Perspective from above the wind

Dear Ones,

The team has returned to US soil. However, due to baggage trouble in Miami, we have separated to take different paths to our final destinations. Linda and I are presently in Chicago, while Kim and Larry are in Dallas and Nick and Brandon are in Columbus. We all anticipate being home before day's end. We are all healthy, and filled with a renewed sense of God's grace and providence.

I thought I would conclude the telling of this year's Ecuador mission story by relating some thoughts about a bald eagle we saw on Sunday afternoon. After worship at the Galilee church in Otavalo, the team decided to visit Condor Parque ( something I had wanted to do for several years. ) True to it's name, there were several condors in residence there on the side of the mountain. Huge birds, they were there as the result of injuries sustained in the wild.

Although the condors were unable to fly, the highlight of our day was to observe a bald eagle in flight. A professional who works with these birds brought the eagle out to where we were seated. Over the next half hour, we were graced with the raw beauty and strength of this magnificent bird. Initially, as the trainer released him, the eagle would fly just a few dozen feet, and then quickly return to his master's arm. Finally, after several forays, the began to fly in ever-widening circles and ever higher spirals. For a few minutes, our view was blocked as he flew towards the sun, and his flight seemed to be over a mile in diameter. He concluded this seemingly effortless display by diving dramatically into the space just in front of us, finally coming to rest on his master's arm. The scene was was wild - beyond our control.

While watching, my mind focused on the idea of dreaming and seeing a dream through to it's end. Ecuador has been like that for some of us. But it is not yet complete. We are like that eagle in his initial forays. There are bigger dreams that have been dreamed, and that are yet to be dreamed. We need to speak them out, and share them with one another. And then we need to pursue them, through their completion.

What has God spoken to you? Of what do you dream (if at all)? Is your dream God-sized, God-given? Spend some time with Him today, and ask what dream He has for you, and for your "team".

Sitting in the airport,
Tim

Travel log from Kim

Hello everyone from Ecuador. Thanks for your prayers.

Some of this you already know from Tim, but here is a brief travel log of our trip. We arrived in Quito Sunday night. Things went very smoothly through customs. We received all of the luggage and no problems getting meds in. We did an extra step this year and notified the consulate in Houston with the list of meds and supplies. They did not even ask for the papers. Monday, we headed to a town Puyo (near Shell from End of the Spear). We stopped to see an awesome waterfall and the Nate Saint house and MAF airport. We had 8 hrs of driving also. We had a clinic in Puyo. This is a place and with missionaries that have not worked with medical mission teams prior. Both sides were sort of feeling out the other for possible future opportunies.

Chet and Katie Williams and Daniel Klassen were awesome and their heart for the Waorani and God was a blessing. Then on Wed we drove from Shell to Otovalo. Early Thurs we left for Rio Verde and had clinic Thurs and Fri. There is a new bridge across the river, so we went further into the mountains/jungle than we have ever gone before. The walk from where we previously had clinic to the missionaries home was a 4 hour walk. After the bridge was built, it was an hour walk. And now the road (using the word loosely) is extended and for them a 5 min walk. For us, it was 30-40 min including getting my boots stuck in the mud. We stayed in the jungle at the missionary home Thurs night. Saturday we were back in Otovalo and went to outdoor market that afternoon. Sunday (we were more like tourists than a medical mission team) we went to church at Iglesa de Galilea which is a church in Otavalo. The pastor there is Wilman, and we work closely with him on our medical and VBS mission trips. Then our team and Wilman´s family went to the condor (bird) park. The bald eagle we saw fly (trained to return) was named Gringo. (Gotta love it!) We then went to the mountains to Cuicocha (guinea pig) Lake but were swarmed by mosquitos so did not stay long. Today we went to Pijal for clinic and just returned this evening.

I am passing along a few stories later but I do not know if I can match Tim´s storytelling.

Thanks for your prayers. We will be headed back to the USA in 2 days and see you all soon.

Love, Kim

Finishing the last regular clinic in Pijal

Dear Ones:

The team has finished their days of regular clinic as of today. We saw about 120 people in the Quichua community of Pijal. Kim saw many interesting cases, while I saw a lot of hyperactive kids. One interesting case involved a seven year old girl who would awaken several nights a month with hallucinations. Her gaze would be fixed on something, and she could not be redirected by her family. She would have no recall for the events. In the end, we decided she was experiencing absence (petit mal) seizures, but when you are here you also wonder about demon possession.

The team is tired, but contented. We believe that God has directed each of our steps and the events of each day. The people have been encouraged, and in many cases helped. We will be returning to Quito tomorrow, after seeing the local pastors and their families in the clinic at the Galilee church here in Otavalo tomorrow. We will be flying out of Quito early Wednesday morning, finally landing in the Cincinnati airport (after going through Miami and Chicago) at about 7:30 pm on Wednesday night.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support and encouragement. Linda`s foot has held up very well, and she attributes that to your faithfulness and God`s power. We look forward to seeing each of you in the near future.

I will close today with some more stories from the past week (to be posted in the email that follows this one).

In Awe of His Orchestration and Grace,
Tim

Viejas at clinic in Pijal

We saw many Quichawa and local people in clinic here today. Several old women came and not only told of their medical problems (usually pain) but also told me that the government should do more about their health and their land and offer more support. Some told me how their kids were already fighting over the inheritance even before she had died. My interpretors today told me just to start examining them because they would find more to talk about.

It was interesting to here the story of their land from their standpoint. We saw older people in this community that any other community I have seen in Ecuador in years past. Several were 70s-80s. They all are doing relatively well except vision and arthritis. Overall it was a great internal medicine day for me. One woman that broke her hip 11 years ago never had surgery but was frustrated because all the doctors did for her was give her pain medicine but did not offer anything else. She walked with a limp since her broken leg was shorter than the other. I discussed that even an operation now would probably not offer her much benefit for the risk of surgery and the pain/rehab. Several other similar stories came up today when surgery was recommended prior but not done and they wanted other options now. (Eye surgery needed for congenital eye muscle problem, gallbladder surgery recommended for abd pain, prostate surgery recommended for enlarged prostate due to difficulty voiding.)

