Day 9 - Letter from Tim

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The team has returned tonight to Otavalo, our home base. We are tired, but satisfied, knowing that many Awa have been touched by the gospel and love of Jesus Christ. Approximately 360 Awa people have been treated over the past two days in the clinic we held at Rio Verde. The three doctors (Kim, Courtney and myself) and our helpers were very busy, and many people were helped. Cases seen include a hernia, a uterine mass, a probable subdural hematoma, a large laceration of the arm of a man who had sutured it himself without anesthesia one week before, an infected cornea, many cases of muscle strains, colds, bacterial enteritis and roundworm infestations, as well as anemia, hypertension, goiters, and a tapeworm. By the grace of God, we had nearly all of the right medications, in just the right amounts.

One of the special things that occur in Lita is our time with the missionary families. The Bruce and Williams families are very special folks. Not only are they deeply committed to our Lord and to the work that God has given them, but also they are very talented and gifted for that work. They help the Awa learn about Christ. They teach them about many things, including health care. They help provide health care. They are mechanics, lumber jacks, construction workers, plumbers, grade school and high school teachers, preachers, expositors, electricians, translators extraordinaire (Spanish, Awa and English), counselors, historians, etc., etc.

One special time the team had with the missionaries was to watch the movie "End of the Spear". This movie addresses the lives of the missionaries who ministered to the Auca indians in eastern Ecuador in the 1950´s. As we watched the movie, it was clear to see that these people are living out the dreams portrayed in the movie. We all prayed together after the movie -- in Awa, Spanish, and English -- asking that God would continue to provide for the needs of these families, as well as for the Awa, and that the Lord´s name would be glorified.

Kim and I will be working at the church in Cotocachi tomorrow -- our last clinic day. It should be an easier day, as our time here in Ecuador winds down. We are still catching up with all that has happened. It is clear, however, that God has been working in us and all around us. We are deeply touched by what He has revealed.

Thanks for your continued prayers.
In Jesus wonderful name,
Tim