In the early 1990s, New Hope Lutheran Church was finding new ways to live into its calling to love and serve beyond its walls. One key initiative? The Global Celebration: a special event that combined education, worship, and direct action, collecting school supplies for children in El Salvador.

But it was more than a supply drive. In January 1994, something unexpected happened.

Rev. Dan Long, the missionary supported by New Hope, visited the congregation to share stories of his work. During that Global Celebration, he gave more than a presentation—he extended an invitation. Long suggested that Peggy Contos and Pastor Quill reach out to the Sister Parish Program based in San Salvador. That suggestion turned into a turning point.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, El Salvador was changing. The Peace Accords were signed in 1992, formally ending the civil war. For the first time in generations, there was a chance to build—not just rebuild—a new society. Faith communities like El Buen Pastor Lutheran Church in Usulután were deeply involved in this process, helping communities heal and flourish.

New Hope began imagining something more than financial support: a true relationship. A sister church. A community-to-community partnership grounded not in charity but in mutual sharing.

And so the conversation began.