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JSerra students and the $1200 day of denim

by John Nelson

Campus Ministry 004Who knew that high school students wanted to dress down so badly? Oh…that’s right.  I knew.

But campus minstry leader Robyn Gibson says the outpouring of support wasn’t just a fortunate consequence of several hundred cases of senioritis. In fact, after a sluggish start to the jeans day effort, the students found that if they were more vocal about the cause behind their efforts, other students were much more likely to give. So after only the first event of JSerra Catholic High senior campus ministry’s partnership with The Least Among Us, Virgen de Guadalupe already has $1200 to put toward the construction of its classrooms.

I’m thinking about contacting the school administrators to see if we can’t start selling days off or field trips to the beach. Methinks we could build enough classrooms for every child in El Salvador.

Take a look at these photos!

Senior Campus Ministry at JSerra Catholic High School to raise $3K for classrooms at Virgen de Guadalupe

by John Nelson

JSerra_studentsMeet the senior campus ministry students at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, CA.  At the request of their theology teacher Robyn Gibson, TLAU’s very own Leonard Nelson recently delivered them a presentation on our organization and the impact it is having on the poor of El Salvador.  Evidently what they gleamed wasn’t a sob story or guilt trip or a bunch of boring pictures but a clear challenge to get up and do something.  And that they will.

“The goal of the class is to form students to be strong Christian leaders,” says Robyn. “But real leaders are nothing but servants who understand themselves to be part of a larger human family.”

The class was especially impressed with TLAU’s strategy to improve conditions in El Salvador: helping people help themselves while avoiding the “Santa Claus” approach to charitable giving, thereby preserving the dignity of those who need help while simultaneously encouraging a sense of stewardship.

Their plan for Virgen de Guadalupe? A benefit dance (any theme suggestions?), a jeans day where JSerra students may donate to the cause in exchange for the privilege of dressing down for a day, and possibly a family dinner night at a local diner.

“We’re all very excited about this,” their fearless leader adds.  “I honestly think my students will gain more than they give.”

And that they will.

A note of gratitude from San Pedro émigré

by John Nelson

Hello,

My name is Wendy Rodriguez and my family is from San Pedro Puxtla. Although I was born here I was raised for a few years back in San Pedro Puxtla and most of my family is still there. I stumbled upon your website today while googling my town and I just want to say THANK YOU for helping my people.I think that the work you guys are doing, not only in my town but all over, is amazing.

Happy Holidays and God Bless,

Wendy Rodriguez

New photos of second phase of construction at Nuestra Señora de los Pobres

by John Nelson

There are some excellent new photos up on the photo page showing the early stages of construction for the two classrooms going up in Zacatecoluca. Click herefor a little background info on the school and its ongoing fruitful relationship with TLAU.

A few mothers have a go at the new foundation. This photo speaks volumes about how focused and effective TLAU's mission remains.

A few mothers have a go at the new foundation. This photo speaks volumes about how focused and effective TLAU’s mission remains.

TLAU becados: a few new faces

by John Nelson

Walter sent some information about four new students to be sponsored by TLAU during the upcoming school year. Moises is from El Aulote who wants to study to be a teacher at the University of Sonsonate. Rosario (whom I have known since she was crawling around on the floor of the Garcia family home) wants to earn her high school diploma. Also pictured are Candelaria and Luis, who also want to earn high school diplomas. If you would like more information about the students, their families, or the TLAU Becados program, don’t be afraid to ask. We’d love to hear from you!

¡Terminamos! Project in San Pedro Puxtla complete.

by John Nelson

DSC02420This from Walter (translated):

“Good morning my brothers in Christ-

It has been several days since I have written, but I have not forgotten my responsibilities, it’s just that I have been very busy with work here at the end of the school year.

We have completed the project in San Pedro.  Thanks be to God.”

And there you have it, folks. Another two sturdy classrooms for generations of schoolchildren in San Pedro.  I for one will be joining Walter in his gratitude.