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Serving El Salvador

Bringing God Glory Through Our Service

Calvert Grace Community Church • STCH Ministries • Peniel Ministries
June 19 – 26, 2026

Why Go on a Mission Trip?

Do you ever wonder how God connects with us? That was me. When short-term mission trip discussions were announced, I thought “why not take a look” — I went to the meeting to listen only.

Why… you may be like me as you ask yourself why go on a mission trip to a place I do not know with people I do not know… I can say going on a mission trip changes your life… forever. Go to God and ask God how might going on a mission trip change your life… FOR THE GOOD!

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

Matthew 25:35

Got questions? Ask Steve at Abbaway4u.com

Edgar Borja, Sr.
The Foundation

Edgar Orlando Borja Hernández

A Common Man Who Stepped Up

As a boy in public school, Edgar’s brother convinced him to visit a Christian school. Edgar was not a believer. He could not pay — but the administrator offered a scholarship. That afternoon, the swim coach offered to pay him to train the team. A door opened, then another, then another.

Edgar swam well — earning a spot on the 1980 El Salvadorian Olympic team. His team missed the Games when 16 nations boycotted. God had other plans.

Over 51 years, one seed became 15 churches, 7 schools, 5 kindergartens, 2 Bible institutes, and 3 vocational training centers. Edgar planted and God grew.

Edgar teaching
Edgar at the pulpit
Edgar with fellow pastor

Full interview video at Abbaway4u.com

A Life Transformed

Tatiana’s Story

Tatiana’s father abandoned her, her brother, and her mother. They had nothing. Her mother walked miles every day to the city to sell fruit and vegetables — never giving up.

They were blessed when Edgar planted his first church near where they lived. Little Tatiana walked miles to school each day, then miles back over the hills in the distance. Always smiling. Never wavering.

Through STCH Ministries, an American family sponsored her education. As a child, Tatiana dreamed of becoming an English translator. Today, she serves as the lead interpreter for Peniel Ministries — the very church that gave her hope.

When she sings “Goodness of God,” full of emotion, you understand — she knows God has a plan. Trust, and all works out.

Tatiana — Testimony & Song

Do NOT miss viewing the entire testimony. You may find yourself “crying.” This is the power of what God does through Peniel Ministries.

“Where do you get your shoes?”

Her Testimony (35 sec)
“Goodness of God” (1:15)

Full testimony & song videos at Abbaway4u.com

The Journey Begins

4:00 AM departure from Baltimore. The sense of excitement is incredible — you bond as a team, you feel the purpose. Everyone gathers in the dark, luggage packed, ready for what God has planned.

On Our Way

Team gathers before dawn
Casa Misionera
On the plane
Welcome to El Salvador
The Message
On the road

The Only Country Named After Jesus Christ

“Provincia de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, El Salvador del Mundo” — Province of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. Named in the 16th century under Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado.

Source: Catholic Connect — A Nation Named in Faith

A Nation Reborn

From Darkness to a Shining Star

Five years ago, El Salvador was the most dangerous place to live or visit. Gangs owned the streets. Witchcraft poisoned communities. Fear ruled.

Then the people elected a leader and supported him as they aggressively cleaned up the crime. Over 75,000 gang members imprisoned. It wasn’t easy — fear was there. But leaders like Edgar, with their congregations, stood with the populace and supported President Bukele.

The results are clear. Now seen as a resource-rich country with people who value family, who seek to improve their lives and grow their country for their children.

A Nation Reborn

Edgar made it clear: “Once we attract industry, we are a hearty, loving people. We will become a shining star in Central America.”

