My project, briefly, is to begin the writing of a memoir that will emphasize the importance of social activism in ministry by recounting my experience as a minister and peace-broker in El Salvador, helping bring an end to that country’s 1980-1992 civil war, and since that time as a U.S.-based minister and activist working for the rights of the poor, immigrants, and others who are underserved in our society.

The project will occur during a three-month sabbatical from my role as associate pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. It will involve travel to El Salvador for research and interviews with colleagues who were also involved with me in the peace effort, an extended period of being able to focus on writing, and the engagement of an English-language writing coach/assistant, as my first language is Spanish.

This project will benefit both my own congregation and the broader Christian community, by describing how believers can become involved in doing groundbreaking social justice work inspired by their faith. This will be illustrated by my work in El Salvador and in Washington, D.C., where I am involved in community issues as well as national lobbying efforts on behalf of social justice.