I tried to encourage when I could but did not offer much in the way of new solutions. It gave me a new perspective on "missed oportunities." How often does God open doors or present situations for us to be part of His work? There have been many times immediately after it happens that I thought, there was another chance for me to join God in what He is doing. Ask (and follow) for God sized tasks and opportunities.

Sunday Lessons in Otavolo

Worship this morning was awesome. I had to concentrate much more on the words and what they mean because I am not able to sing words I have to translate while thinking about something else. Wilman preached out of I Corinthians 1.

Three problems that exist that prevent us from pursuing the cross:

1. Problem of division within the church
2. Lack of decision to follow Christ (Can we identify the church as different than the world?)
3. Not recognizing that without Christ we are nothing

The point that probably really hit home was when Wilman reminded me that the reason we do not hear or learn from God is because we are always talking. (Ouch!) Again I am reminded of one of God´s goals for me is to rest. I am always busy doing and talking, but I do not do much waiting and listening. That was the highlights of what I got out of the Spanish sermon (my own translation). Sheila´s birthday was Sunday, so they sang to her and gave her flowers. (Another story how they did that for another day.)

Other interesting things I learned that day that make you say hmmmm...: We did not get to see the condors fly because "there is not enough wind." I got batteries for the camera that did not work. I looked on the package and says "not for use in digital cameras or other high draining sources." Overall a fantastic day or rest and celebration.

Safe Return from Pijal

Back in the comforts of Otavalo

Dear Ones,

The team has returned to civilization, back in the comforts of Otavalo.

It has been a great four days spent with the Waoroni and the Awa. The travels have been long (8 hours on Wednesday and 4 hours today).

The team, though, remains healthy and unharmed. We have had much fellowship with the ministry teams here, including an exclusive overnight stay at the missionaries home in the jungle at Rio Verde. The muddy walk up the mountain was quite a slog, replete with knee and elbow

deep plunges into the quagmire. Photos of the fallen to follow. We saw about 200 Awa during the two days of clinic at Rio Verde. Problems included the usual fare of headaches, backaches, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, skin rashes, roundworms, and arthritis. We were welcomed and thanked many times. The team was humbled. Dr. Kim has been a warrior, often times serving as her own translator. Her insights and care have been exemplary. Linda has had some life-changing affirmations of her role here, including strong encouragement from Katie Williams (missionary, mother and wife in Shell, working with the Waoroni). Linda has been free-lancing, just spending time sitting and talking with the Wao and the Awa. She struck up some great relationships, and the people opened up to her in some remarkable ways. She will need to share her stories with you herself.

(One big deal that I forgot to mention above was that we crossed the new bridge on the Rio Verde, and went several miles beyond on the new road up to the actual village of Rio Verde in the jungle. A great new frontier for our team.)

We miss each of you, and love you very much.

With gratitude,
Tim

Mother of two special needs children in Rio Verde

She came with her other older children and two youngest (age 4 and 8). She was seeking answers what would make her 4 year old walk. She was concerned because she was not walking or talking. By observing them it was clear they had Down´s syndrome. What can I say to a mother who is here in Ecuador caring for special needs children that will be a lifetime commitment? Her 8 year old son with Down´s began to walk when his younger sister was born. We had to tell her that they would be slow to learn and possible never talk. I discussed signing but it was not well received. However, at the same time, I think the child probably eventually will walk because she was able to support her own weight. I cannot imagine the task of a mother caring for them in the jungle/mountains.

With God, are you handling the tasks set before you? Sometimes we see those in need and probably hinder (or baby) them somewhat such that they may not reach their full potential (even if that is not the same as everyone else). But at the same time, they will need more care and encouragement than others. I think the youngest child will do more when forced to walk or stand instead of being carried. How often do we look at our own circumstances and think we cannot do it or prefer to be carried? It was many emotions in one event.

The Young Widow at Rio Verde

She came into the school (converted for the day into a makeshift clinic) with her four young children (ages 6, 4, 3, and 2). The baby was on her back, and she carried her sleeping three year old son. She had the usual complaints of headache, backache and fatigue. Her countenance was somewhat depressed and discouraged. During my examination of her four children, one of them (the 4 year old) took a liking to me, and followed me around. Sheila held the sleeping 3 year old in her arms. Then, this 21 year old woman asked Sheila if she would be willing to take the little boy home to the US with her. Shocked, Sheila asked her why. The mother told Sheila that her husband had suddenly died two years before, and that she did not believe that she could take good care of her children any longer. She felt over-whelmed. We spent quite a long while exploring options with her, but none of them seemed close to adequate. We did encourage her to visit and get to know the Awa church, hoping that encouragement and hope could be known in that way. We provided meds for her and her children, prayed for them, and then she departed into the jungle.
Tim

The Trail of Mud

For the past six years, the team had never even been near this side of the Rio Verde. Then last summer "The Bridge" was built across the river, at the bottom of the hill. So this year, we were whisked across the river in the back of a pickup, and arrived at the village of Rio Verde at about midday on Thursday (last week). We had a very busy day in clinic, and saw about 90 patients. Then, as everyone turned to go home, we all anticipated the unique experience of staying overnight with the Williams and the Shaubs (Kathy Bruce`s inlaws, who also are missionaries) up on the hill. The missionaries built this home three years ago so that they could be living amongst the Awa. They built with the help of the Awa, but did so with their own hands. A remarkable feat, considering the jungle environment and the limited supply of resources.

So, this was our team`s unique opportunity to live like real missionaries, if only for about 12 hours. Better yet, Doug Williams was going to drive us most of the way up the hill in his 4-wheel drive truck. However, it had rained a lot (which is saying a lot, here) last week, and the trail was `slightly muddy`. Doug is a great driver (besides being a full fledged jungle man), but his truck was no match for the mud, what with half a ton of team members in the back of his truck. We got stuck -- completely stuck in a quagmire. He ordered most of us to walk on ahead up the remainder of the hill to their home (a mere 200 yards or so). Wasn`t as simple as that, however. We all slogged in ankle deep mud all the way up. Thankfully, we all had boots. But, poor LInda slipped and fell up to her elbows and knees into the thickest mud ever. I tried to rescue her, but it took an intrepid mission intern (David) to actually accomplish the task. Finally, we made it, laughing most of the way (mixed with a few tears and a lot of sweat).

