Rainwater and Longing in El Salvador

Once during a visit to El Salvador, a pastor shared a profound request with me that I try to live up to: “Please, don’t show our misery; show our strengths.” It was a reminder to focus on the resilience and strength of the people in our newsletters, not just the hardships they face. This insight is crucial as we work to build bridges of mutual understanding and solidarity, walking together toward the kingdom of God.

While my work may appear technical—focused on the design and installation of rainwater harvesting systems—it has strong theological undercurrents. At its heart, this work is about pursuing the vision of Shalom: the flourishing and good life that God desires for all creation. As I engage in training, drawing, designing, and planning rainwater projects, I talk just as much about the theological/ethical vision of water justice and the Kingdom of God as I do about the technical aspects of these systems.

It’s a reminder that God is always ahead of us, opening doors and inviting us to participate in his mission, and that the people we work alongside are already seeking the way of Jesus in their own lives.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them to tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”

For the churches and communities of El Salvador, this longing is for the liberation of all creation from the destructive forces, greed, and heartlessness of unregulated industry that degrade their water sources and make their lives harder. This is the longing that leads them to seek innovative, sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting.

As you know, I serve with RECONPAZ (Continental Christian Network for Peace), a remarkable corps of volunteers from churches and communities in Central America, founded and led by my International Ministries colleague Ricardo Mayol. RECONPAZ provides pastoral support, accompaniment, and advocacy for communities resisting environmental harm caused by industrial practices.

My role is training local leaders in effective rainwater harvesting methods. The goal is to put in place demonstration rainwater collection systems that meet an immediate need and serve as a model for families to see as a viable solution they can replicate themselves.

Rainwater harvesting conserves a resource that would otherwise be going straight to the ocean, often carrying eroded topsoil. Through these systems, people can recover autonomy and dignity.

Since ancient times, every household having water from their own cistern has been an image of the good life. (2 Kgs. 18:31)

One place we worked in recently is a remote community with a school that simply needs water for their bathrooms and handwashing. Pastor Rafael Menjivar of RECONPAZ ministers to the community around the school. This community is also active in the grass-roots resistance to the impending return of extractive mining to El Salvador, and the threat of freshwater sources being contaminated.

At this school, despite the challenges posed by the uneven terrain, with Pastor Rafael’s and Pastor Jaime Peña’s leadership, a system is being designed that will collect water from the roof and then pump it back uphill to the bathrooms, in addition to providing water for washing hands and regular cleaning.

The second place we worked at was in San Salvador, with a cooperative that runs a farmer’s market and a training center/urban farm, focused on agro-ecology and sustainable agriculture.

Together, we’ve designed a model rainwater system that will serve as a teaching model at the farmer’s market where many people will see it working. Then they will adapt the model for the gardens to provide irrigation during the dry months.

Meet some IM colleagues serving in an important way

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in El Salvador was being accompanied by IM Associate Global Servants Molly and Eliberto Juarez. Through their ministry, Misión Vida y Paz, they are making a profound impact in underserved schools by teaching peacebuilding and social transformation through the power of the gospel. Their ministry is truly worthy of your support, and I encourage you to learn more about their work here: Misión Vida y Paz

“A River Runs Through It”

Lastly, I want to draw attention to the photos of the Rio Lempa, a river that stands to be severely impacted if a operation is allowed to proceed. This project, strongly opposed by local communities, and church members, is being imposed by the government despite the environmental threat it poses mining. It’s yet another reminder of the urgent need for advocacy and protection of God’s creation.

Thank you for your ongoing support of this important work.

RECONPAZ, with International Ministries, is forming disciples of Jesus Christ, and proclaiming in word and deed, God’s reign of justice, peace, and abundant life for all creation.