Bringing Like Interests Together to Love and Serve!

God has given us gifts of interests, skills, and talents. He can use each of those gifts to draw us closer to him and to others—even taking us on adventures around the world to see Him at work.

In May, our global(x) El Salvador Equine Team had the privilege of serving alongside our partner, La Casa de mi Padre, and their Equestrian Program. This team came together because of their shared interest and love of horses. That common thread bonded them together as they served and learned alongside the staff and children at La Casa.

At the farm, the children receive weekly riding lessons that provide so much more than time in the saddle. They learn responsibility as they care for the horses they ride and build confidence as they learn to manage an animal much larger than themselves. They also learn to recognize and regulate their emotions, as horses often mirror the emotions of their riders. For many of these children, the horses provide a safe place to begin trusting again when trust has been broken. La Casa's therapeutic riding program has become an important part of many of the children's healing journey.

This team of nineteen adults came with curiosity and a willingness to learn about La Casa and the challenges they face as they care for the children entrusted to them for a season of their lives. They met neighbors of the farm, played with the children, and spent time getting to know the staff. They also rolled up their sleeves and got to work, helping lay the foundation for an overhead cover for the riding arena that will provide shade from the tropical sun during riding lessons. Team members sanded and painted steel poles, dug holes, positioned the poles, and secured them with hand-mixed concrete. Others sanded and resealed the wooden fence surrounding the riding arena, helping protect it from the harsh weather for another year. But we're sure most would say their favorite part was watching the children during their riding lessons, helping with a lesson for the youngest riders, and spending their final afternoon playing games together.

We loved watching God connect people with shared interests and use those passions to grow his ministry in El Salvador. Thank you to the global(x) Equestrian Team for your love, your willingness to serve, and the difference you made!