Dinner and the rest of the evening was quite an experience, but I don`t have time to share it all. What I did want to share was Doug Williams response to my question : "What difference, if any, has the team`s efforts made for the Awa over the past six years?" After mulling the question over for a time, Doug recounted a story of a prominent man in the Awa community. The man had two daughters who had been tragically lost to drowning in a river 3 years earlier. A few months later, the man asked Doug where his daughters are today. Doug admitted that he struggled to answer the man, not knowing the daughters`spiritual condition. Finally, though, he realized that both daughters -- like many of the Awa who are not Christians -- had come to one of our medical clinics in the early years of the mission. And, like all who attend those clinics, they had indeed heard the gospel presented by either Doug or Kevin Bruce. So, he was able to give at least some potential comfort to the man, saying that they might be in heaven, ready to greet him someday should he choose to go there as well.

That one thought carried this tired sojourner through the rest of that unique night of adventure, somewhere in the Western hills of the Andes.

With peace and contentment,
Tim

Ministering to the Waoroni

Dear ones,

Peace and grace to all from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Day 3 was our first day of seeing people in clinic. We set up in a home here in puyo, which is being used as the church for the Waoroni people in this area. We had a roomy set up on the third floor, including the terrace on the roof. Shelia Duncan and I saw children as well as adults, Kim saw adults as well as children, Nick fitted folks with glasses, Leah and Brandon ran the pharmacy, and Linda provided health education as well as remarkable dialogue with the patients. Too many highlights of the day to recount here, but some included were a lunch for all 120 people, financed by River of Life and prepared by the ladies of the church. Great food and fruit juice beverages. Shelia and I were afforded the privilege of providing care for the grandson of Mincaye, the Wao featured in the movie ¨The End of the Spear¨. We saw about 120 people. More importantly, as stated earlier by our missionary host Chet Williams, was the establishment of relationships with the Waoroni people. We got to spend time with them, look into each others faces, and communicate through translators. We saw all many of disease and trauma, much as described in Matthew 15 regarding Jesus and those brought to him for healing.

The mission people here are and have been remarkable. Their faith and lives are deep in the lord, and they live their love for the waorani on their sleeves. Life can be hard here, but they smile a lot. Chet´s wife Katie is raising three very beautiful children, and the two of them are in charge of running several different ministries. Chet works for Youth World, which brings teens from churches down here to learn about life through working and living in the Amazon, etc. We met two interns while here, as well as his summer assistant Daniel. Daniel has a strong interest in health care, and spent a lot of time with our team. He is from Canada. While here, we have experienced a terrific mixture of different groups of Ecuadorian Indians, Americans, and internationals. The body of Christ is wide and strong here. The team has been richly blessed. Breakfasts at our hotel (the hostal of San Patricio) have been wonderful, and our sleep has been deep (secondary to exhaustion from working and sweating all day).

We are traveling by bus today all the way to Otavalo. This will be a 5 or 6 hour journey, passing through many mile long tunnels through the mountains, driving alongside wide sweeping rivers, elevating from jungle terrain up to the bare cliffs of the Andes. As we travel, we plan to recount the experiences of the last three days, along with explaining their significance. Linda said that yesterday was one of the best days of her life. She will tell more about that today.

We love you, and hold you close in our hearts.

Love,
Tim

Western Edge of Amazon at Dawn

Mepo

He was one of the Waorani people from the jungle but currently a worker at the new church in Puyo. (He was the photographer with my camera while I was seeing patients) He has a huge heart and compassion for people. In their culture, it is very difficult to be a believer. There is persecution and harassment from community and family members. Unfortunately, as believers, God does not promise protection but only relationship and eternity.

We returned after clinic from dinner and left him at the church where he is living. We found out the following morning that when he went outside to take out the trash from clinic, he was beat up by a drunk and went to the hospital. Mepo will have to answer questions and take ridicule due to us coming and the fight that ensued because he was doing good. The Waorani culture will kill you with a spear if necessary. However, it is very unusual for the emotion of anger in their culture. Getting hit or in a fist fight is one of the ultimate insults. Mepo did not want to tell us goodbye because he was embarrassed about getting beat up. Please pray for Mepo and the Waorani believers.

The Grandson

Many of you have heard of Mincaye. He was one of the Waoroni who speared and killed Nate Saint and the four other missionaries in 1956 in Ecuador. Later, he heard the gospel and believed unto Christ. His life changed, and he now serves as a missionary alongside Steve Saint (Nate's son).

His grandson (also named Mincaye) visited us in clinic while we at Puyo working with the Waoroni at their church in a home there. He was a joyful man in his thirties, and had recently strained his back. As we worked with him, it was very evident that he was a close friend and co-worker of Chet Williams, the missionary with Youth World here in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Chet later told us that young Mincaye and his family had experienced great trauma these past twelve months, including the loss of his 18 month old daughter who had fallen into the Pastaza river and drowned a few months before. In addition, a young Wao woman had committed suicide in his home, his aunt had died of pneumonia, his uncle had lost an eye due to snakebite, and his wife had been gravely ill late last year (but did recover).

Despite these tragedies, though, his faith, joy and determination to share the gospel with his people have remained strong. His life is a strong reminder to us all of the faith and grace that enables us to live above the circumstances of our lives.

His smile was contagious.

Tim

The Old Man in Puyo

He was about 70, slightly built but upright. His clothes were old and dirty, and he didn´t smell great. But he was deliberate, and had a peaceful bearing about him. Sheila and I thought him to be homeless, judging by the old sack he was carrying, along with an old book. His replies to our medical history-taking were only 1 or 2 words long. We thought him to be impoverished not only of income, but possibly of mind as well. It took longer than usual to deal with him. After about 20 minutes, I gathered his medications and was preparing him for discharge from the clinic. Just before turning to go, however, he asked in Spanish if we could pray. He then held our hands, and subsequently delivered one of the most eloquent (according to Sheila) 7 minute prayers that we had every heard. After closing with an amen, he embraced each of us with minute long bear hugs, and tearfully expressed his gratitude. As he departed, I was strongly reminded of the passage in Matthew 25: "...inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto ME..." He left the two of us speechless.

Tim

Arrival in Quito

Dear family,

Grace and Peace to each of you today.

Our team arrived in Quito, Ecuador last night. Everything went perfectly smoothly and safely. No problems this year with customs and security. Chet Williams and his great assistant Daniel met us at the exit, and our adventure got underway. Though a small team this year, we still have heavy loads of supplies. As we checked into the Howard Johnson´s last night, we were glad to have a place to rest.