“
We used to be famous for the bad things. Now we want to be famous for the good things. Three million have left for America — they want to come back.
6.4 Million
Salvadorans living in
El Salvador today
2.9 Million
Salvadorans living in
the United States
~200,000
On Temporary Protected Status
TPS expires Sept 9, 2026
Once we can attract more large industry our economy will grow. We have a lot of infrastructure work that will keep our people employed. Men with jobs are proud men who lead families!
— Edgar Borja, Sr. • Interview with Steve Plyler
Edgar on El Salvador’s need for trade schools, industry, and keeping families together. Hand UP, not hand OUT — that’s what Peniel Ministries does.
Edgar Borja — A Strong Message (2 min)

Visit Abbaway4u.com to download the FULL interview video this short extract was taken from

Infrastructure — A Nation Building

New roads, new opportunity
Building the future
Highway expansion
Keeping families employed
Our Partner in El Salvador

Peniel Ministries

Founded by Pastor Dr. Edgar Orlando Borja Hernández. 15 churches. 7 schools. 5 kindergartens. 2 Bible institutes. 3 vocational training centers. 7 companies. ~3,000 weekly attendees at the central church alone.

The Peniel Model: “Virtuous Circles” of self-sustaining community transformation — worship, education, and service working together.

250+ students at Getsemaní Christian High School. 60 partial scholarships. A weekly breakfast ministry feeding 60+ families. Sports, children’s programs, nursery — a complete community.

Peniel Ministries Website  •  STCH Ministries

Edgar Borja & President Bukele

El Salvador’s President is a Christian. Edgar meets with him and other leaders who share the vision to make El Salvador shine. At a Day of Prayer with U.S. Congress members, Bukele gave testimony that “God changed our country.” Christian schools produce graduates with a stronger foundation — the President sees their value.

Edgar’s son Victor operates a small plant manufacturing mini crypto machines, now sold worldwide — proof of El Salvador’s capable workforce.

Day One

Father’s Day Worship

Our first Sunday in El Salvador. The home church of Peniel Ministries welcomed us into their Father’s Day celebration.

Edgar Leads the Worship

Edgar Borja opens the Father’s Day service at the home church. The congregation fills the room. Music, prayer, and praise in Spanish — the Word of God transcends language.

▶ Video: Father’s Day Worship Service — Full video at Abbaway4u.com

Pastor Robert Wagner & Edgar Borja

Pastor Robert Wagner (left) founded Calvert Grace Community Church in 1984. Edgar Borja (right) has planted 15 churches across El Salvador. Two men, two continents, one mission — serving God’s people.

Edgar and Mark introduce Pastor Wagner to share his message.

A Message That Touched Souls

Pastor Wagner’s Message

Pastor Wagner’s message theme was well received — even though, as we all learn, communication using a translator requires patience. The theme was how God never leaves you. God carries you!

Pastor Wagner had their attention. As a seasoned pastor, he knew now was the time. Pastor Bob moved over to an open area, invited teammate Gabe to the stage — then Pastor Bob lifts Gabe into his arms, driving home that God has His believers in His arms.

The image was immediately felt. After the service, four men who had attended church for years — never committing — gave their hearts to Jesus. They recognized Him as their Savior.

Pastor Edgar later shared: “These men have attended for years and never committed. How blessed we are that Pastor Bob traveled thousands of miles to share this message with them.”

Robert Wagner’s Sermon

“God has Big Arms. He wants to carry you — free choice, go it alone or trust God.” Four men gave their lives to Christ after hearing this message.

Pastor Robert Wagner — “God Carries Us” (6:58–8:00)

Welcomed with Open Arms

At every church we visit, the welcome is the same — cheering children, smiling faces, open arms. You arrive as strangers. Within minutes, you are family.

Each church we visit has a jamming worship service to get us started.

Edgar’s First Church Plant

Built on a Hillside

This was Edgar’s first church plant — and the one that started it all. Upon arrival, we were stunned. The neighborhood sits on an incredibly steep incline. Homes built from corrugated steel, wired by whoever had the skills, plumbing that most Americans would find lacking.

But what can’t be denied: the neighbors work hard. Many commute to the city. Others sell vegetables from their front doors. All visitors are welcomed by smiling children.

The pastor started with 20 to 30 people worshipping under a temporary canopy. Tatiana and her mother walked many miles to attend. Today, over 300 people attend Worship Services.

