9Milagro Rodriquez quote:

The times were quite difficult during the civil war when I heard that to the communities of Berlin had arrived a "Missionary" from the United States who did not speak much Spanish, but that he soon won the trust of the people with his simple and generous attitude. The people knew how to recognize a man of God who came to this town bringing hope.

I consider it a privilege to know the Missionary, Reverend Robert Cook, whom we all call "Brother Roberto", the brother in solidarity, committed to the ideals of peace with justice that has left its mark on each of the social projects that have improved the living conditions of the poorest of people. Brother Roberto continues to generate hope for people who still need solidarity of hands and generous hearts to help them achieve a more dignified, more just, more humane life. I thank God and Brother Roberto for giving me the opportunity to be part of this wonderful fraternal mission. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Paz y Bien.

Milagro Rodríguez

Milagro is the Spanish word for miracle. One of the first people I met when I visited Berlin, El Salvador was a woman whose name is Milagro Rodriquez. The poverty of her growing up had prevented her from attaining even an elementary education, yet she is a wise woman who understands the tenants of liberation theology. She is a confident woman who looked the evil of civil war in the eye and challenged its authority. She is a brave woman who gained the love and respect of the pueblo, all while caring for her elderly mother in a way that demonstrated she was a woman who lived her faith. Milagro's persistent demand for peace and justice to prevail in her homeland became my role model for living among the poor of El Salvador. Because of Milagro's life and faith, I have a story that is now a book, "Miracles in El Salvador: A Ministers Journey for Justice and Hope.

Rev. Dr. Robert Cook is retired Presbyterian Minister, missionary, activist, and organizer. Those who know him regard him as a man driven by a heart that desires to be employed in the work of the Kingdom of God. He has been a vocal and fearless advocate for the voiceless, powerless victims of poverty and a thorn in side of those responsible for it.