Today was a very informative bus ride to the distant town of Shell. The beauty of Ecuador and its rivers is remarkable. We stopped at a 200 foot waterfall along the way, and climbed our way to its top. The views below of the Devil´s Cauldron were spectacular. Later, we visited the Nate Saint House. A legacy to one of the missionaries killed here in the fifties, the house is now being torn down to be replaced by a new guest house and meeting place. Likewise, the Mission Aviation Fellowship is being turned over to an all Ecuadorian staff. So, this is a time of transition and change in these parts. We talked the night away with Chet, and have been deeply impressed by his embodiment of Jesus Christ as he and his family love and minister to the Waoroni people.

Tomorrow, we will be working all day with the Waoroni in a home here in Puyo. Pray that God will give each of the team the compassion, sensitivity, discernment, skill, and spiritual maturity to be ambassadors of Christ to these dear people.

Also, thanks for your prayers for Linda. Despite a rugged walk to the falls, she says that her foot is feeling better. God is good!!! Keep praying for her, and for me and Kim. Please also know that the effects that each of you have had on our lives is being carried forward to impact the lives of people here. Thank you!

Impressed by His unfolding plan,
Tim

Words from Dr. Kim on departure

Hello everyone!

Here I am on the way to the airport on the way to Ecuador. Last week Mike Brady asked if I had anything else to add. I could not believe all I could come up with is “I’m excited.” I am actually sort of overwhelmed with emotion. It is some like the anticipation of going to camp because we will see people that I have not seen since 2006 and 2007. The renewal of relationships offers deep joy. As usual, when I have gone to Ecuador, we are going someplace the team has not gone before which could be frightening if we really thought about it, but God always opens new doors for us to walk through.

Here is a schedule of our nighttime locations:

• 6/20 & 6/29 – Quito
• 6/21-6/23AM – Shell
• 6/23 – Otavalo
• 6/24-6/26 – Lita/Rio Verde
• 6/26 PM – 6/29 AM – Otavalo

We have already had much prayer covering our preparation to go to Ecuador. Last year the team had issues going thru customs with the medicines in Ecuador. This year we submitted all of our license and DEA info to the consulate in Houston to try to prevent problems thru customs. This was a huge risk since neither of the physicians are licensed to practice in Ecuador, and we do not work with physicians in the community. The consulate could have denied our request, and I think our mission would look very different. However, our request to go was approved.

Our team is small which allows us to travel to several sites in Ecuador. We go as physicians to serve as physicians, but I really do not feel like that is our main role (others may not agree with the opinion). For lack of a better analogy, I feel like we are the “circus show.” We work with established missionaries in every community that we visit. We act in part as a mechanism to recruit locals (and some from far away) to come hear the Word and establish relationships with the missionaries. I am sure some come just to see what the Americans look like. We feel like another major role is to bring encouragement to the missionaries that are there. I feel our third role is to treat the patients that come with the love of Christ and medical care as we can.

I just want to share some about the missionaries we will be working with. Chet and Katie Williams are the missionaries in Shell and affiliated with Mission Aviation Fellowship Youth World. This is the first time we have worked with this team. The River (local church in Lexington) is sponsoring a community meal (as recommended by the missionaries). We will be working with the Waorani and Puyo people. The believers here have had many recent difficulties: Gilberto and Silvia lost their 2 yo daughter in a drowning 2/2010 and Raynaldo and Blanca had a friend commit suicide. (This is the area Steve Saint speaks of in End of the Spear film.) The missionaries in the Otavalo area are local Ecuadorians. Wilman and Clemencia Varela are the ministers of Galilea Church (along with Roberto). Wilman was involved in a multiple vehicle accident in 2008 and suffered ankle injury that did not heal correctly and now has seizure disorder as result of injury. This has brought physical and financial hardship. Washington and Julie Pozo are also in this area (local from Ecuador but work with Liebenzel missionaries). Washington has been ill with an undiagnosed problem causing a large amount of wt loss. Doug and Dorkas Williams are missionaries with Liebenzel that are originally from the US. They work with the Awa people and are very much a vital part of that community. Rio Verde is way up the hill. However, we are excited to go there this year and anticipate a different setting because they have just completed a foot bridge over a large canyon there.

Pray for us and our trip. Until the whole world hears!
Kim

Words from Tim and Linda on departure

Dear Ones,

Grace and peace to the saints at Tatesbrook, and to our beloved.

Our team has been blessed with a safe and smooth departure this morning from Cincinnati. We are now in Miami, and hope for arrival at about 8pm tonight in Quito. We will be met by Chet Williams and other missionaries from Shell. Tomorrow we travel to the western edge of the amazon, where we will have lunch at a waterfall. Afterwards, we will start seeing the Waoroni at a school converted to a clinic.

Enroute today, I have been reading "the signature of Jesus" by Brennan manning. It is about "radical discipleship". Early on, manning is writing about faith. He says "each next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of the influence of God in the present moment". Already today the is talking about what God has done, is doing, and will do. It is exciting to be on the edge of His action and revealed purpose.

Blessings to all of you. Continue to pray for Linda's foot. We will stay in touch.

Buoyed by His grace,
Tim and Linda

Kim, Tim and Linda leaving on Sunday

Please keep the Tatesbrook trio and all traveling with them in your prayers this week as they prepare to spend ten days in Ecuador again this summer. Only our God knows just what He has in store for them on this trip.

I was able to stand in the back of the sanctuary this morning as our body gathered around them and prayed together. On a day where we celebrated faith and talked of discipline, our three faithful traveling ministers teach us with action.

Weary Travelers are home

Dear family and friends,

It is Sunday night, and the weary travelers have returned home. We are tired, but happy. God continues to be very faithful all around the world. Our health care team over the past twelve days saw between 1100 and 1200 people -- the most ever in the history of our missions to Ecuador. In addition, two men and three male teens carried many tons of sand, gravel, soil and block in the completion of the floor for the new Awa youth center in Lita. This was a task of great effort and dedication by the construction unit of this year's mission team, and the fruit of their labor will be realized for many years to come.

