Day 7 - The woman and her daughter

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 

John 15:13 

On Wednesday, the team served that morning the people of Lita at the Liebenzell Center before returning to Ibarra and Otavalo that afternoon. We set up our four tents in the large dining area, and saw about 100 people from all around the region.

One of the patients I saw was a 14 year old girl with cerebral palsy. Her mother had made the two hour journey early that morning, carrying her 50 pound daughter the whole way. The mother weighed 100 pounds, and understandably suffered from chronic back pain. She brought her daughter to see us that day with the express purpose of obtaining mebendazole to treat her daughter for parasites. As we examined the girl it was very evident that the mother loved her daughter greatly. She dealt with her daughter very gently and caringly. She smiled as we examined the girl, and expressed heartfelt thanks for the medication that was given.

As the woman secured her daughter onto her upper back with a blanket, I was reminded of Jesus’ comment to His disciples that a person can show no greater love to another person when they lay down their life. This means not only laying down their life by sacrificing their actual mortality, but also by living their life on behalf of the one they love. This woman’s love for her daughter struck all of us as a strong example of what Jesus was talking about.

I have heard it said that the greatest Christian who ever lived is someone most of us have never heard of. Although I do not know her name, I believe I saw that person this day. Her eyes were unforgettable.

Day 6 - Rio Verde Medio and the joyful man

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Matthew 13:44

For fifteen years or more the team has worked with the Awa people living in the area on both sides of the Rio Verde in the northwestern region of Imbabura province. We have been to Rio Verde Alta many times, but never to the village of Rio Verde Medio. It takes about a two hour truck drive to get there, but we had heard how excited the community was that we were coming to serve, and so it was we did go there on Tuesday. We received a big welcome as the three trucks arrived with our supplies. There was a new clinic building there, and the team quickly set up in an ideal setting. The natural beauty surrounding the clinic was striking.

One of the team members this year was Shelia and Philip Duncan’s grandson Charlie. Charlie is about ten years old, and literally brims over with ideas on how we should do things. He had many basic questions about everything, and typically caught on fast. He was a very good assistant and “go-fer”.

One memorable case this day was the older man who had run out of a medication that had been very helpful for the treatment of a chronic disease. It just so happened that I had received a donation of half a year supply of that same medication from the family of a man for whom I had provided medical care for many years prior to his death earlier in the month. The man was over-joyed to receive the donation. He went on to share with us a passage from the New Testament he had read from the book of John. He asked us to pray with him for the community as well as for himself. It was with great joy that we parted. Once again, the team received the heartfelt thanks of the community’s president. He expressed his hope that we would come to visit again. The drive home that evening was rocky and bumpy, but the peace felt by the team was unshakeable.

Day 5 - Palmira and the new church

 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. 

Acts 11:23-24

The time at Palmira has become a day filled with expectation. After sleeping the first nite and enjoying a good breakfast at the facilities in Lita, the team travelled in three trucks on the improved road all the way past main Rio Verde and on to the growing community of Palmira. Upon arrival, we quickly set up our general medical clinic, with a pharmacy, a station for eye glasses, and four general medicine stations run by our two physicians, nurse practitioner, and two nurses. We received invaluable assistance from translators on our team, as well as from the Liebenzell Mission and from Galilea Church. VBS activities with the many children were conducted by our energetic and creative VBS team.

Over 230 residents of Palmira were provided care over the next six hours. Cases seen included pneumonia, cutaneous lymphoma, asthma, degenerative joint disease, multiple cases of scabies and head lice, pelvic inflammatory disease, gastritis, and infected fly and other insect bites. The people seen expressed thanks for the care received.

Upon completing clinic work for the day, some of the team rode up the hill with Kevin and Kathy Bruce to visit the new Awa church, The House of Prayer. Built at the request of Paulino prior to his death, the church is the only church in the Palmira community. Its presence is a tribute to his life in Jesus Christ, and the number of worshipers is growing.

Before departure, the thanks of the people of Palmira was formally expressed to the team by the community president. Located at “the end of the road”, he said such an event had not occurred before.

Though it rained on the way home, nothing could dampen the God-created spirit within the team that day. Supper tasted good, and sleep was sound that night.

Ecuador 2019 - Day 4

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. 

Ephesians 2:8-10

On Sunday the team worshiped with the saints at Iglesias Bautista de Galilea. Some of us walked there, while others took taxis. For the first time that I recall, a member of our team (Philip Duncan) gave the sermon. Philip and wife Shelia served as missionaries in Ecuador for several years. He is a very knowledgeable as well as caring individual, and is employed as a chaplain. His message was well received by the body at Galilea.

The team was served a meal of rice and beans for lunch. Subsequently, we traveled by bus to the town of Lita, which is at an altitude 5000 feet lower than Otavalo. The views along the descent from the Andes to the western forest are very dramatic. At the Liebenzell Mission in Lita we were able to see all of the results from the remodeling that took place last year. The facilities were both larger as well as more modern.