“
The pastor shared how evil forces wanted to keep the church out. Their first weekend, they set up canopies for Sunday worship. The next day upon arrival, they saw what was very strange — the metal poles weren’t just bent, they were twisted, crushed. Pastor shared, “If I hang from those, I can’t bend them at all.” A block away lived a brujo — a wizard. There was a spiritual battle going on.
— First Church Pastor • translated by Bill
From 20 families under a canopy to over 300 people in a thriving community. The darkness tried to stop it. God won.
First Church Pastor (35 sec extract)

A Mother and Daughter Alone

Like Tatiana and her mother, they were abandoned by her husband and her father. A common thing to happen to women in 3rd world countries. They live on the edge of the church property in a small galvanized steel home with very little. The young daughter took photos of us as guests for the church. In one day you get attached — they are kind, helpful, seeking to live in dignity.

Soccer — The Strategy That Works

A major feature: soccer fields attract men. The churches run leagues for all ages. If you commit an infraction (a yellow or red flag) you must attend church classes and worship to get back in. 100% attendance. The men keep each other on the right course.

Note the field: small, on an incline. If the ball goes out, you chase it down a hill that is steep.

Edgar’s First Church — Life & Activities

Activities together
Children’s program
Taking a break
Peniel children
Hands at work
Classroom learning
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I haven’t met anyone who has that passion for preaching. The children call him ‘Papa.’ We have many mothers who are widows or without husbands. They find refuge here in the church. Now we live day by day with hope.
— Pastor’s Wife • 2nd Church Plant
Gangs controlled the public schools — now they need new direction and the church is helping students develop values. Each church has a story. We are amazed as they share how God has blessed them!
3rd Church — Wife’s Testimony (18 sec)

2nd Church — Teacher Conference & Class Sessions

Teacher conference
Sharing techniques
Educators in session
Learning together
Classroom work
Teammate caring for baby as mom attends conference

2nd Church — Children’s Activities

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You Looking for Joy?

Sponsor a Child Full of Joy!

For a tiny monthly gift, you get to smile as you see the joy you bring to a child with little!

Tatiana, our translator, shared from childhood how an American couple sponsored her so she could dream — and become the Godly servant she is today at Peniel Ministries. What was once a little girl walking miles over hills to reach school is now a woman serving God’s purpose — because someone said yes.

☻
?

Your child is waiting for you.

One sponsor. One child.
A lifetime of purpose.

✝ SPONSOR A CHILD — CLICK HERE ✝

www.stchm.org  •  Abbaway4u.com

2nd Church — Children’s Photos

Activities
Learning and playing
Group time
All together
Smiles everywhere
Making friends
Hands-on learning
Wagner & Axel

The Third Church

We left the games and classes with the little ones, and took the bus to see the church and the middle schoolers.

A Pastor Who Never Quit

Another fantastic testimony as we heard of the struggles of the Pastor and his wife — how she never gave up and now he is growing the church. His ability to connect is due to how he and his wife loved the Lord, trusted and yes struggled as all do — their struggle, their openness connects with those who indeed live a hard life. The result: this church is booming as people from far away journey to attend services.

Peniel Ministries is the way to a better life. El Salvador is living proof of how God hears prayer!

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5:10
Filmed on the expansion land where the new church will be built
A Lesson for All of Us

God Does Not Reveal How

He asks us to have a heart for Him and His creation — and to stay involved.

This interview takes place on land that will increase the reach of Peniel Ministries. Standing here, we are reminded that God is unlimited — something small to us may grow beyond what we imagined, just as this tiny church is now about to burst with families joining because they realize Christian schools and the path of faith give their children an opportunity to escape the vicious cycle of poverty.

After the nearly 20-year civil war — then came gang control. Sadly, public school only goes to 9th grade in El Salvador. Not much of a start in life — and the gangs used the public schools for recruiting, as it was easy to promise a better life. A 9th-grade education meant a life of hard labor and poverty — gangs took advantage, promising more.