A bridge is being constructed over the Rio Verde (photos to follow)!! This river represents the edge of civilization to our mission teams. Most of the Awa live on the other side of the Rio Verde, and there are no semblances of civilization on that side. The Awa cross the Rio Verde to come to our clinic, and must traverse the river either on horseback, or by crossing over one of several five inch wide foot bridges. The new bridge will therefore change their lives. In addition, efforts are also underway in the placement of light poles and lights along the opposite side of the Rio Verde. This, too, will change life in these mountains. Undoubtedly, the change will be both for the good, as well (most likely) for the bad. But the change will come, and indeed is here. The missionaries (Bruces, Williams, and Schwabs) want the change to be entirely for the good, and by the grace of God it will be. But, much more work needs to be done. Education efforts are being planned to improve Awa hygiene and health. Likewise, the Awa church is getting stronger and more vital. It is the missionaries' prayer that the Awa church will someday be independent with regards to outside help. Our teams have been blessed to be a part of this growth and change.

Several team members crossed the Rio Verde on one of the foot bridges! Leading the way was new team member Dr. Bill Harrell. Bill is a retired pediatrician who joined the team at the last minute, in response to the great need for his services. Although initially tentative, Bill now rejoices at having found great purpose and adventure in this experience.

At our final devotion last night in Quito, the team reflected on what we had learned about ourselves, about God, and about other people. Several of us commented on how great is the kingdom of God, and how we so limit our experience of it by the smallness of our dreams. In the midst of this discussion, three guests at the hotel where we stay "happened" to hear us singing and come into the room where we were worshipping. They were from Venezuela, vacationing in Ecuador. We rejoiced to learn of each other's walk, and admitted the need for each other's encouragement. One of the young men gave me a bracelet, which he gave as a message from God to the Church at Tatesbrook. Its inscription reads "Vive con proposito en Christos", which means "Live with purpose in Christ". I promised I would pass that word along.

Please be in prayer for two Ecuadorian ministers who guide our efforts each year. Wilmon Varela was in a motorcycle accident eight months ago. He fractured his ankle, and underwent surgery, but continues to have a painful ankle. We are pursuing further efforts for treatment. Washington Pozo is also the pastor of a local church. He has been experiencing weight loss, fatigue, and chest pain. Despite a recent hospitalization, he continues to be ill. Please pray that both men will receive good medical treatment, and that they will know the peace and power that God offers despite difficult circumstances.


Mercy and grace to each of you,
Tim and Linda

Tim and Linda: Chapter Four

Dear friends and family,

Linda and I are back in Otavalo now. Resting, and shopping a little. The past ten days have flown by very quickly. We have been blessed. We returned from Lita and Rio Verde yesterday afternoon. Pleasant weather, beautiful sights, exhausted team, but peace.

Medically, there has been the usual great diversity of pathology seen in the seven days of clinics that our team has held. Included in the list for adult medicine would include a chronic tear gland infection (caused by parental abuse), probable tuberculosis, a piece of steel embedded in a cornea, multiple ear canals occluded by wax (and on two occasions, by an insect), fractures of a wrist and of an ankle (one sustained by falling from a bridge hanging thirty feet over the Rio Verde), endless cases of back pain caused by living in these mountains, several cases of pneumonia, PID, and cellulitis, one abscess of an eyelid, several major depressions, several cases of severe hypertension, one fellow with angina, another with phimosis and possible adenocarcinoma, multiple cases of roundworm infestations, one fellow with a colostomy wound abscess, etc., etc. One 40 year old man was blind as the result of an accident. He depended on his ten year old son to be led along. My compatriot, pediatrician Bill Harrell, saw many interesting pediatric cases, including a child with severe enlargement of his liver (probably due to a liver fluke), and one case of a pseudo-scorpion bite of the scalp (turns out the boy´s sister thought she saw a scorpion on the floor, and accidentally hit him in the head with a broom). All in all, a very interesting assortment.

Through all of this, the people we served were very thankful and appreciative. They showered us with smiles, hugs, kisses, handshakes and gifts. We felt as though we were able to help them. We of course recognized that most of the help given was short term, at best. But they were glad that we had come, and it spoke of the love of Jesus to them. The missionary family in Rio Verde -- Kevin and Kathy Bruce and their three children -- are wonderful people. They told us that in the fourteen years they have been serving the Awa people, that many of the Awa have rejected their efforts to bring the gospel and other help to them. However, as our team returns each year they are seeing doors beginning to open to deeper relationships with the Awa. This is of more lasting significance.

The apostle Paul wrote this to the people at Colossae: "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ..." I feel that this is why we go -- to be a part of the work to those here in Ecuador for whom Christ died, rose again, and lives today. The body has many parts, each playing a different role, but all significant in God's plan. We are blessed, and He is glorified.

Linda and I will be travelling with the team back to Quito this afternoon. We will fly out early on Sunday morning, and arrive in Miami around midday. We should arrive back in Kentucky around 5pm on Sunday afternoon. We look forward to seeing each of you in the coming days.

Awed by His bountiful love and power,
Tim and Linda

Tim and Linda: Chapter Three

Dear friends and family,

Linda and I have returned after our four day trek to Gualsaqui and Rio Verde. Had a great time. Will break it up into two parts, with a continuation to be given tomorrow.

The team travelled to Gualsaqui on Tuesday. This is a rural village up in the mountains near Otavalo. The people were very gracious and hospitable. They provided the team with lunch, despite their meager means. Saw the pastor there -- he related that he had had three ribs fractured a few years ago because of his commitment as a Christian. A 64 year old lady limped in, and asked for medication to help her with her hip pain. We learned that she had fallen and broken her hip 15 years earlier, and that her employer had insisted that she continue working, and not seek medical attention. Her hip fracture healed, but in an abnormal way, resulting in chronic pain and a limp. She continues to wash clothing four days a week, in order to earn enough ($5 a week) to keep food on the table. We were all humbled by our experiences in this place, but left with a deep joy knowing that these people fully trusted Jesus.

We travelled on to Lita on Tuesday night. This is always the great adventure of each year. The scenery is magnificent. We got settled in at the Awa Center, ate a quick supper, and retired early after devotion. Got an early start on Wednesday. We travelled the muddy road to Rio Verde, where about 200 Awa met us. It was a busy day, with many sick children and adults. Linda measured the vision of every patient, and played a key role in the overall care of people because of her good knowledge of Spanish. She was a real trooper. The medical and pediatric teams were challenged by the cramped quarters in the barn, and later were able to move to a tent. Much better ventilation and light there. The nurses also branched out, and started seeing patients too. Saw 200 on Wednesday, and again on Thursday. Good stories to follow.

