Chris Johnson with Olympia, who raised children and grandchildren in a tiny, dirt-floor shack in Ahuachapán, El Salvador. She had recently learned that she would become the owner of a safe, new Fuller Center for Housing home in a thriving community a few hundred yards away. (Courtesy: Chris Johnson)
“The people who have decent houses and jobs have no interest in leaving home,” he said. “They love El Salvador. It’s a shining example of how the best way to stop illegal immigration is at its source, not at the end of the journey at the border. People who have hope stay home. Hope is far more effective than a wall.”
Johnson said he felt safe during his last visit. He added the country has made a strong effort to combat gang violence and the economy is on the upswing, saying tourists don’t need to exchange currency and visiting is relatively affordable.
“When I went there the first time, we had about 40 people with People Helping People and we had armed guards guarding us every single place we went; they rode with us everywhere. Then last year, when I went, we didn’t have any, because we didn’t need any,” he said.
Johnson added Salvadorians he met were grateful and kind, regardless of their situation.
“They have this generous spirit and this joyous spirit, which is amazing to me. The people [in America] have a nice 2,500 square-foot home and trying to keep up with the Joneses. They don’t show nearly the happiness of the poorest of the poor in El Salvador. So it makes you feel good to help these people because they are truly grateful,” he said.
Through their stories, Johnson is hopeful those reading “Hope in Action!” will be inspired to act out their faith.
“It’s all good to sing and worship and have fun on Sunday morning, but you’ve got to do something with it outside that parking lot,” Johnson said. “These are people who go above and beyond when it comes to that kind of thing. The whole ‘love thy neighbor’ concept, they take it to a whole other extreme. I hope the inspiration people get is that there’s more I can do.”
“Hope in Action!” is available on Amazon for $15 and all proceeds will benefit People Helping People’s mission. To purchase the book or to see Johnson’s other works, visit here.
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Publish date : 2024-08-01 08:08:00
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