This past week has been a flurry of activity. Sunday we went to a water park where there was a river that naturally heated the water with hot springs. Monday we went shopping at the large market downtown in San Salvador. Tuesday we went on a trip to the beach. The current was very strong. One guy from the Southern group didn't take the warnings seriously enough and ended up getting sucked out by the current. Thankfully he was able to get out of the current and then his buddy was able to help him get back into shore. It was scary. The beach was very interesting because it is black sand. It comes from volcanic rock. We have been so blessed by the church members who have been going all out to make us feel welcome and appreciated. The last few nights we have been getting homemade goodies and vegetarian meals after each meeting.
The meetings each night have been such a blessing for me (Matt). Last night we had our third baptism. The man who was baptized is named Jose. I remember seeing Jose the first night of our meetings. I knew he was a visitor because he sat through the whole meeting slouched down in his seat with his arms crossed. But several nights later when we made the first call for people to give their hearts to Jesus he came forward. It's been neat to see him progressively more peaceful night after night.
My favorite sermons have been "Move Your Hand" about the gospel, "Don't Be Fooled" about the truth of the second coming, and "Your Day in Court" about how Jesus is going to be our defender against Satan in the judgment. I've seen the hope that these sermons have given the people who have listened and it is really neat to be sharing these ideas.
I have been enjoying a growing friendship with Pastor Roberto Aguilar. We are both 25 and share the love of soccer. I'm looking forward to heaven when we can communicate more freely than we can right now with my broken Spanish.