Books for a Better World Visit
Kira and Abby from Books for a Better World stayed at the Pastoral House while they visited 7 schools in the rural Berlin area. The schools were primarily in the communities that OSP serves. They talked about books and reading, read to the kids and then had kids read to each other. They presented each school with 50 books, in Spanish, both fiction and non-fiction.
7/7/2025
Heartland Presbyterian Delegation in El Salvador
A delegation from Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive, Iowa, concluded a trip to El Salvador on June 24th. They visited various historically significant sites, gaining an insight into cultures and events that have helped shape the living conditions of those we serve in El Salvador. They met with the leadership of each of their two partner communities and spent 4 days going door to door in the communities. The delegation visited with each family, learning about their lives and needs. They also delivered food relief packets and health items to each family. The week was concluded with a combined party with both communities. During the party Heartland renewed their partnership commitment with each community. Formal covenant documents were signed by representatives from community leadership, the Pastoral Team, the OSP board of directors, Heartland Presbyterian Church and the OSP interim Co-worker. Learn more by accessing the "Heartland PC 2025" and "Kathy Bassett since 2016" blogs on the Blogs page.
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6/26/2025
Rev. Bob Cook Passed Away on April 30th
The Our Sister Parish mission would not exist if it hadn't been for the Rev. Dr. Bob Cook. Bob, acting as the Hunger Action Enabler for the Presbytery of Des Moines first traveled to El Salvador in 1990, while the civil war was still raging. He initiated contact with people in El Tablon, a canton in rural Berlin, Usulutan, El Salvador. In doing so, Bob formed the first relationship between the people of Berlin and the people of the Presbytery of Des Moines. He eventually formed a relationship with the group of Salvadorans that we now know as the Pastoral Team. They were already doing the work of God in their community before anyone from the states became involved. Bob convinced people from churches in the Des Moines area that they needed to become involved and that they needed to see things for themselves. So they began sending delegations. In 1999 Heartland Presbyterian formed the first formal church/community partnership with Canton El Tablon. Eventually the Our Sister Parish board of directors (originally called Companeros) was origanized and the mission came into being. Click Here to learn more about the history of OSP.
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Services for Bob were held on May 17, 11:00 am at St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 6426 Merle Hay Road in Johnston. His obituary can be found at: https://www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/RCook#obituary
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5/11/2025
Updated 5/24/2025
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Don Justo Coffee with Dignity Flavor Changes
In August, 2 new flavors will be added to the Don Justo Coffee with Dignity lineup. The news flavors are Caramel Toffee Crunch and Fudge Brownie. Watch the Buy Coffee page on this website and the Don Justo newsletter to learn when they will be available .
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In order to make room for the new flavors we are discontinuing our two limited-time flavors: Salty Caramel and Chocolate Raspberry. Those two flavors are now on sale for $6 per 1 pound bag.
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Click Here to order coffee... or check with your normal Don Justo distributor.
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6/13/2025​​​
Trinity United Presbyterian Delegation in El Salvador
On March 21, 2024, a delegation from Trinity United Presbyterian church in Indianola, Iowa, returned from a week of visiting their partner communities in El Salvador. Trinity members were joined by members of Scotch Ridge United Presbyterian church, Westminster Presbyterian church and Central Presbyterian church. Check out posts about the trip on the Trinity Facebook page and the Scotch Ridge Facebook page . Kathy Bassett's blog ( Kathy Bassett since 2016 ) has information about the trip, too. You can find links to the Facebook pages and to Kathy's and other OSP related blogs at any time on the BLOGS page. That page can be accessed by clicking on the OSP BLOGS button at the bottom of the HOME page or by going to the RESOURCES page (click the Menu icon at the top right of any page) and then looking under MORE.
Covenant Presbyterian Delegation in El Salvador
On January 27, 2024, A delegation from Covenant Presbyterian church in Des Moines, Iowa, returned from a week in El Salvador. Check out the Kathy Bassett since 2016 blog to follow their trip. You can find links to the Facebook pages and to Kathy's and other OSP related blogs at any time on the BLOGS page. That page can be accessed by clicking on the OSP BLOGS button at the bottom of the HOME page or by going to the RESOURCES page (click the Menu icon at the top right of any page) and then looking under MORE.
