Thank you Brian and Chandra!

So the news has reached El Salvador that Brian and Chandra will be leaving Copperhill to follow where God is calling them in Kentucky.  As they leave, I want to be one of the first to offer my thanks and appreciation for their faithful ministry over the years.  I have known Brian for over ten years, and I can truly say that in that time he has impacted my life tremendously as a pastor and a friend.  Chandra has always been a source of encouragement and dignity as she has faithfully sought Christ and loved others.  As a pastor, I understand the difficulties leadership in ministry can place upon a family, and I have watched the Howards handle this by drawing close to Jesus and to each other.  They have been examples to Dara and me as we’ve faced our own obstacles in ministry.  Pastoring can be a lonely venture, and most of the rewards won’t come until we reach heaven.  But Brian, I want to publicly thank you for the following...

• Thank you for leading the small group at Beach Cities that introduced us to friends we still have today.
• Thank you for leaving the security of your position in Orange County (not to mention the weather) to plant a church in a school in Valencia.
• Thank you for inviting us in to your family’s life as friends, not just as church goers.
• Thank you for spending countless hours in coffee shops, sushi bars, and omelet parlors listening to me, challenging me, debating me, but still supporting me.  
• Thank you for being a “wall scraper,” keeping your eye out for those on the fringes.  You have always had a heart for those who don’t always “fit in.”
• Thank you for your heart for God’s word, and for your passionate heart to teach what the Bible says, not what you want it to say.  
• Thank you for equipping me to study God’s word.  I remember our first men’s leadership meetings at Copperhill.  Your main concern was that we knew God’s word, and led the church accordingly.  Thank you for all the books, resources, and time you invested in me that now is bearing fruit in those I teach in my own church.
• Thank you for showing up and praying for me when I had knee surgery.
• Thank you (and Chandra of course) for organizing meals for us when Hannah and Kaya were born.  
• Thank you for walking alongside me through our decision to move to El Salvador.
• Thank you for rallying behind us financially to send us out.
• Thank you for coming to El Salvador, dodging a hurricane, volcanic eruption, mudslides, and an earthquake.  You can’t imagine what a support that was.  
• Thank you for calling the church to prayer the night I was shot.
• Thank you for covering us during that crisis, flying us home, and making sure we were cared for.   
• Thank you for not giving up in the face of adversity.  
• Thank you for loving your wife and kids, giving us all an example of health inside a ministry family.
• Thank you for loving my kids.
• Thank you for all the ways you have served our community, most that few see.
• Most of all, thank you for loving Jesus, and for allowing your heart to stay open even when it feels like shutting down.

I could continue, but I will end by simply repeating the words... Thank You Brian and Chandra!  Dara and I pray that you will be encouraged to know that your lives have born fruit, and that God is with you as He moves you to Kentucky.  You are loved!

From El Salvador,

Pete DeSoto

We have some great news from the water project...

• The government has donated over $100,000 in piping.  So we have begun construction to bring water to the first 100 families in El Rosario.  See pics from construction here.
• Engineers Without Borders is partnering with us to build a tank and give technical assistance.  They had a great trip down last month to plan.  Read the story here.
• The Southern California District of the Assemblies of God have taken on the project for 2009 as their women's ministry's "Project Hope."  See the video intro below..

Las Delicias Water Project...moving ahead in 2008

We met with the community leaders Saturday (January 12th) and began working through a fundraising plan for the completion of the project.  We've calculated that we need $1.2 million to finish.  ENLACE will continue to fundraise for the project (we were able to raise $200K over the Christmas holiday because of a donor challenge).  We've estimated that the work will take 2 years to finish once we start, but the community does not want to wait to start the next stage. In the month of February they plan to do a survey of 1200-1500 families to see how much each family can pay towards the project.  They hope to raise between $200K-$400K themselves.  So we hope to begin the next phase in the March where we will start cutting, digging, and laying the first of 33 kilometers of piping.  We'll keep you updated with photos of the construction.

50/50...it's a great idea

Last month I spoke at Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley.  It was a great experience, and I really enjoyed getting to know the church and their vision.  In 2007 this church reached their goal of giving 50% of their income out towards missions, church planting, and ministry to the poor.  This equated to a rough total of $4 million.  This is not only incredible when compared to the national average (2-5% * www.emptytomb.org ),  but has done amazing things in their body as they've gained a vision of what it means to live as a disciple of Christ with their resources.  You can hear Francis' sermon explaining their vision earlier this year by going to their website  www.cornerstonesimi.com and looking for the sermon named "I'm in Love, Part II" under the media and sermon section. 

MA Siss Story...A Church in a Chop Shop

I just read this story about an amazing church started in a rough area in Massachusetts. "MA Siss" started a church by purchasing an old chop shop and starting a thrift store.  As a result, she and a group of believers are changing their neighborhood as they reach out to serve the least.  The Boston Globe did an incredible job covering this story with plenty of photos and videos.  Go here

One year anniversery...