Gotta go!
Love, Tim and Linda

Tim and Linda: Chapter Two

Dear family and friends,

Greetings from Ecuador! Linda and I continue our journey through this beautiful and diverse land. The mountains, sunrises and sunsets, lakes and vegetation have been more glorious than ever.

The past two days have been a welcome time of rest and relaxation. We went to the market here in Otavalo yesterday, and Linda was in her element, speaking and shopping in Spanish. She obtained several surprises for several of you. We have had very good times of evening devotion -- the team is excellent, and loves to tell stories. All have appreciated the blessing of hot water at Dona Esther, our hotel here in Otavalo. Food has been unusually good as well. We attended worship this morning at Galilea Baptist Church. Linda and I were impressed that services there are in many ways similar to those at Tatesbrook. The sermon (which I heard second handedly through Linda) was excellent. Wilmon, the pastor and our friend, spoke of Jesus´ call to each of us to come to Him, to take up His yoke, and to learn from Him. The youth group sang a hymn to us in English (very impressive). We enjoyed a pantomimed skit very much.

This afternoon the team enjoyed a picnic at Lake Cuicocha. This is a spectacular lake that rests within a volcanic crater. Wonderful views...good food. Had a great time. Rode there and back in the beds of two pickup trucks.

Tomorrow, we will be holding clinic at the Galilea Church. Please pray for pastor Wilmon´s right ankle. It is still painful despite surgical repair of a fracture sustained eight months ago. We will be attending to that, as well as the needs of the church and the local community. On Tuesday, we will be holding our fourth clinic at the village of Gualsaqui -- a poorer community that is near Otavalo. After that, we travel to Lita where we will be serving the Awa on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Pray that we will stay open to God´s use of our love and service there.

We love each of you, and look forward to sharing some of these stories with you in the coming weeks.


In Awe of His Light,
Tim and Linda

Tim and Linda: Greetings from Ecuador!

Dear friends and family,

Greetings from Ecuador! Despite some snags along the way, Linda and I have arrived safely.

We got off to a great start on Wednesday morning, and had no problems with flight changes in Miami. We and the rest of the team of 17 enjoyed the beautiful flight to Quito, but that's when the challenges began. All but one of us had cleared customs in Quito, when we learned that the officials wanted all of us to return to the airport when they discovered that we were carrying a large amount of medication. We spent the next two hours trying to resolve the issue that not all of our bags of medication had an expiration date. When the dust finally settled, about 200 courses of treatment (enough medication for about 200 people) was confiscated.

However, everything else (about 95% of our total baggage) was allowed into the country. The team worked superbly under some duress, and no one was arrested (although I did speak with some passion for one brief moment). We all got to bed at Casa Sol by midnight that night.

As is usually the case, we have been operating at full speed since. We saw 240 patients on the first day at the clinic in Quito, and we saw about 150 people today at the Punyaro school here in Otavalo. I saw lots of sick people both days. The team has had a great time, and Linda is doing great. She is in charge of measuring all patients vision. She has been given much adulation, hugs and appreciation.

So, although we are physically exhausted, we are emotionally and spiritually energized. I am looking to our first devotion tonight (which is now Friday). The team really is working well together. We appreciate all of you, and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. Tomorrow and Sunday are days for rest and for looking around. Linda gets to go to the big market here in Otavalo tomorrow. Many people we saw today expressed their thanks to you -- our family and church -- that we were here to serve them. I believe that God has already received glory. May that continue.


Love from Otavalo in Imbaburra province,
Tim and Linda

Mission to Ecuador, 2008: A Post-Script

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I now sit in the comfort of my home here in Lexington. I wanted to share some final thoughts from this year's work in Ecuador. The team held its final devotional last night at Casa Sol in Quito. Following the reading of scripture, some music, and some teaching, team members shared their thoughts. We were joined last night by Phillip Duncan. Phillip and his wife Shelia are former missionaries to Ecuador. They now live in Catlettsburg, where Phillip works as a hospital chaplain as well as a minister at Lifesong Church in Ashland.

One of our new team members this year is Aaron Thompson. Aaron is a student in the physical therapy program at UK. He confessed last night that over the past week he had worked harder than he had ever done in his life. He said he was tired, but that it was a good tired. He felt full of God's purpose. I then related a story from Africa. The missionary there (Clay Coursey) had told me twenty years ago that children in Africa were raised to live in reality, whereas most children in the US were raised to live in a fantasy. I then surmised that God's purpose for our lives certainly consists of living in reality as we walk and live in Christ.

Phillip then related how, two years ago, he was standing outside our clinic for the Awa at Rio Verde. It was a very busy day, and there were literally hundreds of people waiting to be seen. Observing their poverty and disease, Phil confessed the anger he felt towards God in allowing such circumstances to exist. He asked God why this should be. He then told us that it was as if he was struck by lightning. He heard God say to him, "It is because this is why you are here. These people are for you, and you are for them. Live in Me, and love them." Phillip went on to observe that more than ever before in the history of the church, Christian people are going and doing, serving people like these. "God is moving" amongst His people, and the opportunity to join in that activity is before us.



Before flying back today, I donated the last of my money (about $15) for Ana's surgery (see the mission entry from yesterday). I did, however, save back one Sacageawa dollar coin. (This is a US dollar coin with an Indian woman and her baby on her back. They are used in Ecuador as well.) As I looked at that coin -- flying along above the wonderland of white clouds -- I observed how much the woman and child on that coin looked like the women and children I had been seeing over the past ten days. At the top of the coin on the front side is the word "Liberty", and to the side of the coin are the words "In God We Trust". Really, for me, that coin pretty much sums up this year's medical mission to the Quechua and Awa people of Ecuador. Just like us, they are searching for liberty -- freedom from political oppression, freedom from disease and poverty, freedom from addiction, freedom from sin, freedom from the law and the world and the Enemy. And we need not fly half-way around the world to find adults and children in need of the freedom that God offers through His Son Jesus. They live not far from us, right now.

