The Word For Every Protector

God’s Incredible Opportunity in El Salvador

by Pastor Adam Fridenstine, Emanuel Baptist Church of Cojutepeque

There are moments in ministry when we look back and see God’s hand clearly, even in seasons that felt uncertain or difficult. Our church, Emanuel Baptist Church of Cojutepeque, went through one of our hardest seasons of life and ministry so far. It was a season of challenges, testing, and growth. Yet, as we remained faithful, God was quietly preparing something extraordinary—a ministry opportunity that would touch tens of thousands of lives across El Salvador.

During that challenging season, I met the director and subdirector of the national police in my office. That day God planted a seed of friendship with the subdirector that would blossom into a ministry opportunity beyond anything I could have imagined.

About a year later, I presented a plan to place the Word of God into the hands of every police officer in the country. The subdirector shared this vision, and we began praying and planning. Soon, Faith Baptist Church, Pastor Mark Smith, and several other generous churches in the United States joined us in helping to design, print, and ship Bibles and New Testaments for all 30,000 police officers.

With approval from the top leadership, we began visiting police stations nationwide. We presented each officer with a Bible, sharing the message of salvation and hope through Jesus Christ. Station by station, officer by officer, God opened hearts. At this point, over halfway through the force, the response has been overwhelming—officers receiving the Word of God with gratitude and joy.

But God was not finished. One day a pastor serving as a military chaplain called me after hearing about the police project. Could we do the same with the military? After a series of meetings with high-level leaders, we were granted permission to distribute Bibles to every member of the armed forces. Once again, our faithful partners in the States provided the Bibles.

On October 2 we had a historic first presentation. Standing before the top military leadership of El Salvador, we personally presented each one with his own Bible. The scene was humbling—national leaders receiving the Word of God with respect, honor, and anticipation. We now await permissions to continue the distribution across every military base.

This incredible opportunity reminds us that God often works through hard times to accomplish His purposes. Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. What once seemed like challenges were actually God’s preparation for fruit that would last far beyond our imagination.

Faithfulness in one place, even during trials, brings a harvest in due season. Galatians 6:9 encourages us—And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. By persevering through the trials, praying for the right doors, and staying committed to the calling God has given us, He opened doors to influence tens of thousands of lives for eternity.

As we continue to travel from police stations to military bases, carrying Bibles and the message of the Gospel, we are reminded that God is still at work. He is still opening doors, changing hearts, and using ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His glory. Every officer and soldier who receives a Bible has the opportunity to encounter the Prince of Peace—a protection far greater than any uniform or weapon.

Indeed, serving God is the greatest joy. Difficult seasons, faithful service, and perseverance are never wasted. God is moving, transforming lives, and proving that His ways are higher than ours. This is an incredible reminder: no matter where we are, in our trials or triumphs, God is still doing amazing things around the world.

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