“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4: 11-12
Several years ago, His Way Atlanta Director Jeremy Mitchell made a life-changing decision to center his entire life around Christ. This decision combined his personal journey with mission work, and ultimately led him to El Salvador. What started as short-term mission work evolved into something much more significant. Over the years, Jeremy’s trips to El Salvador have become a vital part of his life and ministry, impacting not only the lives of those he serves but also his own family.
The Journey to El Salvador
Jeremy’s mission trips to El Salvador began at Central Church of Christ, in Huntsville, Alabama, where Jeremy attended church while a resident in the His Way program. He and the youth minister were friends growing up, and as teenagers they traveled together on numerous mission trips to other countries. When the opportunity came to go on a mission trip to El Salvador—a country that was very dangerous at that time—Jeremy joined the trip to help keep the group safe.
What started as a one-time trip turned into an annual mission, and nine years ago, Jeremy began making the journey on his own. The relationships he formed in El Salvador had a major impact on his life, leading him to his future wife and more.
“If I hadn’t gone to His Way,” Jeremy shared, “I would never have gone to Central (Church of Christ). If I had never gone to Central, I probably wouldn’t have rebuilt that relationship with my friend. If I hadn’t done that, then I wouldn’t have gone to El Salvador. If I hadn’t gone to El Salvador I wouldn’t have met my wife, and I wouldn’t have the three kids that I have today, so it all kind of ties back to His Way.”
An Extension of the Work at His Way
Jeremy’s mission trips are more than just visits. They are an extension of the work he does at His Way Atlanta. Over the years, he has become a familiar face in more than ten churches across El Salvador, building relationships with congregations, ministers, and people. His mission work looks a lot like what he does at His Way—preaching sermons, visiting the sick, meeting with ministers, and providing support to those battling addiction.
El Salvador lacks the resources to help those struggling with addiction, with limited access to detox facilities and a lack of comprehensive addiction recovery programs. Therefore Jeremy’s work focuses on education and helping ministers and church members understand the complexities of addiction and offering practical approaches to support those in need. While the challenges in El Salvador are unique, the core of his work remains the same: equipping the saints, supporting ministers, and planting seeds of hope.
“I plant shade tree seeds that I’ll never get sit under the shade.” – Jeremy Mitchell
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and would like to know more about His Way Recovery Programs in Atlanta, Georgia, or Huntsville, Alabama, contact us and a member of our team will reach out to you.