Dear Friends,
I am currently in the United States, speaking at various churches that have graciously invited me to preach and share parts of my life story from my book, Confessions: A Memoir of Hope for the Suffering. Today, I reach out to you with an important update and a heartfelt request for your prayers.
I am currently in the United States, speaking at various churches that have graciously invited me to preach and share parts of my life story from my book, Confessions: A Memoir of Hope for the Suffering. Today, I reach out to you with an important update and a heartfelt request for your prayers.
MOVING BACK TO EL SALVADOR
God has opened the doors for me to return to the country I deeply love—El Salvador.
In 2021, I moved there to minister among the world’s most violent gangs, MS-13 and Calle 18. From the very first week, I walked the streets of many neighborhoods, sharing the love of Christ and experiencing God’s abundant grace and great favor. Countless gang members allowed me to sit down and share the gospel with them, and some made courageous decisions that not only impacted their lives but also benefited society as a whole.
Then, in an unprecedented move, President Bukele launched a military campaign that led to the arrest of over 60,000 gang members, with thousands more fleeing to other countries, including the U.S. Sadly, during this operation, thousands of innocent people—including pastors, NGO workers, and individuals like myself—were also detained. In June 2023, I made the difficult decision to leave El Salvador, letting go of my home, my car, and nearly all my possessions.
Over the past 20 months, God has graciously provided me with free flights on American Airlines, allowing me to travel and support churches in some of the most challenging regions of Mexico and Colombia. During this time, I have worked alongside ministries dedicated to reaching gang members, addicts, prostitutes, and needy youth—each one a precious soul in need of the hope only Christ can give.
But now, the time has come for me to return to El Salvador. A dear pastoral friend has invited me to continue helping with a new church plant, and several other pastors are eager for me to assist with evangelism and discipleship efforts. While the gangs have been dismantled, the country—like much of the world—still faces the deep crisis of addiction and human trafficking. My heart is burdened to minister to those caught in these struggles and to help the Christians grow in their understanding of God’s will in their lives.
One of my fervent prayers is to be granted the opportunity to minister in the new C.E.C.O.T. prison, which was built to house 40,000 gang members. Currently, President Bukele does not allow anyone inside to offer rehabilitation services or Bible studies. I am praying that God will grant me favor with the government so that I may contribute to the ongoing positive efforts in society by offering weekly Bible studies on Life Principles.
These men need more than just confinement—they need true transformation. Please join me in praying for this vital blessing.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
As I prepare to move back, I need your prayers and support. There are many logistical challenges ahead, and I trust that God will provide as He always has. Specifically, I am asking for prayer that God will supply:
Moving to another country requires significant resources, but I have seen God work in the most incredible ways, meeting my needs time and time again. Though I don’t know exactly how He will provide, I am confident He will—just as He has always done these past 11 years, often in the most unexpected and encouraging ways.
JOIN ME ON A MISSION
Lastly, I want to extend an invitation. Pastor Carlos and I are eager to host anyone interested in serving on a short-term mission trip to El Salvador. Whether you or a team from your church feel led to come and take part in evangelism, support the church plant, or assist in various ministry efforts, there are many ways to make a meaningful impact. If you have any questions or want to get involved somehow, please contact me.
Or if your ministry would like to host me as a speaker before I return, I would be honored to come and be an encouragement. You can find more details at www.MissionFrontier.info/invite.
Thank you for standing with me in prayer and support. I look forward to seeing how God moves in the days ahead.
In Christ,
Lawrence Bowman
God has opened the doors for me to return to the country I deeply love—El Salvador.
In 2021, I moved there to minister among the world’s most violent gangs, MS-13 and Calle 18. From the very first week, I walked the streets of many neighborhoods, sharing the love of Christ and experiencing God’s abundant grace and great favor. Countless gang members allowed me to sit down and share the gospel with them, and some made courageous decisions that not only impacted their lives but also benefited society as a whole.
Then, in an unprecedented move, President Bukele launched a military campaign that led to the arrest of over 60,000 gang members, with thousands more fleeing to other countries, including the U.S. Sadly, during this operation, thousands of innocent people—including pastors, NGO workers, and individuals like myself—were also detained. In June 2023, I made the difficult decision to leave El Salvador, letting go of my home, my car, and nearly all my possessions.
Over the past 20 months, God has graciously provided me with free flights on American Airlines, allowing me to travel and support churches in some of the most challenging regions of Mexico and Colombia. During this time, I have worked alongside ministries dedicated to reaching gang members, addicts, prostitutes, and needy youth—each one a precious soul in need of the hope only Christ can give.
But now, the time has come for me to return to El Salvador. A dear pastoral friend has invited me to continue helping with a new church plant, and several other pastors are eager for me to assist with evangelism and discipleship efforts. While the gangs have been dismantled, the country—like much of the world—still faces the deep crisis of addiction and human trafficking. My heart is burdened to minister to those caught in these struggles and to help the Christians grow in their understanding of God’s will in their lives.
One of my fervent prayers is to be granted the opportunity to minister in the new C.E.C.O.T. prison, which was built to house 40,000 gang members. Currently, President Bukele does not allow anyone inside to offer rehabilitation services or Bible studies. I am praying that God will grant me favor with the government so that I may contribute to the ongoing positive efforts in society by offering weekly Bible studies on Life Principles.
These men need more than just confinement—they need true transformation. Please join me in praying for this vital blessing.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
As I prepare to move back, I need your prayers and support. There are many logistical challenges ahead, and I trust that God will provide as He always has. Specifically, I am asking for prayer that God will supply:
- $10,000 to purchase a truck – essential for ministry work and daily life.
- Household necessities – furniture, appliances, and other basic needs to get reestablished.
Moving to another country requires significant resources, but I have seen God work in the most incredible ways, meeting my needs time and time again. Though I don’t know exactly how He will provide, I am confident He will—just as He has always done these past 11 years, often in the most unexpected and encouraging ways.
JOIN ME ON A MISSION
Lastly, I want to extend an invitation. Pastor Carlos and I are eager to host anyone interested in serving on a short-term mission trip to El Salvador. Whether you or a team from your church feel led to come and take part in evangelism, support the church plant, or assist in various ministry efforts, there are many ways to make a meaningful impact. If you have any questions or want to get involved somehow, please contact me.
Or if your ministry would like to host me as a speaker before I return, I would be honored to come and be an encouragement. You can find more details at www.MissionFrontier.info/invite.
Thank you for standing with me in prayer and support. I look forward to seeing how God moves in the days ahead.
In Christ,
Lawrence Bowman