Do you know that after the initiation — a rough beating — a new recruit had to kill another person to be accepted. Pure evil.

Gangs left Christian schools alone — they concentrated on the public schools.

Over time Peniel grew, and people saw life was better as believers. As crime worsened, Edgar and his team came up with an idea: teach families of Christian students that their mission field was the public schools. They developed a program acceptable to both gangs and public schools — families coming in to teach about values.

Peniel Ministries taught to never give up — that evil is everywhere, and to counter it, the church must reach outside its walls. Over time, the church was seen as a good influence for children in public schools. More and more students desired to attend Christian schools, because they offered an opportunity for a better life — Christian schools went to 12th grade.

With the change in government and El Salvador’s citizens desiring more for their children as the nation recovers economically, there are greater opportunities for Peniel Ministries to share the Gospel.

The lesson for all of us — including Americans: God does not reveal how things will advance. We must, in little ways, and perhaps in ways we do not see the potential, stay involved in our marketplace so our neighbors see there is a light — the light of God.

Raquel - translator
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Raquel — Translator

This interview was made possible by Raquel, whose own life was transformed by Peniel Ministries. (Click photo to enlarge)

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3rd Church — Youth & Activities

Welcome
Billy’s testimony
Sharing stories
Young adults
Together
Pastor Phil
Teacher and student

Liceo Cristiano Vicente de Paul

Why Expansion Matters

Children Ready, Willing to Learn — Creative & Thriving

The children of Peniel’s Christian schools demonstrate something remarkable — talent, joy, and purpose. Every drawing, every recital, every creative dance is proof that when you invest in God’s children, they flourish.

Thanks to STCH, the land directly behind the main building has been financed for expansion — more than doubling the facility. More families want their children in Christian schools. The church is bursting at the seams.

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0:17
Thanks to STCH

Land Secured — Now They Build

The congregation is preparing to build as they pay off the balance on this very land. More classrooms, more families, more children learning in the light of Christ.

People shining for God — working harder to reach out as their country rebuilds from decades of gang control. A nation once gripped by fear is rising with pride and dignity.

The vacant land behind the church — future home of the expansion

A Hidden Discovery

We hiked up the mountain above the village and church. There we discovered something: maybe 70 years ago, they had a resort on this mountain for short getaways. Now abandoned, the kids loved teasing the bats as they came out of the old structure.

Mountain Resort & Hillside Views

Family at the mountain
Abandoned resort entrance
Old structure
Group at the overlook
Hilltop trail
Exploring the mountain
Above the village
The view below
Inside the abandoned resort
The mountain above the church
Mountain panorama
Exploring the heights
The Work of Our Hands

Building, Delivering, Serving

We build beds. We pack food. We deliver hope. Every project puts us hand-in-hand with the people we came to serve — and they serve us right back.

Building Beds for Families

Team at the worksite
Working together
Sanding the frames
Hauling lumber
Team sanding together
Hands at work
Bed Delivery Day

A Child’s First Real Bed

Volunteers preparing the beds
The children see their new beds
New friends

New friends

A Family Transformed

A Child’s First Real Bed

This family of five lives in a tiny corrugated steel home with few conveniences. The two children slept on the floor. Their mother deserted them. Their father works in another country. Their grandmother is raising them.

Today, they got their first beds.

“Let’s see if it holds! Lie down, lie down, Carlos!”
— the children testing their new beds

Spreading joy

Food, beds, spreading joy

100 Bags of Food — Feeding Families

Testing the new bed
Food delivery
His first real bed
The children
At the door
So appreciative
A Tribute to Growth

Expanding the Church

This is a tribute to the effort to expand the church. With STCH financing, they now need to pay the remaining 20%. They ask for our prayers that they can do this immediately and begin building the extension for the church on the property shown in the photos.

