Day 4: A dentist on fire

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

The team has been here in the province of Imbaburra for three days. We have been catching up with old friends and adjusting to the culture so different from ours in the USA. The weather has been excellent. The Andean mountain air is crisp and cool.

We have had one health care clinic thus far. We were at Gualsaqui where our old friend pastor Roberto welcomed us. We saw about 50 people, and treated them for their many ailments. One elderly man had a toothache. Our faithful dentist, Randy Baker, could not be with us this year due to illness, although his wife Connie is leading the Bible school team. Anyway, he had a dental abscess, and several loose teeth. I pulled two of them, gave him amoxicillin, and he was pleased (believe it or not).  Roberto told us about one of our patients, and older man who was a leader in the community, and a former dedicated persecutor of the local church. His life was being transformed by the light of Christ, over the years.

We have devotion time each night. This year's theme is about allowing the fire within us to burn. One of our team members is a fireman. He is training the local fire department about how best to prevent fires in people's homes. But at the same time, we are encouraging each other in how to let the light of Christ within each of us to burn brighter and hotter. That light is intended to illuminate, warm, and transform.

Today, we are going to Iglesia Bautista to worship. This afternoon, we travel to the humid climes of Lita, where we will work with the Awa.

God's blessings to each of you.

Love,
Tim and Kim