After our dinner - prepared by Southern Baptist missionaries David and Carrie Wells- the team enjoyed a great devotional time, with singing, sharing and prayer. We cleaned up and then retired early, hoping to be fully rested and prepared for the week ahead.

Ecuador 2019 - Day 3

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 

Matthew 11:28-30

Saturday is traditionally a day of rest for the team. Though filled with the enthusiasm of the mission, we are short on sleep and still adjusting to the lower oxygen levels at 9000 feet of elevation. The good time of sleep on Friday night was most welcomed!

Unusual this Saturday, however, was a time for a team devotional first thing that morning. We each recounted the most impactful moments from the day before. Shelia told of her conversation with the owner (Wendy) of the inn where we stay in Otavalo, and how our time with them each year is like Christmas. Shelia tearfully responded by saying that the time is indeed Christmas, as we spend each day with Jesus. Wendy is beginning to ask more questions that are Spirit led. Others shared how the relationships we have with people here have been impactful not so much because of what we have done, but more because of our presence and who we are...Christ’s one’s. I shared that God continues to build His kingdom, not just for the people we serve, but more and more within ourselves. It was a powerful time with the Holy Spirit as we sang hymns atop the roof of Dona Esther Inn.

The rest of the day was spent shopping for friends and family back home in Kentucky. Kim, Emilie and I were blessed to think of our family at Tatesbrook. We thanked God for His presence and for His abiding love and faithfulness.

As you pray, give praise and thanks to our Father.

Ecuador 2019 - Day 2 - Intag Cloud Forest

While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” 

Luke 9:34-35

Intag Cloud Forest

On our first Friday the team traveled by bus to the small town of Abuelo, located in the territory of the Intag cloud forest. Intag is a unique ecologic preserve in the mountains of the nation. It is constantly covered by a thick cloud, providing moisture for a rich undergrowth of trees and flowers. The roads leading to the towns within are narrow and filled with hairpin turns. Travel can be challenging, especially when going by bus. Fortunately, God blessed us with an excellent driver!

We had a productive time upon arriving at Abuelo. We met the new SBC missionaries that moved to this region one year ago...David and Carrie Wells. They have been working with the pastor and wife from Otavalo that we know so well ...Wilman and Clemencia. A few small churches have been started there. As the team quickly organized into a medical and vision clinic, as well as a VBS team, it became evident that the community was excited to have us there.

We also heard more from Kevin and Kathy Bruce about the loss of Paulino, and its impact on the Awa church and the community at large. Clearly his death had caused much reflection on the part of everyone. Both in the sorrow of the Bruce’s as well as in the enthusiasm of the Wells’ , it became clear that God was actively growing and developing His kingdom. These thoughts and experiences have taken hold of the whole team.

Please pray that each member of the team receives God’s Word on their lives. And pray that the Quechua and the Awa that we meet each day will receive the Word with open minds and receptive hearts.

Ecuador 2019 - Day 1

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 

John 12:24

Dear Family and Friends,

Thursday was a long day of travel from northern Kentucky to Miami to Quito to Otavalo in Ecuador. The travel was well planned, with plenty of opportunity for the eighteen team members to get to know more about each other along the way. We were well fed and well cared for at each stop. On the other hand, we did lose six pieces of luggage (later discovered in Cincinnati, in Miami and in Philadelphia ). The team is learning about being flexible and patient.

During this day of travel, the team read about the life of Paulino - the leader of the Awa church in Rio Verde. He had shared with the team in years past...how he was one of the first Awa to come to know Jesus as Lord, and how the missionaries had helped to disciple him. Paulino was respected throughout the Awa community as an honest man of his word, respected by all. Tragically, he died just three weeks ago of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 51. His death has brought much sorrow to the Awa church and community.

Kevin and Kathy Bruce have written of Paulino’s life on their blog with Liebenzel ministries. Over 200 Awa attended his funeral. For many it was the first time they had heard the gospel. People who knew Paulino but not Jesus are now asking the Bruces questions about Jesus. A few, including Paulino’s family, are expressing interest in making declarations of faith in Jesus. His life continues to bear fruit, all the more so in death, as stated in John 12:24.

Pray for the continued power of Christ in the lives touched by Paulino’s life ... including ours.

Ecuador 2019 - Day 0

In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 

 Acts 20:35-36 

It is Wednesday night...the night before departure for the wilderness of Ecuador. The team of eighteen people is steadily gathering together for a final briefing on our mission. The final vital members of the team will join us early tomorrow morning. Tonight, we each obtain a few hours of precious sleep.

The words that the apostle shared with his friends remind us of our Savior and one of His favorite themes...the blessedness of giving. Taken by itself, giving is a hard thing to do. It requires hard work and sacrifice. But when we are connected to Jesus, the giving and love literally flows. So it is that we pray for each team member...that by their daily dependence on Jesus inside them, they would know the blessedness of giving in the days ahead.

Please pray for that. Amen.