1. El Salvador

2. 6.3 Million People Smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. Pacific Ocean

3. The Basics Spanish Speaking American Dollar is the currency Tropical Climate Civil War (1979-1992) Negotiated settlement in place. Continues to struggle with high rates of poverty, inequality, and crime.

4. Siloe and Por Gracia We are working with a church called Iglesia Bautista Siloe Church, which has a private Christian school on its’ grounds called Siloe Bautista School, and has grades kindergarten through 9 th grade. When students graduate, they can choose to be finished with school, or go on to high school (either public or private). The church and school are adjacent to a poor colonia (another name for neighborhood) called La Linea, that has many gang members living in it. Many of the children who attend the Siloe school are children of gang members, and the gang leaders interestingly enough have assured the Pastor of the safety of all those related to the school, (including Riverbenders) because those at the school “take care of their children”.

5. Become committed followers of Jesus Christ. Find satisfactory employment. Be successful in further education: high school and beyond. Avoid crime and gang involvement. Goals for the children at the school Riverbend supports.

6. Key Leaders Pastor Javier Osorio and his wife Karla Jake Hjemvick Executive Dir. of Christ for the City Melqui Cruz (Compassion International for Siloe) Juan Nunez, Co-Principal at the school (Academic) Josue Sanchez, Christ for the City Salvadorian missionary, our trip coordinator, and primary translator. Alexis Coto- Christ for the City Missionary Leads a Riverbend support team in La Linea colonia. Ruth Aldana: Siloe women’s ministry leader Jorge Hernandez (Comptroller for the School & Church).

7. Projects and ministry Water Filtration System Library and Science lab Construction and Maintenance Computer Lab Women’s Ministry Leadership Training Teacher Training Music Ministry Workshops Medical Missions Sponsorships (K – College)

8. Typical cost of a trip is $1200 - $1400. Mostly Casual attire Pants and Jeans. We stay in a comfortable hotel. We have sufficient translators if you don’t know Spanish. Must have a valid passport. Things to know before you go

9. For the Men’s Summer Trip : Jim Ford jford@guard-it.com For other trips and Info: Andrew Carpenter acarpenter@riverbend.com Contact us