests I have gotten from the church in La Libertad:
- For the Salvadorans that are in temporary housing- many are in schools and churches, which will make the already rampant COVID-19 go from bad to worse.
- For the families and kids in the Development Center and church affected by the hurricane. Pray boldly that He would provide food, shelter, clothing, and whatever physical needs the people have in miraculous ways.
- For relief efforts- for first responders who are cleaning up wreckage, for the landslides that have happened and for those that are sure to come.
- Protection over church members who are going to pass out clothes and food- for their health and physical safety amidst debris.
- For safety- storms and rainfall is expected to continue throughout the week in El Salvador.
- Pray for their hearts and minds, that through this disaster many would come to know our loving Father.
- Continued prayers for support raising- I am at 75%
Let me know how I can be praying for you!
I've said it before and I'll say it again: His plan is perfect, His ways are higher than our own, and right now I'm clinging to the fact that He is good and He is faithful.
With you in Christ,
Alyssa
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for every and ever! Amen.
