THE COUNTRY The most densely populated  country of Central America with its 7 million people, El Salvador is striving  toward a better future. However, it suffers from the  typical problems of a two sector economy, violence left over from the war as well as the gangs that have returned with youth that grew up in the U.S., a deforested countryside, and the overpopulated capital city, San Salvador. Multiple political parties used to vie for influence, but the two remaining are polarized right and left. In 2009 after 20 years in power, the rightists were replaced by the left (see “updates” tab).  I was there to serve with the churches as an International Observer of the elections.

In the last presidential election, 2019, a younger candidate, Nayib Bukele, won with his “New Ideas” Party.  While the jury is still out on his administration/ government, many say he is becoming more authoritarian.  Owing to continual violence and gang activity, since mid-2022 the government has declared a “state of emergency” where thousands have been jailed.  It seems to have the support of a majority of the population.  Beside being on the dollar, they have introduced cryptocurrency as well, with mixed acceptance.

My assignment was leadership development
(Photo to the right)

LEADERSHIP  Due to the war there was a great deal of discontinuity of mission presence.  Leaders were poorly prepared, some failed, others defected.  One could say that if it were not for the sacrificial unremunerated work of elder Samuel Montano (white shirt) the church would no longer exist. Finally in 2003 Rev. Carlos Mejia (second from right) became its first ordained minister.  Jorge Ponce, (blue shirt and jeans) musician and caretaker finished his advanced theological studies making him eligible to teach religion in schools.

We left El Salvador at the end of 1999, but I have maintained involvement on a volunteer basis ever since.