June 1, 2009 was the day that Mauricio Funes became the new president of El Salvador. There are 4 political parties in El Salvador. The two major parties resemble our own Republican and Democratic parties--one claiming to be conservative and the other liberal.

The former president had been from the conservative party and was a good friend of George W. Bush. Our countries had a good relationship, and we as missionaries were allowed to enjoy support from the government. The mayor of La Palma was a close friend of the president, and that helped us.

Mauricio was promoted as a candidate by the liberal party because they had no one capable of winning. Mauricio was not a party member but agreed to run as a candidate but without promoting the total party platform.

It now appears that the former president had a lot of corruption in his staff. Lots of money is not accounted for, and programs were in shambles that should have been well funded. Mauricio took time to get his people trained and oriented. It was almost a complete turnover, so there was a long learning curve.

Along with the election of the new president, there was a congressional election. Neither of the 2 major parties gained a majority, but the 2 conservative parties collaborated and hold a majority. It APPEARS that as of now the new government is doing well. Mauricio stated publicly that he is NOT aligned with nor a friend of the Venezuelan President Chavez. He has stated that the United States is a strong ally.

We are told that the education programs are being funded better now, and that medical centers are being funded better now. We have developed good relationships with leaders in both of the major parties and can call for support if needed. We try to avoid political issues to the maximum extent possible.

El Salvador and Honduras are rebuilding their relatioship with each other following the change in government there. Pray for continued support from the government as we try to do God's will.

One thing that has changed significantly is our ability to get shipments into the country. It cost several thousand dollars in storage fees for the two large containers we shipped there last year. We are awaiting someone in government to sign documents allowing the next shipment in. This is taking a long time. We believe it will improve as they see our good works in the La Palma community.