July 2021 - A Memorable Look at El Salvador
About seven years ago, upon arriving in El Salvador for my first visit with Sports Outreach, I was immediately struck by the warm, inviting welcome from Pastor Humberto Alférez (the director of Sports Outreach in El Salvador). His joy and love for the Lord spilled out of him uncontrollably and his desire to serve and seek out those in need is undeniable. He is a breath of fresh air in a place riddled with crime, poverty, drugs and gangs. This was not an easy place to set up shop and yet, day after day, Humberto wakes early and gets to work reaching the communities he serves with passion and determination.
One shining example of Humberto’s heart is in his relationship with the special needs community. Nestled in a remote area of San Salvador sits Padre Vito Guarato, a beautiful orphanage for special needs children and adults. Opened many years ago, the orphanage is home to about 100 residents, and it is one of the many ministries Humberto has chosen to devote his time to. What makes this orphanage stand out among so many is their devotion to offer daily worship and the strong desire to treat each person as family. Visitors are greeted with such enthusiasm and joy; you are so immediately drawn into their warmth and affection, that the experience will remain seared in your memory for a lifetime. The orphanage is a very special place and because of Humberto, it is now part of the Sports Outreach family. Through assisting the orphanage with support services, adaptive physical education, and everyday supplies they may not be able to afford, Humberto has developed a long-lasting relationship that will most certainly bear much fruit.
While visiting this ministry, we spent a lot of time with young teens engaging in casual conversation and getting a better understanding of the struggles they face on a daily basis. Their stories were not unlike so many we’ve heard before, and to be perfectly honest, I realized early on that I couldn’t fix the problems or make their lives suddenly easier. What I could do however, was listen and let them know they were loved and valued. That’s what Sports Outreach does—they love—and they love in a big way! Whether it’s the monthly food distributions given to assist struggling families, or the time spent engaging in sports, Humberto and his team are living out Christ’s love and being His hands and feet on the ground. It’s that simple. They see a need and address it.
think back on my visits to El Salvador with wonderful memories of laughter, joy and newfound friendships. May we continue to pray for the beautiful people of El Salvador, the blessing of Sports Outreach and those serving with them, and for all who will come to know and love the Lord through their ministry.
Written by Janine Filippin, former Board Member
P.S.: By the time you receive this newsletter there will be a medical missions team from Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA) “on the ground” in El Salvador, the first team to go there since the pandemic began.