If you can believe it this week will mark one year since the shooting in Abelines (Jan 18th).  I can't say enough how much God has done to restore me, our family, and use this event to encourage many to trust in God's love (to hear me share the testimony visit here see media/sermon/"the cost of missional living").  Our first mission team of the year ventured up to Abelines last week to provide medical and dental care to hundreds.  One dentist pulled over 180 rotten teeth.  I wasn't able to join them because we were in the U.S., but I heard nothing but incredible stories of how the church continues to serve and transform their community through Christ.  This year they will work to train three surrounding churches along with all the initiatives they have planned.  See more great pics (these are incredible!) taken by David Mcgee (another ENLACE missionary) of last weeks trip. Go here.

Last month Dara and I got a chance to visit Cornerstone church in Simi valley.  Lisa Chan (Francis' better half)has just released a new album (ENDLESS BEAUTY) with all the proceeds going towards feeding the poor.  We have really enjoyed the album and the message in each song that encourages honesty with the Lord and compassion for others.  I encourage you to take a listen.

check out here

In college I roomed with a long haired hippy from Georgia who used to sing U2 songs from the top of his lungs in our room.  Mr. Kenny Peavy has since become a close friend and an amazing musician.  He is a singer/songwriter and leads a school of worship for students in the Los Angeles area.  He also released an album of songs (Drawn) written out of his wonderful times with Christ.  It is fantastic and will definitely encourage you in your walk with God.  You can listen to some samples and purchase from i tunes at the following link: itunes DRAWN ALBUM or from CD baby here.

Dara and KayaFamily

As we close in towards the end of the year, our family is smiling.  It's been a rough year, but God's favor continues to shine on us.  The kids are thriving in school.  Both PJ and Isaac are playing basketball after school and have made some good friends.  Hannah has had some bumps but is adjusting well to the big new world of Kindergarten.  Both she and Kaya are beginning to speak Spanish beautifully.  Both Dara and I have grown in the relationships God has given us here.  God has given us both some precious friendships.  We have also realized the blessing God has given us through this trial, as we have watched our family grow closer to Him and to one another through it all.  Even still, we are looking forward to being back in the States for couple weeks for Christmas and starting off the year afresh.

This week the boys dressed up for their school's festival day.  PJ was a flip-flop and Isaac was a trash can with a person upside down who had been dunked by a bully.  Hannah was an infermera.  You can see these and some other recent photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/peter.desoto/07HarvestCostumeParade

ENLACE

God is working through ENLACE.  More than ever, I feel so honored to be a part of this work and organization.  Over the last year our team has grown immensely.  I love the community that we have as a group, and the deapening friendships we have with the pastors and leaders we serve in El Salvador.  We just hosted a pastors/leaders retreat last month where there were 11 churches in attendance.  The stories that were shared only affirmed that God's heart is to use His body (the church) to restore the world.   Countless testimonies showed how these humble churches were shining admist instense challenges.  One of the things I love most about the work down here is the high frequency of laughter.  You would think that there would be a somber tone over most of our meetings because of the major challenges that face the churches.  Yet, instead there is laughter, rejoicing, and celebration.  Only in the body of Christ can there be authentic celebration admist struggle.  One of my highlights was playing "steal the bacon" with the group.  Ron, our executive director, threw the ball into the sky as he called all of the names.  Rushing towards the middle were people from all walks of life, rich, poor, country folk, and city folk.  In these moments, our earthly positions are traded in for our eternal ones and we find the community of saints that the Bible describes. For photos and some more stories please visit: www.enlaceonline.org.

Pray for 2008.  We are trying to serve more churches, manage more mission teams, and support more initiatives. Specifically, pray for our team, that we can be the light God wants us to be as we serve.  Also, pray for the water project in Las Delicias.  We have made some progress, but still need to raise close to $1 million to provide water to about 2,000 families. To get an update, please visit  http://www.enlaceonline.org/las-delicias-water-project

RECOVERY

closing up the cabin
In September, I returned to California to get away alone.  I retreated to a cabin in Lake Tahoe where I was able to get alone with the Lord. I intend to write up more about the experience at a later time, but for now all I can say is that it was such a valuable time.  The first couple days were euphoric, being free from roles and responsibility.  But for a good part of the week I struggled through my times with God, reconnecting with the emotions of this last year.  I recognized that the shooting had taken much more of a toll on me than I ever thought.  I felt strong emotions of fear, anger, isolation, even though I was in my favorite place in the world.  Yet, after seven days I left the mountain feeling a nearness to Christ.  God is working through this trial to connect me to my deapest need which is to be in His presence.  The vulnerability I've experienced has made me aware of how much I desperately need and want to abide in God.  Through this God is bringing healing.

In terms of my voice, there have been small improvements.  I still have a ways to go, but I'm trusting God to continue to restore it in His time. I was able to see a doctor from USC in September who confirmed that I have some permanent nerve damage due to the shooting.  But, out of all that could have happened to me, I am so grateful that this is it. 

