The door shut behind us, and I heard the key locking the door. The guards stayed outside. Surrounding us were about 150 young men dressed only in baggy shorts, with tattoos covering much of their bodies and shaved heads. I sensed tension in the air, and their eyes asked, “Why are you here, and what do you want?”Pushing through the crowd came a familiar face. Hector — a known gang member from the neighborhood across the highway from our church — was accused of a violent crime. We had helped build his family’s wooden home the previous year."Hermano (brother) Kenton, what are you doing here?” Hector asked. I told him we had come to see him. “This is my pastor,” Hector proudly told everyone.To give to the Moody family, click this link.The tension dissipated, and several of the young men extended their hands to welcome us, but no one was more surprised than I. Hector had never once come to a church service or any activity for that matter. How could I be his pastor? The realization hit me that I was his pastor not because he came to where we were but because I went to where he was.A Surprising RespectThat was my introduction to El Espino (The Thorn) youth detention center. The word on the street was that if you weren’t a gang member before you were sent there, you would be by the time you got out. Imprisoned youth spent their time tattooing their bodies. Drugs were prevalent. Yet a number of young men in El Espino indicated they wanted to leave the gang lifestyle. We went to the prison to start the faith-based Living Free program, which provides twelve steps to liberation from controlling habits.For several years, I avoided prison ministry, justifying my decisions by saying that our ministry was helping children and youth, building wooden homes, and administering our Hosanna School. But one day, reading Hebrews 13:3, “Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself,” I couldn’t ignore the need any longer, especially since the country of El Salvador is noted for having one of the worst prison systems in the world.
To read more about this ministry to El Salvador, click here to check out the v7n6 issue of WorldView Magazine.To give to the Moody family, click this link.
El Salvador: Remember Those in Prison
By Kenton Moody
See God in LAC
I have known AG U.S. Missions missionary Pastor Dave Houck of Salt Life Chu...
Revelation 12:11 states that “they [believers in Jesus] overcame him [the d...
AGWM WorldView magazine and other publications
Our most recent videos
Access a selection of our photos from around the world
Compelling updates from around the world
Christ Among Us 2023
Search our global workers.
A healthy church within walking distance of every African
We are reaching THE NEVER REACHED of Asia Pacific.
Is a movement of Jesus-followers linking arms to take the gospel to every people group in the Eurasia Region.
God is making history in Europe. Are you ready?
LAC is reaching “the other five” through church planting.
Unconventional strategies. Unconventional places.
Hear from our Executive Director.
Globally assigned. Globally engaged.
Not a member sign up below
Enter your email address and we’ll send you instructions to reset your password.