No Field Forgotten

“Through this work I’ve seen up close the truth that God does not leave any field forgotten.”

When Mayerlis started her medical studies, she couldn’t join an MUC El Salvador group at her university in San Miguel. Because there wasn’t one.

Although this eastern region once had a thriving student ministry, the pandemic changed the landscape. Groups struggled to meet virtually, students graduated and moved on, and the distance from San Salvador (the ministry hub) limited staff worker support.

Over time, the MUC groups dried up.

Yet today, Mayerlis and Sindy, a newly appointed staff worker for the area, are serving in this barren field – and seeing God’s reviving hand.

Fallow Ground

Sindy notes that the challenge runs deeper than the effects of the pandemic – the ground feels dry and hardened.

She finds that many students are apathetic towards talk of Jesus. The idea of studying the Bible together, “feels tedious or strange to them”, especially when the majority’s sole motivation for being at university is work-related. She recalls her own experience:

“At first, I saw university simply as a place to get equipped for my future profession. Four years ago, I’d have said, “I’m just there to study, to get work-ready” – I never imagined God would use me in the university to share the gospel.”

Ploughing the Land

But, while studying at UNIVO, Sindy attended a national MUC event, and God challenged her to see a mission field. On return, she invited some classmates to a Bible study group – and they came.

Mayerlis has seen a similar pattern at the University of El Salvador (UES):

“After the pandemic, students felt more isolated, more focused on study, unsure how to relate with others. Reviving groups has been like ploughing dry ground – we must first rebuild friendship and community.”

Reclaiming Ground

To build bridges, Mayerlis and Sindy are finding creative ways to engage their campuses – like in February, when they offered “love letters” with love-filled Bible verses.

Such words are desperately needed. Many students face economic pressures and struggle with anxiety and loneliness, with families often split apart by emigration.

Mayerlis follows up with all those who show interest, inviting them to enjoy snacks, find a safe space, and explore Scripture. Inductive Bible studies are once again a weekly feature of campus life.

“We’re not simply reopening groups. We’re reclaiming ground! Conversations that begin about homework and end up reflecting on God’s purposes. Sitting in the middle of campus with open Bibles, with God’s name spoken naturally in university spaces. That’s reclaiming ground for the kingdom!”

Pray

Give thanks for Sindy and Mayerlis and the revival of groups in UNIVO and UES in eastern El Salvador. Sindy also supports a new group at another campus (UGB). Pray that these three groups will flourish and grow.

Ask that students will respond to outreach – to look beyond their studies and future career to see the God who brings purpose to it all. One student told Sindy, “I’m only here to finish my degree, but I feel empty”.

Thank God for the pioneering vision of MUC and a Thriving Together grant that’s enabled this ministry. Pray for God’s ongoing provision of funds to sustain it. And pray that students and staff across IFES will grasp that “no field is forgotten”.