Hello from El Salvador!
I am extremely grateful to be writing to you today, feeling completely restored and back to my true self. It has been a long journey, but just two weeks ago, I experienced a resurgence of energy and felt like the driven and enthusiastic Lawrence that I have always been. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering support and countless prayers you have offered during the months of illness, pain, and surgery. Your encouragement has been an invaluable source of strength and solace.
In the midst of my afflictions, there were numerous moments when my spirit plummeted into depths of darkness, a place I wouldn't wish upon anyone. Yet, even in those lonely times, truly, the Lord never wavered. God unveiled my understanding to see that His grace, longsuffering and love do reach deeper than I previously knew.
During my time confined to that bed of affliction, I was granted with courage and strength from God to write a few books. Among them is "Pants the Squirrel," a captivating children's book about a squirrel courageously goes on an adventure of a life time. The story will be an exciting adventure for your children to learn about courage. I am thrilled to announce that this book will be available for purchase on July 1st in both English and Spanish.
Additionally, God helped me to write a book delving into the topic of suffering. In this heartfelt book, I openly share personal stories of profound suffering that I have experienced, including sexual abuse, homelessness, suicide, and much more. The book shares a focus on how God has been my source of strength and preservation throughout. My genuine intention for this book is to offer encouragement and valuable support to those who are currently going through suffering. I hope to release this book in the winter.
A few months ago God gave me a new friend who has taken on the task of translating some of my books into Spanish. What brings me immense joy is that there have been many Spanish speakers over the years who have expressed their desire to read my works. It appears that the opportunity has now presented itself. I am grateful that now Spanish speakers can find encouragement through these translations. Some of my books in Spanish are now available on Amazon and my ministry’s website at www.MissionFrontire.info.
Since returning to El Salvador, it’s a great joy to engage again with Salvadorans about our Lord Jesus Christ. While it is true that nearly everyone here knows about Jesus, only a few truly know Him. In regaining my health and fitness, I have made it a habit to walk two miles to the gym regularly. Along these walks, I pass out gospel tracts. Sometimes a mere second encounter turns into meaningful conversations, allowing me to discuss individuals’ personal need for Christ.
During these almost two years in El Salvador, God has given me steadfast friendships, cherished memories, and abundant opportunities to labor in a work that many said was impossible. I moved to El Salvador with the purpose to reach youngsters ensnared in Satan’s violent gangs. From my very first week, I witnessed God's extraordinary grace and favor as He enabled me to walk the dangerous streets of their neighborhoods, and get to know many of these unreached youngsters. Though most Salvadorans feared them, I did not fear them; I loved them and told them that Jesus loves them. Many allowed me to spend time with them, sitting down and talking about the Bible’s message of hope, redemption, and restoration. It has been such a super privilege to share Christ’s love and message to them, as well as to invest my life into some of them for Christ.
El Salvador has experienced great violence for decades because of the gangs. However, a couple years ago the government initiated a military offensive against the gangs, and was successfully able to apprehend tens of thousands and incarcerate them. Consequently, my ministry to gang members was thwarted a year ago. For the past year, a few pastors and I have quietly prayed. I have tried to continue to carry out regular ministry in evangelism, discipleship, and serving whomever God brings into my path. It gradually became evident that my time in El Salvador has come to a close.
Over the course of time, God pressed upon my heart through various scriptures to consider leaving El Salvador. Then during one particular afternoon while reading 1 Kings 17, God clearly resounded in my heart His direction that a new horizon in ministry awaits outside of El Salvador.
My dear friends, my heart overflows with cherished memories of a magnificent God who performed the impossible, defying the doubts of many. With a heart wide open and filled with anticipation, I eagerly await the unfolding of God’s will as I move on to minister elsewhere. At the end of this month, I will bid farewell to El Salvador. In the coming months, I have scheduled trips to various nations, some of which are engulfed in the grip of gangs, violence, and satanic darkness, desperately needing the proclamation of Christ's gospel. I seek the Lord’s heart in where He is directing me next. I look forward to continue serving and getting more familiar with the youngsters in these needy places. And I look forward to getting involved in the next adventures God takes me.
