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
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