Also, view the posts from Jan. 21-27 on the Covenant Facebook page for pictures and info from their visit. Click here.
OSP is a Silver Star Transparent Charity
Candid's Guidestar Charity Check service has issued it's Silver Transparency rating to OSP. Click Here for details.
2024 Coffee Order Challenge Results​
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5/11/2025
Christmas Message from the Pastoral Team
Casa pastoral de Berlín
Hermanos y hermanas de las iglesias que trabajan con casa pastoral en el trabajo por el bien común de los más necesitados reciban un grato saludo.
Que nuestros corazones sigan siendo iluminados por la estrella de Belén y bendecidos con el nacimiento del niño Jesús para que nunca falte el amor, la unión, la paz y la felicidad de cada familia.
Departe del equipo pastoral deseamos éxitos y bendiciones a cada uno de ustedes esperando que estas fechas venideras sean de prosperidad y que este otro año que nos regalara nuestro señor sea un año de bendición y éxitos en todos los nuevos proyectos.
Que Dios derrame muchas bendiciones sobre las familias y los trabajos que cada uno de ustedes realiza que sea el que de las fuerzas para todo lo nuevo que nos espera. Abrazos fuertes para todos de parte del equipo pastoral de Berlín y sus comunidades.
Berlin Pastoral House
Brothers and sisters of the churches who work with the Pastoral House in the work for the common good of those most in need; receive a pleasant greeting.
May our hearts continue to be illuminated by the star of Bethlehem and blessed with the birth of the baby Jesus so that love, unity, peace and happiness of each family will never be lacking.
On behalf of the Pastoral Team, we wish success and blessings to each of you, hoping that these upcoming days will be prosperous and that this next year our Lord will give us a year of blessing and success in all new projects.
May God shower many blessings on the families and the work that each of you do, may He be the one who gives us the strength for everything new that awaits us. Big hugs to all from the Pastoral Team of Berlin and its communities.
12/24/2023
OSP Board Christmas Dinner
Most of the OSP Board members were able to meet at a local, Des Moines, Salvadoran restaurant for the Board's traditional, 2023 Christmas dinner gathering.
Latino Heritage Festival 2023
Iowa's Latino Heritage Festival was held September 23-24, 2023 in Des Moines' Western Gateway Park. Our Sister Parish staffed the El Salvador cultural booth. Thanks to the volunteers who set up and staffed the booth!
Delegation Visited El Salvador
4 delegates from the Southwest Iowa Regional Partnership arrived in Berlin on Monday, January 23rd. They spent the week meeting with the residents of their Partner Community, Alejandria. Interim Co-Worker Kathy Bassett blogged during the trip, so be sure to check it out.
Tropical Storm Julia hammers Berlin
Tropical Storm Julia hammers Berlin
Tropical Storm Julia hammers Berlin
The rain started around 5 pm on October 10, 2022. The Berlin area was one of the hardest hit areas in El Salvador, receiving well over a foot of rain in just a few hours. As of Oct. 11 it is not possible to travel to ANY of the cantons that OSP works with. Besides roads becoming unpassable, houses were damaged, phone service, electricity and water were cut off, and crops were severely damaged.
Click the button below to help those who lost much in the storm. All donations will be used by the Pastoral Team to provide disaster relief for those directly affected by the storm.
OSP Is Once Again Sending Delegations to El Salvador!
The first OSP delegation since February 2020 landed in San Salvador on June 27, 2022, and returned to Des Moines on July 5th. Trinity United Presbyterian in Indianola, Iowa, sent 10 people to reunite with the Pastoral Team and their friends in their Partner Communities of Casa de Zinc and Casa de Zacate. More details on their visit can be found in Kathy Bassett's blog.
Seeking Mission
Co-Worker
Our Sister Parish is seeking a full-time designated mission Co-Worker to live in El Salvador. To apply please send a resume, cover letter, and three references with contact information to osp@oursisterparish.org.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please direct all questions to osp@oursisterparish.org as well.