Ruth Orantes sabbatical hosted by Cielo Azul and The Simple Way

For updates and photos about Ruth Orantes' sabbatical during Sept and Oct, be sure to "like" the Cielo Azul facebook page at www.facebook.com/friends.cielo.azul.

Ruth began her sabbatical with a warm welcome from many friends in Philadelphia, including Shane Claiborne from The Simple Way.

Photos from March 2012 Study Trip

Great photos from the March 2012 Study Trip!  Be inspired....and consider joining us in June or Nov for the next trips on the schedule.

For more photos, check out the March 2012 Study Trip Facebook album.

An invitation -- two more Cielo Azul study trips in El Salvador this year

We're offering 2 more study trips to El Salvador this year -- one in July and another in November. Check out this video invitation from The Simple Way and Cielo Azul, and join us for a life changing experience! Share with friends who might be interested.

Official dates for the next 2012 study trips:
July 27th - August 4th (application deadline is June 1st)
Nov 23rd - Dec 1st (application deadline is Oct 1st)
 
Download the study trip brochure here and fill out the online application form here:  http://cieloazulfund.blogspot.com/p/cielo-azul-study-trips.html

Find us on Facebook!

We're launching our new Facebook page for Cielo Azul!  Check it out here, and be sure to "like" the page. While we're updating information and making this transition, you can still find out about us at www.thesimpleway.org/friends/cielo-azul/ and www.cieloazulfund.blogspot.com.

Shekina responds to national emergency in wake of record-breaking flooding and landslides in El Salvador

Over the past week, El Salvador (and all of Central America) has been hit with disastrous flooding from a tropical storm.  We ask you to join us in prayer for our friends at Iglesia Bautista Shekina and all people affected by this record-breaking natural disaster. 

A record rainfall of more than 4 feet (with the rain still falling) has been measured since the rains began in El Salvador on October 11th.   This is the greatest accumulation of rain since record-keeping began in 1960, surpassing the previous record set during Hurricane Mitch in 1998.   There have been hundreds of landslides and mudslides which have closed roads.  Flooding has wiped out bridges.  Homes have been destroyed.  Access to many communities has been cut off.  Earlier this month, many farmers were expecting that this year would be their best harvest in years; however, much of this crop will now be lost.  

Reports in the past few days include:

• 150,000 people have reportedly been affected in some way by the rains.  
• The official death toll has risen to 32. 
•  More than 32,000 people have been evacuated from 149 communities. 
•  Some 21,500 are living in 223 shelters across the country. 
•  More than 18,400 houses have been damaged by floods and landslides.
• At least 576 landslides have been recorded
• 10 bridges have collapsed. 

In the midst of this overwhelming situation, Iglesia Bautista Shekina has been responding to immediate needs in their community.  They quickly began collecting clothes and basic food supplies to deliver to an emergency shelter in Santa Ana for families who have lost homes and been evacuated from marginal communities threatened by mudslides.

 Using their experience leading children's outreach programs in their neighborhood, Shekina's young adults stepped up to organize games and activities for children who are staying in one of the municipal shelters.

 To view additional photos of Shekina's volunteer work helping the affected community, visit their Facebook photo album here.  For more news about people and events at Shekina, http://www.facebook.com/ibShekinaSantaAna. 

Please join us in celebrating the strength, confidence, faithfulness, and resilience of the people of Shekina, even as we pray for the many victims of this natural disaster. 

If you would like to make a donation to support Shekina's community outreach programs and other ministries, please use the secure form in the sidebar on the blog to pay via PayPal or credit card.  To donate by check, please make payable to "TSW / Cielo Azul Fund"   and mail to:   Cielo Azul Fund / PO Box 211 / Wayne, PA  19087