"With this class I feel safe, I feel I'm worth a lot. The classes have given me the confidence I need to meet the challenges of life," says Javier, a ninth grader in a violent area of El Salvador.  He's been attending OM's Life at the Crossroads program, a values-based teaching for 6th-9th graders.  "They are only 45 minute lessons," coordinators Alex and Raquel Aviles explain. "And we’ve only just started teaching them. But it’s so great to see that the students already express their gratitude. They let us know the classes are very helpful to them." 

The lessons teach kids how to honor each other because each is loved by God.  "There are wonderful people among the youth of this community;" say the Aviles.  They have gained insight into their students' lives by reading the kids' writing.  They've learned how death, family issues, and gang pressures have affected them.  Many have low self-esteem because of these external pressures. 

However, God is touching the lives of each one.  Here are a few of their comments:

• Maria, 7th grade: “Today I could understand that I am a super special person, because God made me as I am. It was His pleasure to make me unique in this world and just like me, all people are special to me now.”
• Marroquin, 8th grade: “I really feel relieved.  This talk has shown me that sometimes we have problems and we don’t know how to solve them, and as well we learn that it is beautiful to know [somone] inside and out.”
• Joel, 8th grade: "I just want to be better in order to overcome all the evil thoughts that surround me. Thanks for giving us this opportunity, God will repay you someday."  

"We’re experiencing a great joy in our hearts when reading these wonderful words,” says Raquel, “You can feel God's comfort, and the fear that these students have towards their creator.”  She is assured, “God will transform this community.”

Pray for the transformation of this town, from violent to Christ-honoring.  Pray for the Lord’s blessing there, both spiritually and economically.  Pray God's comfort for each resident, beginning with the children in this outreach.  Pray many will be moved to serve the Lord in their community.