As I was coming down the escalator to the baggage claim area, I saw my dear wife standing there. Just before she met me, a man holding a white sign spoke to her. The sign said "Liberty Mutual". God's humor and reminder was not lost on me this time.

Overwhelmed by the awesome love and grace of Dad,
Dr. Tim

The People of Ecuador

Dear family in Christ,

This has been a day of discovery and refreshing. The team has seen some of the city of Quito, including a trip by ski-lift to the top of a volcano, Guagua Pinchincha. It was a remarkable view, reminding each of us how creative our Father is. The Andes mountains are full of His wild grandeur.

I want to share with you a few of the stories of people from these recent days. First is the story of Ana. Ana is a young woman who lives in the city of Otavalo. She is the mother of three young children, but is not married. She has been attending the Galilean church which is pastored by one of our super Ecuadorian friends, Wilman. He tells me that Ana is searching for God, and is in great need now because of the development of abdominal swelling over the past month. She has been diagnosed as having a very large ovarian tumor, possibly malignant. She is scheduled to undergo surgery in a hospital in Quito on June 27. She is frightened, and is stressed because she is unable to pay the cost of the surgery ($800). As we prayed for her, she experienced emotional release, and expressed interest in knowing more about Jesus Christ. Our team leader - Shelia Duncan - promised to visit Ana in the hospital on the day of her surgery. Please pray that Ana will come through surgery well, that her costs can be covered, and that she will trust Jesus as her Lord.

Maria is a Quechua woman in her 50`s who lives in the community of Calderone on the outskirts of Quito. We saw her in the clinic we held there on this past Friday. Maria has hypertension, and when we saw her her BP was 180/110. She had last taken BP medication, prescribed by a local physician, about three years ago. She said she felt well while on the med, but could not afford to buy more. We provided a year supply of a medication donated by a US pharmaceutical company. We also advised her that this was done in the name of Jesus Christ because of God`s love for us and for her. Maria is a Christian. At this news, she broke into tears, and expressed her thanks. She told us that it was important that we continue to do this service for people like herself. We felt humbled to serve her. (See 2 Cor. 5:17-21)

Kevin and Kathy Bruce are missionaries in Ecuador. Along with the Williams family, they and their three children serve the Awa people of northern Ecuador. There are 50,000 Awa -- "people of the mountain". Kevin presented a 45 minute powerpoint presentation of the recent move that the Bruces and Williams made to their new home out in the forests of Rio Verde, near their older home in Lita. He showed photos of the cutting of trees in those forests, and the planing and notching of the planks made from them with chainsaws. He showed the construction of a foundation on the side of the mountain. There was the construction of a frame, carried out with the help of their Awa friends. There was the creative provision of electrical power with solar cells. He told us how the water supply ended up being a little too low, so that the family must tote water up to the home each day. The children are each responsible for washing their own clothing each day. Mother Kathy makes all the meals, and mends clothes, takes care of health needs for the family and community, etc. They then told us how this is much like their pursuit of a dream to establish a vibrant church in the Awa community. Through Christ living in them, they have sought to establish a foundation through friendships with the Awa. They have learned the Awa language (Doug and Kevin are probably the best non-Awa speakers of the language in the world) and they have learned about and lived in the Awa culture for years now. Finally, they are teaching the word of God and the living of the Word to these people.

When asked what needs they have, the Bruces mentioned the need for prayer -- prayer that God would continue to provide the strength they need each day, prayer for patience and persistance, prayer for security (Colombian rebels and other threats are not far away) and for good health. They also requested prayer for more male believers to function as leaders, and for Awa believers who would live lives that would serve as good testimonies to those Awa who are not yet believers. Finally, they asked for prayer for more wisdom in making tough decisions, and for continued development of their communication skills. In addition, they asked that we continue to come and provide help, as God provides the grace and ability to help.

Finally, Nick Ross is a 23 year old young man who is finishing his studies at Ohio State. I have had the privilege of getting to know Nick over the last 7 years on these mission trips. He is bright, energetic, and has a great sense of humor. Two years ago, after watching "The End of the Spear" while staying in Lita, Nick and others decided to visit the Shell area of Ecuador towards the end of their mission work that year. (Shell is the area where the Elliotts and other missionaries were serving in the 1950`s.) While there, Nick felt a strong call from God to enter the field of aviation missions. He is currently getting his flight training, and will soon be going to school to get his aviation mechanics license. This year, Nick received training as an on-the-field optician, and he and his helpers provided glasses for many Ecuadorians this year.

This year`s mission verse was Micah 6:8 -- "He has told you, O man, what is good: And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." That is what we have been thinking, and living, and walking, and dreaming about.

Looking forward to seeing you again,
Dr. Tim

Rio Verde and more

Dear family in Christ,

It has been five days since I last wrote. Since then, we have visited four communities, and held five clinics. We have treated about 900 people. We traveled to Lita, where we stayed at the mission facility built by Liebenzell for the Bruce and Williams families. They now live in a more remote area called Rio Verde. They moved there to be closer to the Awa people to whom they minister. Their situation is the closest I have experienced to the kind of missionary experience we hear of from years past with regards to Jim and Elizabeth Eliot, or Taylor Hudson. They serve with great dedication and genuine love for Jesus Christ. The Awa people love them as well. I have forwarded a recent email from the Bruce family, which includes a mention of our medical team`s work there as well as some photos. The work there is sometimes hard, but is very worthwhile. Though the environment is far from pristine, the people are very needy and very grateful for any help provided. Some people I see depend on our team for their annual medical care. One fellow (Byron) comes for an annual injection of a trigger point in his upper back. Turns out he works for a Swiss organization, teaching Awa people in remote (!) locations how best to raise chickens and grow crops for food. Other conditions and procedures I encountered with the Awa included drainage of a large axillary abscess, treatment of a corneal abrasion, splinting of a fractured wrist, removal of a skin lesion, and treatment of hypertension, depression, skin infections, UTI`s , etc. We saw no scorpions this year, but were regularly serenaded by tropical birds, chickens, horses, cows and pigs. A great time!

Our other clinics were held in Salinas (an African-American community), Galilea (a suburban community in Otavalo), and an inner city community in Quito. Many people presented with chronic conditions, some of which are people that we see each year. We provide free medications, and the people are always very grateful for this. We also treat some acute conditions, and that is important as well. The people are also grateful for the information we provide regarding their health and the conditions that they have.

