A letter from Kristi Van Nostran serving in El Salvador
February 19, 2015
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Dear friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the terribly sad news of another life claimed by senseless violence in El Salvador. Many of you know IRCES (Reformed Calvinist Church of El Salvador) Pastor Joel Berdugo; he was with the delegation from IRCES that met with us that evening at the hotel during our Gathering in October. He and his family live in a neighborhood in Soyapango that is particularly “high-risk” for violence and crime due to turf wars between gangs. Most of the IRCES leadership, including Pastor Santiago, Carmen Elena, Pastora Josefina, and Pastora Iris and their families all live in this community not far from the church/school in El Limon.
Late Tuesday night I received word that Pastor Joel’s adult daughter (40-something mother of two; 25 and 14) was murdered around 9 pm after walking to buy pupusas at a local place in her neighborhood, not more than two blocks from her home. She was approached by two men dressed in all black who shot her on the street and fled. There is an open investigation, but little hope that anyone might be brought to justice for this horrific crime. It is assumed to be gang-related, and there are still many unanswered questions as to whether she was the target, if she was confused with someone else, if she and/or her family had refused or evaded extortion, etc. At this time we assume that the family is not in danger though they did opt to hold her wake at the church in El Limon, not at the family home as is customary. I did not attend the service last evening for security reasons; the area is not safe to come in or out of after dark, particularly for folks not “known” in the neighborhood. I do plan to attend the graveside service at the Municipal Cemetery in Soyapango with the other leaders and members of IRCES.
Rev. Santiago asked that I communicate this tragedy to you all and invite your prayers for Pastor Joel’s family and our church family in this difficult time. I would also ask your continued prayers for the youth and families in Soyapango that have suffered so much conflict and bloodshed, as well as prayers for El Salvador—this wounded and weary country that bears the name of our Savior and Lord. God in your mercy…
Kristi
The 2015 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 69
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