Would you please pray for me? I request your prayers that I may be sensitive to God's guidance regarding where I should serve in the future. I sure would appreciate it!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Lawrence Bowman
www.MissionFrontier.info
I am extremely grateful to be writing to you today, feeling completely restored and back to my true self. It has been a long journey, but just two weeks ago, I experienced a resurgence of energy and felt like the driven and enthusiastic Lawrence that I have always been. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering support and countless prayers you have offered during the months of illness, pain, and surgery. Your encouragement has been an invaluable source of strength and solace.
In the midst of my afflictions, there were numerous moments when my spirit plummeted into depths of darkness, a place I wouldn't wish upon anyone. Yet, even in those lonely times, truly, the Lord never wavered. God unveiled my understanding to see that His grace, longsuffering and love do reach deeper than I previously knew.
During my time confined to that bed of affliction, I was granted with courage and strength from God to write a few books. Among them is "Pants the Squirrel," a captivating children's book about a squirrel courageously goes on an adventure of a life time. The story will be an exciting adventure for your children to learn about courage. I am thrilled to announce that this book will be available for purchase on July 1st in both English and Spanish.
Additionally, God helped me to write a book delving into the topic of suffering. In this heartfelt book, I openly share personal stories of profound suffering that I have experienced, including sexual abuse, homelessness, suicide, and much more. The book shares a focus on how God has been my source of strength and preservation throughout. My genuine intention for this book is to offer encouragement and valuable support to those who are currently going through suffering. I hope to release this book in the winter.
A few months ago God gave me a new friend who has taken on the task of translating some of my books into Spanish. What brings me immense joy is that there have been many Spanish speakers over the years who have expressed their desire to read my works. It appears that the opportunity has now presented itself. I am grateful that now Spanish speakers can find encouragement through these translations. Some of my books in Spanish are now available on Amazon and my ministry’s website at www.MissionFrontire.info.
Since returning to El Salvador, it’s a great joy to engage again with Salvadorans about our Lord Jesus Christ. While it is true that nearly everyone here knows about Jesus, only a few truly know Him. In regaining my health and fitness, I have made it a habit to walk two miles to the gym regularly. Along these walks, I pass out gospel tracts. Sometimes a mere second encounter turns into meaningful conversations, allowing me to discuss individuals’ personal need for Christ.
During these almost two years in El Salvador, God has given me steadfast friendships, cherished memories, and abundant opportunities to labor in a work that many said was impossible. I moved to El Salvador with the purpose to reach youngsters ensnared in Satan’s violent gangs. From my very first week, I witnessed God's extraordinary grace and favor as He enabled me to walk the dangerous streets of their neighborhoods, and get to know many of these unreached youngsters. Though most Salvadorans feared them, I did not fear them; I loved them and told them that Jesus loves them. Many allowed me to spend time with them, sitting down and talking about the Bible’s message of hope, redemption, and restoration. It has been such a super privilege to share Christ’s love and message to them, as well as to invest my life into some of them for Christ.
El Salvador has experienced great violence for decades because of the gangs. However, a couple years ago the government initiated a military offensive against the gangs, and was successfully able to apprehend tens of thousands and incarcerate them. Consequently, my ministry to gang members was thwarted a year ago. For the past year, a few pastors and I have quietly prayed. I have tried to continue to carry out regular ministry in evangelism, discipleship, and serving whomever God brings into my path. It gradually became evident that my time in El Salvador has come to a close.
Over the course of time, God pressed upon my heart through various scriptures to consider leaving El Salvador. Then during one particular afternoon while reading 1 Kings 17, God clearly resounded in my heart His direction that a new horizon in ministry awaits outside of El Salvador.
My dear friends, my heart overflows with cherished memories of a magnificent God who performed the impossible, defying the doubts of many. With a heart wide open and filled with anticipation, I eagerly await the unfolding of God’s will as I move on to minister elsewhere. At the end of this month, I will bid farewell to El Salvador. In the coming months, I have scheduled trips to various nations, some of which are engulfed in the grip of gangs, violence, and satanic darkness, desperately needing the proclamation of Christ's gospel. I seek the Lord’s heart in where He is directing me next. I look forward to continue serving and getting more familiar with the youngsters in these needy places. And I look forward to getting involved in the next adventures God takes me.
Would you please pray for me? I request your prayers that I may be sensitive to God's guidance regarding where I should serve in the future. I sure would appreciate it!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Lawrence Bowman
www.MissionFrontier.info