All of this occurs in a spiritual context. All of the church people that attend acknowledge God`s provision for their lives and health. But the non-church people that attend also are open to the idea that God is providing, especially when they learn that these loving, caring people have come for no reason other than to honor and love Jesus Christ. It does impact their lives. And it also encourages the missionaries, their families, and the people that work along with them.

More tomorrow regarding stories of specific people.

In the deep embrace of my Saviour and Redeemer,
Dr. Tim

Letter from Kevin & Kathy Bruce

Greetings from the RV Outpost!

The summer begin with a tragedy in the community south of us. The first week of June our neighbor Milton went to go fishing and found the body of a young girl floating in the river down below us. For Milton it was an extremely upsetting moment, but after praying, the Lord gave him courage to tie the body up, get help, and find out what had happened. We were in Ibarra that week, and Kathy’s sister Chrissy was at the Outpost alone, but did what she could to help. Milton soon found out that the body belonged to one of two girls that were missing from a family 3 hours’ hike upriver from the Outpost. The girls had been returning from their country farm to the community center where they went to school, and had to cross one of the swollen creeks along the way. Apparently they somehow were washed downstream. Their family, along with many others from the community, searched for the next two weeks all along the river from their community to town, but were unable to locate the other body (about 25 kilometers of river). Please pray for the family of Marco Aurelio as they deal with this sad loss. Pray for Paulino as he reaches out to them and others there in the community. One day while searching the river near us, Marco Aurelio asked me if it was true (as he had been told) that people that drowned in rivers couldn’t go to Heaven. I assured him that drowning in a river made no difference to God---His acceptance of a person had everything to do with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and not the manner of death. I encouraged him to help his remaining family hear God’s truth. But our hearts are heavy knowing that likely neither Marco nor his girls have accepted Jesus’ payment for their sin. Please pray for this needy family!

The beginning of this week found us assisting in a medical caravan here in RV. A missions trip organized by our friend Sheila in Kentucky came down bringing medicine and doctors. This group is visiting different communities here in Ecuador giving a free medical checkup and medicine when necessary. They have come annually here to our community, and it was a joy to work with them again. In the two days here they saw around 350 people and showed Christ’s love in a very tangible way to the Awa people. We also took the opportunity to teach the Bible with all those who came, sharing that although when Jesus was here on earth he was concerned with the health and physical issues of the people, he came with the purpose to provide a cure for the even more serious disease of sin. Just as these doctors freely offered medicine, God freely offered his Son. Click here to see a few pictures

Thank you so much for your continued prayers!

Kevin & Kathy

PS: check out this big worm we saw while hiking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtaIpfJUqF0

Kevin & Kathy Bruce

Liebenzell Mission
Casilla 10-01-692
Ibarra, Imbabura
ECUADOR
+593 9 478-7811

http://brucekev.blogspot.com

Quechuan city of Otavalo

Dear ones of CAT and River,

Salutations! This Saturday night finds yours truly relaxed, well fed and grateful. We have had a good day of taking in Ecuadorian culture here in the Quechuan city of Otavalo.

Our day on Friday was a very blessed one. Our team of 13 had a great evening of devotion, singing and sharing. The mix of people is good, both young and older. Our youngest team member, Abby, confessed that she was surprised to find how much she liked the experience thus far. She said life was ¨"different" here, and that she felt good about what she was doing. Older team members shared how simple things like mountains, sunrises and clouds had spoken to them about God's providence, creativity, love and grace. The scripture teaching from Acts 14 and Romans 1:1 seemed more alive and dynamic. We sang with hope and compassion. We were gladdened.

Tomorrow, we will be attending church with our Quechua brethren, and then will pack up to travel to Lita, the land of the Awa. I look forward to seeing the Bruce and Williams families once again, and traveling back to Rio Verde to provide health care to the Awa on Monday and Tuesday. We will be out of computer and telephone range. Please pray for us that the power and love of Jesus Christ will be made manifest to those we serve.

I will check back on Wednesday.
With Joy,
Dr. Tim

Dr. Tim arrives safely in Ecuador

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Tatesbrook and the River,

Our team of 12 arrived at N.Ky airport at 5am on the morning of 6/12. We were immediately surprised to discover that none of our medical supplies could be transported to Ecuador because of a box embargo that had recently been instituted for that country. Consequently, we sent out a delegation to purchase duffels and suitcases, early that Thursday morning. God was at work. With about twenty minutes of time left before the doors to the plane would be closed, our delegation had returned with about twenty new bags. Over the next fifteen minutes, against impossible odds, we were Holy Spirit enabled to repack all of the mission supplies that had originally taken two months to pack. We sped breathlessly through customs and took our seats with no time to spare.

Our flight to and from Miami was without event, and our flight to Quito went smoothly as well. The team - now 13 in number - made its way through immigration and customs smoothly, once again. There was a question about one item not being listed on our letter of authorization, but someone from the Customs office suddenly appeared (mysteriously so) and advised the questioning official that we were "okay". We made our way safely to the hotel in Quito for our overnight stay. I should note that my number on the team is 13, and I realized only later on Friday that today is the 13th. My stay overnight at the hotel was in room 13.

My impression at this point is that God will take care of all things. He loves us with fearless passion, and intends to provide for all of our needs. But He wants us to know this, and must teach us this lesson recurringly, with various means. I also am impressed that He wants us to be involved in His doing great things through us. Today at the clinic at Punyaro (near the craft town of Otavalo) I met a man who had been a Christian for fifteen days. He was excited about his salvation and relationship with Jesus. He was telling everyone, and his smile was infectious. We spoke different languages, but we were able to communicate well through Christ living in us. I was impressed. Hopefully, his physical needs were well addressed as well.

Tomorrow and Sunday have been set aside for rest and relaxation, as well as shopping at the market on Saturday, and worshipping at Galilea Church on Sunday. I look forward to seeing what God has to say and teach on each day. Something odd did occur to me this afternoon. The old veteran is rooming with two young men this year. When you add their ages together, and then add ten more years, you have my present age. I have gotten old... a difficult thing to admit. Nevertheless, by God's standards, I am still quite young, and beloved in His sight.

Signing off for now. Faithfully,
Dr. Tim