Postscript from Lexington

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Kim and I have arrived safely back in Lexington, blessed by the love of family and the comforts of home. Four of the team that was in Ecuador have returned home, while the other four remain -- some for as long as three more weeks. Please remember them (Shelia, Leah, Nick, and Courtney) in prayer as they continue working in Ecuador.

Last night was the team's final evening devotion in Ecuador. We discussed what we believed God had done during our time there. Here is what we concluded:

1) We were sent to minister to the family that provided lodging for our team during our time at the remote village of Azabi. Although we had known each other for only a few days, the family expressed their ecstatic appreciation for our care and presence (their eldest son, as it turns out, did not suffer a fracture, but did have an A-C separation of his shoulder). The father --
Vincente-- has borrowed one of our Bibles, and is reading the word. We believe that his heart is open and ready to receive Jesus.

2) We were sent to observe and experience the commitment and passion of the missionaries who worked with us. The Bruces, the Williams, Daniel, Washington, Wilman, Clemencia and others. These people -- just like the missionaries in 'End of the Spear' -- have released their lives for use by the Lord to accomplish His will, and to bring glory to God and to His kindgom. God used our team to encourage and comfort these people. Daniel, in particular, seemed to have had his faith strengthened and emboldened. As a leader, that is important. Likewise, we celebrated with the Bruces and the Williamses in the recent successes they have experienced with the Awa.

3) We were sent to encourage the Quichua and Awa whose lives have already been changed by Christ, and we were sent to plant new seeds of faith. Those Awa whose lives have been redeemed have begun to be free in Jesus. Most of their people are imprisoned by the enemy, with no sense of love, compassion, or emotional expression. Now, some of them laugh, and smile, and give thanks. The leader of the Awa has asked the team to spend more time in the future. Likewise, the leadership in Azabi asked us to return, especially in view of the fact that "nothing like this had ever happened here before".

Apparently, we were the first North Americans to have visited Azabi, within the memory of those currently living there. I was particularly impressed by Shelia Duncan's teaching of the song "Jesus Loves Me" to some of the children of Azabi while sitting in the back of a pickup truck in the rain.

They loved it. They waved as our team left, and expressed hope that we would return.

4) We were sent to be changed ourselves. God works on all of us while there. Those stories are still being developed. I am sure that more will be shared on this subject in the days ahead.

Many thanks to all of those who prayed, and spoke encouraging words, both to myself and Kim, and also to Linda and Matt. Thanks to all of those who gave other support. Please know that each of you are a significant part of any work accomplished by God through this mission. The body of Christ is lifted up and strengthened as we glorify God and give Him the praise He deserves.

One final note. Jesus advised His disciples that "My sheep hear and know my voice". He also admonishes us to ask, to seek, to knock. What impossible dream has He laid upon your heart? What dream has He given you for your community, your small group, your family, yourself? Be sure to share that dream with the body of Christ. He stands ready to provide the grace, power, and love that will make that dream a reality.

Held by the awesome grip of His grace,
Tim