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.

Day 10: The blessings of observing a continuing work well done

For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands....who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.

2 Timothy 1:6, 9

The team provided VBS and health clinic in a field near Culuqui on Thursday. The team has acquired four pop-up tents that we set up each day, whether in a school, church or field. The people we saw were surprised that their care was free of charge.




On Friday, we held clinic at Galilea Baptist Church, where members of the community were invited to attend. We also see members of the church as well as their family.

That evening, a Celebration was held at the church. This was well attended by members of the Ibarra fire department, with whom Pat Boggs and Kevin Bruce had worked all week. Our team had the privilege of serving the firemen, and we all sang hymns and heard a message from Kevin. It was a great time for sharing our faith with the community. We finished the evening by presenting a painting to Shelia Duncan in appreciation for her many years of service and leadership. Three team members, including yours truly, announced our likely "retirement" from future mission work in Ecuador. Many heart-felt farewells were exchanged!

Saturday was a day of leisurely activity and of rest. The last evening in Otavalo is typically a time of summing up what has happened during our time in Ecuador. Each of us shared meaningful events, including Augustine's acquisition of new hands. Another told of a man reading the newspaper in the park, and noticing that they were holding the paper very close to their eyes. Recognizing the need for glasses, they asked the man if he would like to be fitted for glasses, and initially he said no. But when he was advised this could be done free of charge, he rejoiced in receiving a pair of glasses.  Another team member shared an unexpected blessing. One of our original team members was unable to participate this year, leading to reimbursement from our hotel for funds previously paid for their stay. Unexpectedly, just an hour later, the son of one of the local pastors encountered Shelia at the central town square. Shelia subsequently learned that the young man's parents were in dire financial need. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Shelia donated the funds received to the family. 

For myself, I was deeply encouraged by three hugs I received at the celebration. One was from my very good friend, Wilman Varela. Though separated by a language barrier, our respect for each other runs deep. The second was from a church member at Galilea, Luis. Luis has helped our teams many times through the years. He is a man of few words, but works very hard. We ride together in the back of trucks. His hug was profoundly meaningful to me. And lastly, as missionary Kathy Bruce and I hugged, she advised me that, per her reading Facebook, I have a new calling as a grandfather. Later, in reading the devotion of the day written by Philip Duncan, I read the first chapter of Paul's second letter to Timothy. Paul encouraged Timothy, reminding him of his gifting as well as his calling, and how it all depended on Christ more than it did on Timothy's works.




The team is now at the airport in Quito, preparing to return to Kentucky. It is always good to come home, but it is also true that, for each of us, part of us remains here in Ecuador.

Encouraged by a Savior Who loves us,
Tim and Kim

Day 8: An uplifting smile for a weary team

“Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness."

Malachi 3:1-3

The team has returned from Lita and the land of the Awa. The sixteen of us spent four days conducting Bible school sessions and health care clinics. We had nearly 200 patients a day for health care. We saw the usual aches and pains, as well as less common diagnoses such as the residual of snake bites and traumatic eye injuries. We served in Lita, Rio Verde and Palmira.

The road to the remote community of Palmira has undergone impressive improvements. The team was provided superb transportation to and from these communities each day by means of dump truck.

The Bible school team was assisted this year by the work of fireman Pat Boggs. Pat taught the children about fire safety, as well as how to respond in the event of fire. He was well received by all.

A big event for the medical team this year was the provision of a pair of hand prostheses for the man we know as Augustine in the community of Rio Verde. We have known him for many years as the man who had lost the distal half of each arm in a dynamite accident many years ago. Remarkably, he has managed to get by over the years with help from family and friends, but I had never seen the man smile. At this year's global missions conference, Shelia Duncan discovered an entity that provides prosthetic hands, so we obtained six of them. With Shelia, Connie Baker, missionary Kevin Bruce, pastor Wilman Varela and Augustine's son in attendance, adjustments were made, and Augustine was fitted with a new pair of hands. He was able to feed himself, and to pick up a cup. It will take time to learn how to use the prostheses, but for the first time, we saw him smile. We pray that God will continue to soften his heart so that he will be able to receive Christ soon.

We returned to Otavalo tired, but it was a good tired. God is working in each of our lives, continuing to remove the dross. Today (Thursday) we go to a new community to continue providing service.

In His grip,

Tim and Kim

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

2017 Mission to Ecuador - Day One

"So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread."  

