Serving In Love and Humility
March 26, 2026
Womens Soccer Team to El Salvador
Written by Chloe Iliff
Today has been such a blessing in a way that was so unexpected. This past week has been nothing short of miracle after miracle. God has shown up and revealed Himself in mighty ways.
Reflecting over the past few days Klotzy challenged me with a thought in the van on the way to our first stop at BeSport. He stated something like "Isn't it crazy that we so clearly see God in everything? Every detail, every thought. Not because it's El Salvador, but because He is in everything."
This thought really hit. Why is it that we can see God so clearly on mission "trips"? Yet when we go home, earnestly seeking Him maybe doesn't take a stop, but slows down. We are called to live a life on mission. Not to go on mission for a week and come back. But to truly live on mission.
As the day goes on we have the opportunity to hang out with kids and get to know them! Audrey and Abby shared their testimony and it was powerful to see God move through the people around them as they were listening. We then got to play soccer and be with the youth and SII staff. We then went to another field and got to coach and play with more SII teams and players.
Language barriers are difficult, but being able to join one another and build relationships with a ball is so incredible. The best part is that God uses that. He uses sports to connect His people so that we may know Him better. To hear testimonies, Scripture, and to pray with one another. God doesn't need much to make His name known. But our "yes" to reflecting and sharing Christ can help one more find the Creator.
As the night winds down, Klotzy had prepared time to encourage the SII staff. We all had come around to speak truth, life, encouragement and Scripture over them. This took me back to the idea of life on mission. Humberto, Mirna, and Hilda serve the Lord day in and day out. They love because He first loved us. One major message that was shared was that it was obvious that these three often come sit at Jesus' feet. They live out faith, service, devotion and passion towards the Kingdom daily.
Klotzy then lead us into a time of worship and we had the opportunity to wash Humberto, Mirna and Hilda's feet and pray over them.
WOW.
This was a moment that I could not get enough of. When Jesus set the example and washed His disciples feet, He served them in love and blessed them. Witnessing and being apart of this was and is so powerful. The fact that our creator, Father and Lord wants to wash our dirty and sinful feet because of His love for us is incomprehensible and His desire is never changing.
Honoring SII staff and encouraging them to continue to be the feet and hands of Jesus was incredible.
"And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!""
Romans 10:15 NIV.
To live a life on mission is hard, takes time, perseverance, sacrifice and devotion. But it is so worth it. Serving the Lord and seeking Him in every small detail will never disappoint. His promises His presence everywhere we go. He offers a life of abundance, love and growth!
The Lord doesn't promise easy, but He promises worth it!
Written by: Audrey Tucker
Yesterday was a day filled with both joy and gratitude as we began to wrap up our time here in El Salvador. It was one of those days where every moment felt like a reminder of how faithful the Lord has been throughout this entire trip.
We started the morning by heading back to the community of Thomas Rodriguez. We were greeted by smiling faces and eager children ready to play. Even though the language barrier makes conversation difficult, joy and love don't need translation. Being able to spend time with these kids—simply playing, laughing, and showing them the love of Christ—was such a gift.
But what made the morning especially meaningful was knowing it would be our last time seeing them this trip. The relationships formed, even in just a few days, are real and impactful. As we hugged the kids and said goodbye, there was both gratitude and sadness in our hearts. At the same time, we were reminded that God is the one who continues His work in their lives long after we leave.
After leaving the community, we stopped at a local market filled with all kinds of souvenirs and small handmade items. Walking through the booths together, laughing and picking out little reminders to take home, was a fun way to celebrate the week we've had together.
From there we drove to the beach, where we spent the remainder of the day resting and reflecting on everything the Lord has done during this trip. The beach gave us space to slow down and soak in the moment. Some of us swam in the ocean, others walked along the shore, and many of us played volleyball and soccer in the sand. Conversations flowed easily as we talked about our favorite memories, the people we've met, and the ways we've seen God move throughout the week. It was one of those moments where you can clearly see the Lord's faithfulness woven through every small detail. As the evening went on, we spent time watching the sunset. We took time to sit together on the beach and worship the Lord. It was another peaceful moment to pause and praise the Lord for His faithfulness throughout this trip.
After that, we gathered together around a bonfire for one last time of reflection. We read Joshua 4:1–9, where the Israelites set up stones of remembrance to remind future generations of the Lord's faithfulness. These stones were called Ebenezer stones. To close the night, we each wrote our own Ebenezer stones. Writing on our own stones gave us the opportunity to reflect on the many ways we have seen God work throughout this trip: in the kids we played with, the conversations we've had, the laughter shared, and the quiet moments where the Lord met us personally.
This trip has shown us again and again that God is faithful. Faithful in the big moments and the small ones. Faithful in the laughter and even in the goodbyes.
As we head home, our prayer is that we wouldn't forget what the Lord has done here. Just like those Ebenezer stones, we want to carry these reminders with us so that when life gets busy again, we can look back and say with confidence: we have seen the Lord's faithfulness again and again. And He will continue to be faithful in the days ahead.
More posts about this trip on Lipscomb Athletics Blog.
Not a Trip
Category: Student Life