News from our Sister Parish in El Salvador

El Salvador is in dire need of food relief; the crops were practically lost due to heavy rain at harvest time; many people are suffering and dying from COVID; children are not in school and do not have access to the internet; and, El Salvador will receive only 16,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine in a country of 7 million.

While thankful to God for always keeping the people healthy and with the courage to continue working this new year, we know it has been a difficult year.

Farmers suffered losses in their corn and bean crops in Berlin and its communities. After the hurricanes last fall there was little or no harvest. The crops were drowned out and then rotted.

People must choose corn or beans either for consumption or to be able to sell. Families will not be able to pay the loans they made to plant their crops.

The Church & World Committee will use budget money for food basket distribution.

Our health kits were delivered first days of December. A “thank you” was received for these kits, which were distributed to our families in the sister communities of San Francisco Centro, Los Yanez, and Caserio El Cimarron (pictured). With these kits, families will have basic and necessary medicines for their health care.

El Salvador’s leader’s party wins control; fear of authoritarian rule

In addition to all their struggles, El Salvador’s leader, President Nayib Bukele, wins control of congress in midterm vote; critics fear the country is sliding toward authoritarian rule. Bukele’s meteoric rise and hardening grip on many of the country’s institutions have worried human rights advocates at home and abroad. His growing control could pose a challenge to President Biden’s policy of strengthening democracy in Central America — which the new administration considers critical to curbing the flow of migrants to the U.S. border.

A new shipment of Fair Trade Coffee has arrived in the church office! You can pick up your coffee in the church office, or order directly at donjustocoffee@gmail.com. (An invoice + shipping will be sent & can be paid by check or credit card.) Cost: $10/1 lb. bags (whole bean & ground: medium, dark, French, snickaroo. Not only is the coffee great tasting, you are also helping support the hunger problem in El Salvador.