Quito

Saints of Tatesbrook and dear family,

Greetings from Quito! Despite circumstances to the contrary, our team of eight missionaries arrived safely in Ecuador at 11:30 EDST last night. We are healthy and now this morning well fed and rested. We did have one or two delays, and a fairly bumpy ride, but overall a smooth trip. We stayed overnight at the beautiful HCJB Guest House here in Quito. It is operated by the HCJB Ministries, known these past decades for its worldwide broadcasts from atop the Andes here in Ecuador. Our team has just finished a great breakfast (complete with guananabi juice, Linda), and is now preparing to take a tour of the HCJB facilities, including the hospital. We are excited to hear about the history of God's grace and work in this place.

Speaking of which, God did provide me with the opportunity enroute from Chicago to Miami to sit beside a lady from Jamaica. Her name is Sandra. Sandra was extremely anxious about the prospect of air flight. She had not flown since coming to Chicago thirty years before. She had decided on the spur of the moment to return to Jamaica to see family. She was concerned about storms in the area as well. As she sat, she was trembling, had difficulty staying in her seat, and was suffering from a bad cold. At one point she expressed doubt about being able to complete the flight (!). She would hum songs to herself in an effort to calm herself. So, we subsequently engaged in a two hour conversation about her life, and about life in general. Suffice it to say that she had tried hard to enjoy life, but did not have peace. She apparently had attended church as a child, but said that she had not returned for many years. As the plane began its descent into Miami airspace she became yet more anxious. As I held her purse, I also held her hand, and we prayed. She did express a desire to know God better, and I believe that she experienced some of His peace during descent. Please pray for Sandra as well.

Until next time!
In His grip,

Tim