Return from Rio Verde

Picture taken from Inguinchu toward Quito

"Lord, have mercy on my son...for he often falls into the fire...and the boy was cured." Matthew 17:15,17

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and grace to each of you from God the Father and Jesus our Lord. I am here in Otavalo this afternoon, having returned from a day´s work at the beautiful community of Inguinchu atop the Andes in Imbaburra Province. The scenery there is spectacular, but the temperature was most cold all day. We had a good day in clinic, seeing about 100 Quechua people. We had exciting rides in the back of the pickup truck both to and from the site. All team members are healthy and happy.

Our four days in Lita and Rio Verde were filled with wonder and glory. Our friends from the Galilea Church here in Otavalo sent a team along with us to Lita to lead the VBS that took place for the children of Lita, conducted at the same time as the health clinics that we held for the Awa at Rio Verde. It was great working alongside them, and in sharing meals with them. We value the long-term friendships that have developed between us over the years.

There are several stories that came out of our time there, and it will take more than this email to tell them. But I will share one story with you now. His name is Luis. Luis is a 20 year old Awa male who has a seizure disorder. Two months before we arrived, he had a bad seizure at home, and fell into the fire his parents were using to cook a meal. He sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns of his right elbow. His family did the best they could do to take good care of his injury, but by the time I saw him his right arm was infected and badly contracted by scarring of the skin around his elbow. His parents were with him, and seemed very kind. Luis, naturally, was very apprehensive about being around people he had never met before. We spent time in listening to their story, and in soothing Luis. At last, he agreed to lie down on our make-shift exam bed. His elbow was swollen, and very sensitive to touch. Gently, we debrided and dressed his wound, and gave instructions about subsequent wound care, providing the necessary materials to his family. We also asked Wilman (our good friend and the pastor at Galilee) to pray with the family over Luis. There were no flashes of lightning, nor miraculous healing, but everyone there seem to sense the peace and love of God. I do know that Luis was calmer as a result. Please pray for Luis that his arm will become functional and without pain.

The team returned to Otavalo last night, and as usual had a great time in reviewing what God is doing here in Ecuador. I am doing well, and my left knee is nearly back to normal. I have nearly run out of jokes to tell, as well! Seriously, we have taken note of the many things that God has done here over the years. Many people have found temporary help for illness. Many friendships have been formed. Several churches have been started. And many seeds have been planted. We concluded that we really have little idea of all that God has done.

I will plan on writing again tomorrow evening, and tell more stories from Rio Verde at that time.

Still busy in Ecuador,
Tim