I got a chance to speak a few times during my visit to the States.  It was a joy to share what God has done this year and what He continues to do in His church.  One of the places I spoke was at the Master's College in Santa Clarita, CA.  If you would like to download the message you can save the following file and listen: Master's College Message Sept. 19th.

August 7, 2007. 6:00a.m. I heard the sound of Alfredo’s car pull up as we gathered up our last few things to make the trip up to Abelines. Two good friends, Jaime and Scott, were ready to head up the hill that six months ago almost took my life. It would be my first venture back up the dirt road that still makes its way into my dreams. Earlier this year I tried to return to Abelines, wanting to attend the dedication of the medical clinic. At 4:30 am that morning Dara awoke, wide eyed and full of anxiety. She informed me that the boys had been up crying the night before and did not want me to go back. I decided the time wasn’t right and listened to her.

TO READ THE FULL STORY CLICK HERE

Visitors to El Salvador

huff familyJaime and Rebecca Huff arrived in El Salvador at the beginning of the summer. With their daughters, Reina (4yrs) and Emily (2yrs), they came to support the ministry of ENLACE and to hang out with our family. Jaime, a professor of anthropology at Vanguard University, is helping to establish a research department for ENLACE that will dramatically help our efforts to be effective with all our projects and programs. They are planning (and we are praying) to come for a full year in 2008-2009.

pete and scottScott Anderson , a close friend from college, came to visit us in the beginning of August. Scott and I worked together at Regency Lighting for a number of years before we made the move to El Salvador. Scott was an incredible encouragement to our family, and made the journey with me and Jaime for my first return to Abelines since the shooting. Visit photos of Scott’s time here.

james and pastor miguelJames Matthews , an engineer specializing in water systems, came at the beginning of August. A complete miracle, I met James right before we moved in 2005 and had been so impressed by his skill and his demeanor. Yet, I never knew what God was up to. We are currently at a very critical phase at the water project in Las Delicias. I felt a real urge to get some outside consultation on the design that was budgeted for over $1 million. I sent an email to James and ten days later he was in El Salvador. His humility and expertise are proving to be priceless gifts to this project. It is possible that we will save a few hundred thousand dollars from his consultation. Even more, we had an opportunity to build a friendship with James that will continue to grow for years to come. Visit photos of James’ time here.

In May, Dara met a wonderful woman named Sara Cramer while studying in Guatemala.  Sara made the journey last weekend to meet our kids and hang out in Hotel DeSoto.  We loved having her and look forward to this new and growing friendship.  Sara returns to Minnesota, her home, later this month. 

Family

isaac with torchThe boys were blessed to join a summer program down the street from our house in San Salvador. They played soccer, basketball, volleyball, swam, did art and drama. It encouraged us to watch their confidence grow as they felt more comfortable in a Spanish environment. PJ even shot the winning basket for his team the last day. See pics here.

pj with monkeyOver the summer we visited the a bay off the pacific coast with some friends. Renting a fishing boat for the day we explored through some beautiful waterways with amazing vistas of Salvadoran volcanoes. After the day, we ventured further into the jungle to visit a local family whose home was inhabited by 26 monkeys. With a few hoots and a number of bananas the monkeys descended to give our kids a treat. See pics here.

pj pushes sandThe boys were able to join a recent mission team as we finished a number off concrete walls to guard the well site of the Las Delicias water project. They worked diligently, wheeling loads of sand and filling in concrete. Their hearts to serve encouraged us all. Here are some pics of the day.

ENLACE

women's teaWe’ve had a full summer with a host of mission teams from the States. Watching God work in the hearts of those visiting encouraged us as a staff as well as those working so hard in the communities. Along with the hard work that each team brought, it seemed that most people realized the priority of relationship building and of edifying the people of El Salvador. One group hosted a women’s tea that brought out 100 people in Las Delicias. (see pics). The women here talked about the event for weeks as they were treated with the highest degree of love and respect. Other groups tuned into the spiritual climate of the communities and spent significant time praying over the people in El Salvador. Others brought food to the most hurting in the communities, and others responded to the Lord’s leading and shared the gospel with individuals who responded in faith.  Visit our photo albums to see pics from the various trips, here.

We have recently hired three new staff to keep up with the demand for us to work with more churches. (see story) Our heart is to be in 50 by 2010. God seems to be building a team at ENLACE to do the work He desires. Please keep us in your prayers.

“I can’t make it here if I can’t talk or understand what is being said to me. I can’t even talk to the parents of my kids’ friends at school. I feel insecure all the time.”

These were my words upon returning to El Salvador after visiting the U.S. following Pete’s shooting. I felt so frustrated. In the States I was able to communicate with no problem, maintain relationships, and go to many levels within conversation. The sting of not speaking Spanish now felt even stronger after Pete lost his voice. When he talks he is not heard clearly so I find myself needing to step it up a bit.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE