Semillas de una Nueva Creación/Casa Semilla
- San Salvador, El Salvador
Organizational Overview
Casa Semilla’s mission is to strengthen the Christian Church in El Salvador by promoting a holistic approach to mission that encompasses both spiritual and practical aspects of life. Many pastors still focus mainly on spiritual matters, neglecting practical issues like food security, education, and community development. Casa Semilla aims to guide churches and their leaders to embrace a comprehensive understanding of mission that extends beyond spiritual conversion and addresses these vital needs. Through biblical study, tailored materials and diverse training programs, Casa Semilla equips leaders to utilize their talents for community service. Launched in 2005 and officially incorporated in 2009, the organization has focused on leadership development, helping churches across El Salvador engage in missions respond to community needs, whether it’s providing food, fostering self-employment opportunities, cultivating better relationships with neighbors, strengthening community bonds or extending support to vulnerable children, youth, and women. Casa Semilla is essential because many churches need support and guidance to fully engage with their communities and address the pressing needs beyond spiritual matters.
Beneficiary Population
- Urban Poor
- Children & Youth
- Women
- Families
- Leaders
- Entrepreneurs
Focus Areas
- Spiritual Transformation & Faith Communities
- Leadership Development & Training
- Community Development
- People & Family-Centered Development
- Wealth Creation & Economic Development
Organizational Track Record
Since its founding in 2006, Casa Semilla has made a significant impact in El Salvador by working with over 150 churches and community ministries and training more than 500 leaders and pastors. Through various training programs, Casa Semilla has addressed critical topics such as theology, leadership, pastoral care, emotional healing, abuse prevention, and violence reduction. Their efforts have empowered leaders to collaborate and tackle pressing social and economic issues, improving the lives of thousands. Casa Semilla has created valuable spaces for dialogue and unity among church leaders by organizing pastoral breakfasts, conferences, and learning communities, fostering collaboration and joint reflection among Christian leaders and NGOs. Casa Semilla’s focus on integral mission and community development has resulted in concrete support for dozens of churches. For example, over the course of the past 5 years, Semilla’s has assisted 20 churches across over a dozen municipalities with productive economic initiatives, environmental projects, and health education. Specialized work with children and youth has further expanded their reach, with programs in 20 rural and semi-urban and urban churches adopting local schools and impacting over 7,000 students through abuse prevention education and building greater family resilience. Their commitment to collaboration is further demonstrated by sharing resources and physical office space with ministries such as Marcos 2, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, and Scripture Union. Perhaps their greatest achievement has been the trust and acceptance they have earned from various churches and denominations, gaining credibility and respect across the evangelical community in El Salvador.
Key Leader Biosketch
Gerardo Reyes, a Salvadoran with a background in Sociology, Theology, and Politics, serves as the Director of Semillas de una Nueva Creación. With prior experience in teaching and various positions in civil society organizations, including in a Christian Student Ministry, Gerardo brings a multidisciplinary approach to his work. He holds a master’s degree in theology from Palmer Seminary, is a member of the Pastoral Council of the Iglesia Bautista en Familia and holds positions on the boards of the Scripture Union of El Salvador and the Latin American Baptist Seminary. Gerardo Reyes is dedicated to advancing the mission and vision of Semillas de Nueva Creación, leveraging his expertise in sociology, theology, and politics. He is committed to fostering the growth and impact of the organization's initiatives. Gerardo is married to Karla Tatiana and they have two boys.
Funding History with Camino Alliance
In 2023, Camino Alliance provided funding to address the urgent needs of vulnerable children and youth, particularly those affected by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty, and the widespread impact of incarceration. The project aimed to help 10 urban churches in vulnerable communities by equipping their leaders with the tools needed to intervene in the lives of at-risk children and adolescents. By training 20 pastors and 80 church leaders in missional theology, leadership, and intervention methodologies, the initiative strengthened the churches’ ability to respond to the emotional and spiritual needs of their communities. One of the key outcomes was the adoption of 10 local schools by the 10 participating churches, where church leaders collaborated with school administrators to educate 4,000 students on abuse prevention and life skills. Additionally, 500 children and youth joined newly established church-based kids clubs and youth groups, where they received discipleship and support. The project also focused on developing future leaders, training 50 young people to become effective youth leaders in their communities. This initiative not only addressed immediate needs but also laid the foundation for long-term community transformation through the local church.