As many of you know, Cristosal has been a part of our church’s story for many years. Grace has supported its mission, and I served for six years on its board. This is an organization that supported Vince and me as missioners in El Salvador, and one that I have watched grow—under the extraordinary leadership of my compadre, Noah Bullock—from a church-based accompaniment ministry into one of the most respected human rights organizations in Central America.
Today, Cristosal finds itself in a moment of extraordinary crisis, even as it marks its 25th anniversary—and as Grace marks our own 150th year of faithful witness.
After 25 years of work in El Salvador, Cristosal has been forced to suspend its operations in the country due to escalating threats, the criminalization of human rights defenders, and the passage of a draconian foreign agents law that imposes crushing sanctions and surveillance on civil society. This decision was unimaginable just a few months ago—but necessary for the safety of the team and their families, who have relocated to Guatemala and Honduras.
On Monday Grace Outreach voted to send a generous contribution to Cristosal on behalf of all of us as they face the costs of relocating employees and their families and restructure following not only this evacuation but the cessation multi-year USAID grants in February. Please keep Cristosal and the safety of their staff and families, particularly the head of their anti-corruption until Ruth López who remains a political prisoner in El Salvador, in your prayers. If you would like to add a financial gift of solidarity, you can donate here.
If you’d like to learn more about the situation and how Cristosal is responding, register to join their Zoom TODAY, Wednesday July 23 at 1PM Pacific, or read one of the many recent news articles on the topic– the Rolling Stones and LA Times articles are particularly helpful.
Recent Comments