The Land & The Vision

The community
Church grounds
Growth and vision
The expansion property
Future church site
Hearts for the children

Beyond the Work — Fellowship

Our meetings were fun — Tory made sure we laughed. We reviewed our day and planned the next. Did we work hard? Not so hard it hurt. But with bus travel, playing with children, teaching, and building, we were ready to rest. The food, the talk, the learning — all better than expected. You go thinking you are there to serve, but you were served.

Our Journey Together

Casa Misionera — team circle
Building beds together
Youth performing on stage
Team on the bus
With the children
Soccer on the field
Teaching together
The lumber crew
New friends
Bus nap
Resting his eyes
Playing together

The People We Served

United under one flag
STCH Ministries partners
Delivering hope
Sharing the Word
A family we visited
Classroom smiles
Spreading joy
Playing together
Picking fruit together
Standing in faith
All smiles heading home
Building beds together
The Man Who Started It All

Pastor Robert “Bob” Wagner

A heart for God and the will to lead as God directed him.

In 1984, Pastor Bob planted what was then Grace Brethren Church — today Calvert Grace Community Church. Without his vision and leadership, alongside his bride Diana, none of our many missions, activities, and service to our Lord would have been possible.

Like a child on a swing — joyful, free, trusting — Pastor Bob has led with that same spirit for over 40 years. He taught us that serving God is not a burden but a gift. This mission to El Salvador exists because one man said yes to God’s call.

“For sending us. For praying for us. For believing in this mission.”

Friends We Shared Time With — Lasting Memories

Together
Memories
Sharing
Faith
Dance
Fellowship
Bill being Bill
Phil resting his eyes
All together

Friends We Shared Time With — Lasting Memories

Water park
Making a splash
Fun in the sun
Team time
Service
Bond
Community
Together always

Willing Servants — We Shared Our Mission With

Team at the church
Girls on the bleachers
Building beds together
Together on the field
Sharing the moment
Team under the trees
God’s light show
On the trail

A Mountain Farewell

On our last afternoon, our hosts surprised us. We traveled up a mountain to visit a coffee plantation and eat at a restaurant with an incredible view — above 3,000 feet, where the coffee beans taste smoother, less bitter. Our translator was Tatiana, whose testimony you’ve heard.

Coffee Plantation & Mountain Restaurant

Mountain restaurant view
The coffee plantation
El Salvador rising
The Future of El Salvador

Raquel — She’s Coming Back

When Edgar said “they want to come back” — Raquel is that story.

Raquel grew up in the Peniel Network churches. Her grandfather is a pastor. Her father recently became one. She has always been in the Lord’s path — churched, schooled through Christian education to the 12th grade, while public schools stopped at 9th. That difference changed everything.

At 13, Raquel was diagnosed with anorexia. Through her faith and her family, she recovered. “My faith has strengthened since then,” she says simply. No drama. Just truth.

“When I was seven, my mom gave me four lollipops and said sell them in school for a quarter each. That’s how I earned my first dollar — and I fell in love with the business.”

She bought more candy. Then pastries, toys, school supplies — anything needed. She learned about profit, loss, and the thrill of building something. At seven years old, an entrepreneur was born.

Today Raquel is studying marketing in college. Her dream: earn a master’s degree in the United States, intern at a marketing firm — and then come back to El Salvador to start her own firm helping small businesses grow. She sees what her country needs: “There’s no way a simple Salvadoran can reach out to investment or advice. I want to change that.”

2.9M
Salvadorans
in America
$8B
Sent back to El Salvador
each year in remittances
Shared
Faith • Family • Values
Americans & Salvadorans

Raquel is not an exception — she is a sign of what is possible. Peniel Ministries, through its schools and churches, has shown thousands of families what life looks like when values, education, and opportunity align. They are breaking ground on new schools because success breeds success.

The 2.9 million Salvadorans in America are not a problem to manage — they are an investment in the future. They send $8 billion home every year. They know both systems. They share our values. If we see them as partners, not a crisis, we build a hemisphere rooted in shared dignity and prosperity.

