Many families lost their homes or became very sick.

Hello Walkers,

A few weeks ago, I shared with you the difficult situation many of our sponsored families were suffering because of strong winds and cold weather in the country. Many families lost their homes or became very sick. Praise God, and thanks to your support and prayers, CFCA distributed more than $5,000 in materials to families to repair and/or rebuild their homes, and provided medical attention for those who needed it.

It is amazing to see that our movement is a worldwide community, built by great people such as all of you who are united with the poor of the world in blessings, prayers and solidarity. A very dear sponsor sent this comment to our families in El Salvador:

“My son Eric and I visited your Santa Ana Project last June for a mission awareness trip, so I can easily identify with what you are describing. I worry about my sponsored child, Tomasa, and her family. I'm sure that many of the homes we saw were no match for the strong winds and cold weather. I am sending a contribution to help repair the damage and will certainly remember the people of El Salvador in prayer each day.”

CFCA presence impacts entire community

Because CFCA attended to the sponsored families, the outreach efforts by local authorities were greater and many non-sponsored families received the help they needed faster. The sponsored children and their parents expressed gratitude for the fast response; they shared their happiness to have real hope in CFCA.

The materials distributed by CFCA were delivered directly to the houses of those affected. This had a great impact on the families because they did not have to purchase materials and pay to transport materials from the town into the mountains. The CFCA web in all communities, formed by field promoters, community leaders and CFCA families, makes it possible to know the exact location of every family. This creates awareness within the members of the community by enhancing the sensitivity to the suffering of others. This is an example of a real community of compassion.

Our families showed a great deal of solidarity by commenting that some were offered materials from other sources, but they declined the offer. They preferred these materials be given to another non-sponsored family in need. What an impact to see that the poor give from the little they have and demonstrate the deep spirituality they possess. The constant formation in values and leadership offered by CFCA to the member families is reflected as a positive impact when solidarity must prevail.

Enduring faith a sign of hope

I must share that many of these families have not only suffered this recent emergency, they have gone through many challenges. Earthquakes of more than 7.5 magnitude in October 1986, January 2001 and February 2001, Hurricane Mitch in October 1998, Hurricane Stan in 2005, the eruption of the Santa Ana volcano in October 2005, a civil war that lasted 12 years from 1980 to 1992. Let's not forget that their everyday struggles range from a lack of access to health care, education and nutrition, to being affected by international economic woes.All of this impacts their fragile lives.

The hope and acceptance of the humble people in need is amazing. It reminds me that we do not need too much to be happy. Their faith in times of tragedy or in their everyday struggles is a sign of hope for peace and understanding on earth.

In spite of their burdens, they still say “God loves me.” Learning from their positive attitude and courage is an indescribable experience.

Thanks to the love of many sponsors, the families now have a roof over their heads. Families have, practically, a new house. Now that the children have begun a new school year, they can return to a safe home, to dream and create a better future for themselves and their families.

Henry Flores

CFCA Communication Center / El Salvador