Serving the Next Generation in El Salvador
By Mark Olivera | GOD Summer Internship Immersion – El Salvador
Mark Olivera (center, black tee) is on an immersion trip to El Salvador (right of Mark, in red), Professor Benjamin Reese (far right), enjoying a meal with friends in El Salvador.
One of the things I most looked forward to during my second Immersion trip with GOD International was reconnecting with the people I met last year—especially the youth. Just a few days into our time in El Salvador, as we walked through the community, a group of children recognized me from a distance and called my name. Getting to greet them again and catch up was a moment of joy I won’t forget.
This summer, as part of the GOD Summer Internship and its Immersion track, I’ve had the opportunity to continue serving youth and gain more hands-on experience in education. This week, I volunteered in two classrooms at a local school. On Wednesday, we helped teach an English class to 6th graders, and on Friday, we assisted their teacher during a literature class.
Mark and Jacob Olivera teaching English at a local school in El Salvador.
In the English class, my brother and I introduced five new verbs using movement-based activities to help the students remember them. Though they started out shy, the students became more energetic and engaged as we played games like Simon Says. The combination of language learning and physical activity made the class fun and effective. By the end, many of the students had learned and remembered the new words confidently.
Friday’s literature class offered a different kind of experience. Each student used a laptop or tablet to access FictionExpress, an online reading platform. They read a chapter, completed a quiz, and answered a comprehension question on a forum visible to the entire class. Our job was to help students log in, answer questions, and stay focused. It was a simple task but a meaningful way to support the learning process.
Mark and Jacob Olivera facilitating games at recess.
Serving in the school reminded me of something we studied this spring at The Institute for GOD, our Bible college that prepares students for global missions. In Luke 18:16, Jesus says, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Being with these kids is a living reminder of that verse. They matter. They belong. And it’s our responsibility to care for them well.
The work of Global Outreach Developments International is more than short-term service—it’s about creating long-term transformation through education, Scripture, and local leadership. As a missions college and development agency, our aim is to serve communities with the love of Christ and to equip the next generation with tools for both faith and future.
I’m grateful for the chance to return to El Salvador and be part of this effort again. Through teaching, playing, and simply being present, I hope to reflect the character of Jesus and help create a space where kids can learn, laugh, and grow. That’s what this trip is really about—bringing the kingdom of God a little closer, one child at a time.