This is God’s way: Live. Work. Grow. Treat others with value. Harm no one. And do not shame the Creator by wasting the life He gave you.

When people have access to stable jobs, skills training, and purpose — they choose to stay and build their lives at home. Raquel wants to come back. That is the future of El Salvador.

Full interview & strategic report at Abbaway4u.com

A Challenge to the Church

“Give to Caesar What Is Caesar’s”
But in America — We Are the Caesar

God gave you arms, legs, and a voice — not to sit back and pray for someone else to act. In the only nation on earth governed by its own citizens, faith demands citizenship. We are not spectators. We are responsible.

God inspired our nation — a self-governing people, accountable to Him and to each other. Yet too often we sit back, pray, and expect God to do it all. But He gave us the tools to act: our minds, our hands, our voices. He designed us to pursue what is right and just — not to watch from the sidelines.

Human dignity is the foundation of every thriving society. It is built through education, meaningful work, family stability, safety, and the freedom to pursue one’s God-given potential. When people live in such an environment, they protect it. They reject manipulation. They choose responsibility over chaos.

The Lesson from China

Trade without shared values becomes a trap. We helped build a manufacturing giant whose leadership now seeks to displace us. Trade must be aligned with strategic partners whose long-term interests match ours.

Why the Americas Matter

Central and South America share our faith, family values, work ethic, and proximity. They offer farming, minerals, and a massive workforce. These are the ingredients of a partnership that strengthens everyone.

El Salvador under gang rule was a society where dignity was impossible. Now, on a path to democracy and justice, it is ready to grow. Manufacturing foundations, blue-collar training schools, infrastructure modernization, and trade partnerships could anchor millions of stable jobs — and keep families together.

“If we treat trade as a long-term strategic tool — not a quick discount — we can turn the Americas into a shared home of opportunity, security, and dignity.”

From the Strategic Report — Full report at Abbaway4u.com

El Salvador shows what happens when values and opportunity meet.
People stay. People build. People thrive. And a nation rises.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
A Note from Steve

About This Presentation

The production values are not as good as they should be to make listening easy. This presentation is a gathering of memories, not meant to be a professional production — it represents how God moves in our lives.

My promise: on my next mission, I will have microphones and do a better job for you. I learned how to prepare materials, how to video to capture the right moments, and how to make notes with names and dates.

What I cannot apologize for is the experience. It changed me. It will change you.

Our Partners

STCH Ministries

Founded May 1, 1952 on 637 acres donated by Laura Boothe. Zero government funding by founding policy. Serving orphans, families, and communities across Texas and Central America for over 74 years.

STCH began partnering with Peniel churches in 2022 — recognizing their shared focus on meeting practical needs, impacting families, and growing disciples.

www.stchm.org

Before You Go

Will You Pray With Us?

On this trip, we didn’t just build beds and pack food bags. We prayed — daily, together, Americans and Salvadorans side by side — for families who compared to most of us have very little, and yet pray in faith that moves mountains.

Pastor Wagner reminded us: faith is like boarding an airplane. You don’t understand the mechanics. You trust the outcome. God has a plan for you — trust it the way these families trust Him every day.

Pause right now. Pray for these families. Pray for the churches and pastors who serve them. And ask God one question:

“Lord, how are you calling me to serve?”

As You Prayed

Did God Put Something
on Your Heart?

Two lives change — theirs and yours.

✝
Sponsor a Child

Give a child in El Salvador an education, meals, and hope through STCH Ministries

www.stchm.org/give
✝
Give

Build beds. Fill food bags. Fund schools and scholarships. Select “Missions” in the dropdown.

Calvert Grace Giving
✝
Go

Join the next mission team. Contact Outreach Pastor Trevin Hoekzema.

trevin@calvertgrace.org

www.stchm.org • Calvert Grace Community Church • Peniel Ministries

✝

Thank You

For sending us. For praying for us.
For believing in this mission.

Calvert Grace Community Church • STCH Ministries • Peniel Ministries
“Provincia de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, El Salvador del Mundo”
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