Women from Thirteen Countries
Attend the First Ever Moms In Touch Conference for Central America 

El Salvador. The dream of Central America Regional Director Olga De Tamacas came to life in May as a thousand women filled an auditorium at the Convention Center in San Salvador. Olga writes, “God poured out His Holy Spirit among the congregation. He allowed us to fulfill our desire that was to exalt His Name and to put Him at the center of our Congress. 

“In spite of all the commotion caused by a large number of women gathered at one place, Fern [Nichols, Founder] and Marlae [Gritter, Executive Vice President] spoke with anointing and authority. Over and over again women talked about the sweet spirit of the speakers, and that they said exactly what we needed to hear. 

“I thank God for the amazing joy that was left in our hearts. It was not just a sense of satisfaction of an accomplished mission, but God’s joy filling our hearts after His divine visitation.” 

Four US MITI women flew to Central America to participate in the Congress. They pitched in and helped with preparations; and, with gracious smiles and servant hearts, translated side-conversations for Fern and Marlae. Two of the women gave the following account of their experience. 

Our trip to El Salvador for the Central American Congress
By Alma Chan and Veronica de Urrutia, MITI leaders, Los Angeles, California 

Friday, May 4, 2007. The Congress began with an awe-inspiring flag ceremony. Women from thirteen countries attended: Bolivia, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grand Cayman Islands, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, United States and Venezuela. Women wearing native costumes and holding their own country’s flag, formed a beautiful procession that flowed from the back of the auditorium to the front. 

We are at a loss for words to describe this homage to the King of Glory; only the eyes of the worshipper can give passage to the heart where this treasured memory is held. In an effort to oblige those who could not attend, we can only describe this as a time of worship, a holy procession if you will, with women near the front carrying a huge, red banner with gold trim and the name Jesus. Surrounding flags had the symbols and names of God written in Spanish; then the women from each country followed. Leading the procession and bowing down to the King, were worship dancers with veils and ribbons. This kind of worship is described in the Holy Scriptures and truly gave us a small glimpse into what heaven must be like; only then, people from every nation will join in! 

After the flag procession, we heard from Fern Nichols, and she spoke powerfully that God the Holy Spirit is moving the body of Christ to pray. Jesus, the great Intercessor, is praying for our children, our families and husbands right now. All we are doing is uniting our prayers with Jesus’ prayers. This statement was so meaningful to us; we don't want to lag behind; we want to pray with Jesus because He is working right now in the lives of our loved ones. We don't want to miss out by neglecting to pray. 

Fern also stated that we must not believe the lies of Satan that prayer does not matter—let us pray, pray, pray and let God do the work! After being wonderfully encouraged by her wise counsel, the evening closed in the spirit of worship as it began, with the large flag bearing the name of Jesus being carried out. All eyes were on this procession as the dancers accompanied the flag in reverent worship. We came away filled with His presence in a spirit of unity with our sisters from all over the world, and felt truly one in Jesus. Again, a glimpse of the sweetness of heaven permeated the room. This further opened our hearts to what the Lord was planning for us the next day at the Congress. 

Saturday, May 6, 2007. The Congress began with much enthusiasm and excitement for what the Lord had planned. The talks by Fern, Marlae, and Olga were both inspiring and insightful. We all looked forward to being refreshed and instructed, and we were not disappointed! The worship by the children of MITI moms, as well as the testimonies, were a wonderful blessing. It was good to go through the prayer format and to see the connection between specific prayers and the answers, as promised in Scripture that the fervent prayers of a righteous (wo)man avail much. 

The nations coming together for the purpose of exalting Jesus in the lives of our children was truly an amazing experience. God’s purposes were definitely accomplished as the passion for prayer was ignited. Women were anxious to get home and get started with their groups. They caught the vision of the MITI ministry, and we are sure many leaders were raised up. 

The bond between us all was irresistible. As we walked through the auditorium, and if any eye contact was made, it was quickly followed by a hug. What a beautiful demonstration of the love in the body of Christ. We had never experienced anything like this. Women were coming alongside other women who needed prayer and encouragement, praying Scriptures as the Lord led. 

We all see it more clearly that the answer to our social ills, the gang problems, and our own distress with our prodigals will come from God through our prayers; we must persevere and not lose heart. Certainly the spark ignited in El Salvador will spread like wildfire throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean as these thousand women take the vision home. 

To God be the glory! 

Alma Chan, Veronica de Urrutia and Enid Chiang, from
California, and Laura Ahumbada, from Washington state,
were blessed to be used by the Lord to interpret for Fern,
Marlae and other moms who spoke only English. They also
ministered at churches, an orphanage and a school.

 More highlights from the Central American Congress 

v      Approximately 200 pastors and their wives attended a breakfast in their honor. The best way to reach moms in Central America is through their pastors. Many pastors, who had been reluctant to hear the specifics of Moms In Touch, listened attentively as Fern gave the history of MITI, and several pastors have already opened the doors of their churches for women to be trained in the Four Steps of Prayer. Marlae briefly shared the prayer curriculum, Igniting a Passion to Pray, and two pastors gave testimonies that Moms In Touch has blessed and strengthened, not only moms, but also whole families and their congregations. It was clear on the faces of several pastors that their eyes were opened to the real benefits of this ministry. 

v      God opened doors through the media. Many women heard about MITI and the Congress event through radio and a live television interview with Fern, Marlae and Olga. 

v      Our hope was to spark new MITI groups. After the Congress, we observed about 15 MITI Guatemalan women talking together. A team is being organized to continue the ministry in their country, and Olga will be visiting to help and to share the Four Steps.