IGLESIA GETSEMANI (GETHSEMANI CHURCH), PAJIGUA

Pajigua

Pajigua is located in the mountainous eastern region of El Salvador. It is a very remote village that belongs to the municipality of Guatajiagua and is the poorest in El Salvador. It has an approximate population of 1,800 and 95% make less than $175 monthly. Most residents are small-scale farmers, who cultivate corn, beans, some vegetables and fruits.

About 50% of the population has access to potable water, two schools. Almost 75% have access to electricity. They have no local access to health care. The closest health clinic is about an hour away by foot. Most of the households have access to latrines.

Pajigua doesn’t have a community association but has a health committee which has worked hard to implement different initiatives, such as latrines and home gardens. The health committee is working along with the local church to see their community transformed. They are now soliciting help from other local organizations and are seeking to build a health clinic.

Iglesia Getsemani Partnership with ENLACE

Pastor Andrés Membreño and tow of his daughters. Some of the strongest leaders of the local church in Pajigua were members of the Health Committee in Abelines. Beacuse of that experience and observing the Abelines church's work with ENLACE, they wanted to work in a similar fashion in their own community.

In June 2008, Getsemani Church's pastor, Andres Membreño asked ENLACE to work along with his church and community. So far they have installed latrines and hosted a medical brigade.

Pastor Andrés and four of his leaders attended the Annual Pastor's Retreat in 2008. They emerged from this time excited and committed to transforming their community. In their enthusiasm, they have already inspired other church leaders and members to participate in the different initiatives. Their next goal is to build a health clinic that will serve everyone in their community.

Church Profile

Name: Iglesia Getsemani

Year church founded: 1974

Years of pastoring church: 11

Weekly attendance: 75

Years partnering with ENLACE: 2

Number of community initiatives implemented: 2

Number of people impacted: 500

Community partners: Community Association, Mayor’s Office, and Public School.

Initiatives completed:

Medical Brigade

Latrines

Initiatives for 2010

Latrines

Medical Clinic

Medical Brigades

Possible Initiatives for 2011-2013

Housing

Pedestrian Bridge