Before faith can take flight, it often requires groundwork.

In August 1994, New Hope began planning a historic trip to El Salvador. A delegation would travel in early 1995 to meet the people of El Buen Pastor face to face. But this wasn’t your average mission trip. It was a pilgrimage of presence—designed not to “fix” or “build,” but to listen, to learn, and to grow together.

New Hope chose the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College to lead the journey. By December, the team was finalized: Pastor Quill, Dwight Vorpahl, Glenn Sprecher, Christian Pike, Gretchen Lundquist, Peggy Contos, Nancy Hank, Jim and Lea Martin, Jimmy and Kalita Pierce, and Jim Uschkrat.

Preparation was intensive. Delegates met Salvadoran students, dined on pupusas, worshiped at Esperanza Lutheran in Houston’s Gulfton neighborhood, received vaccinations, gathered passports, and prayed. It was formation of the heart.