John 21:9

The mission team this year consists of 16 Kentuckian, plus a larger number of Ecuadorians. Our team this year will deliver health care services, VBS events, and instruction in preventing and fighting fires.

We will be serving two people groups - Quechua people in the mountains, and Awa people in the mid-range of the northwestern forests. Presently, our team is divided into three groups - two people already on-site, twelve in the air on their way, and two doctors waiting to depart from Miami.

We believe God is sending us with the purpose of loving those in need in Ecuador, coming alongside missionaries whose lives are dedicated to bringing the good news of the gospel. We will be sharing our lives with good friends already known, as well as with people we have yet to meet. In the midst of it all, we intend to spend time with Jesus our Lord, and are expecting to enjoy all that He has prepared in advance for us to do and to give and to learn.

Kim and I invite each of you to share in this journey. Please remember our team as well as the people we are serving in prayer!

Day 5 - Palmira

The medical team traveled to a new location today, Palmira. Few North Americans have been to Palmira, but thanks to a recently built road, we were able to treat around 200 people today. It also rained for hours today which made the 2 hour truck ride back a little scary at times, but God is GOOD and he protected and provided for us.

Monday

Being a Blessing

Today was our second full day in Ecuador. One of my favorite times is always evening devotions when we worship and share how God has shown his light in circumstances. The theme this trip is power.  Nine on the team have been to Ecuador on this trip before; ten of our group are here for the first time. A few highlights of those sharing last night…

John and Jay, two men on the VBS team, were in charge of recreation. They have both served as youth pastors. Everyone played and had a great time. Eventually, they did the the bat head spin game under a parachute, and then kids had to run across under parachute to their place in circle. Lots of laughter. Then the two danced, and the women of the church laughed at them and would move dancing kids out of the way in order to still see the men dancing. There are five youth from Lifesong Church in Russell, KY. They have loved being loved on by the Ecuadorian children.

God’s light is shining in darkness. The pastors in the Galilee church have been discouraged and in somewhat of a desert spiritually. However, the team (VBS portion) had planned for Submerged VBS in the church with service to community children, also. The church leadership was ignited and joined together with renewed joy.

Medical team went to Gualsaqui. The pastor, Roberto, there has a huge passion for Christ and the people of his community.  Due to only being a half day, we we not able to see all that we usually see in this community. However, Roberto said that the sickest and those that needed to be seen were seen. My heart was touched by a woman who has declined physically since a family member passed recently. She had many internal manifestations of outside stress. Even though we are worlds apart, we see many of the same issues.my favorite answer to the question “Que paso?” (What’s wrong) was when an aging woman told me she wanted her graying hair black again. I had to laugh out loud.

One of the devotions I read yesterday (Joni) was about being a blessing.  God gives us so many opportunities to bless others. His life flows through us to others. We come to bless others, but instead we are blessed so much more by the Ecuadorians. To be blessed by God means being drawn deeper, higher, and further into his heart.

Thanks for all who have been praying. Traveling was unremarkable: no plane delays, no custom issues, safe travel.

My prayer today:

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,

Out of my life may Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

Blessings to all,
Kim

Day 1 - Ecuador Mission 2016

Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 13:3-4

Dear friends and family,

Dr. Kim and I are midway through day one. We started at Bluegrass Airport, then travelled to Chicago O'Hare, and are now at the airport in Miami, where we joined up with fifteen of our team. We will arrive at the airport in Quito around 9:30, eventually settling in at the hotel in Otavalo around 1:00 am.

It is a long day filled with travel. But our journey is much easier and safer than Barnabus' and Paul's. Like them, however, we are being led by the Holy Spirit. Every one of our 19 team members need to hear and be led by the Holy Spirit. Please pray for us today in that regard.

Tomorrow, our team will be holding our first health clinic and VBS in a small community near Otavalo. Pray that hearts will be open and that lives will be changed.

Dependent on Him,
Tim, Kim and the team

Mission to Ecuador 2015 - Days 10 and 11

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith.... 

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

Dear family,

On Friday the team spent its last day of medical work providing a clinic at Galilea Baptist Church. The people of this Body have been our partners in the work we do here in Ecuador for quite a few years now. Led by pastor Wilman Varela and his wife Clemencia, the team from Galilea work hard and long everyday in providing our team with food, transportation, Bible School assistance, advice and encouragement. They are God-given friends!

Because Galilea is located in Otavalo, many of the church members there do receive regular medical care. Most of my work there is spent in either providing care for acute minor illnesses, or in reviewing the results of lab tests and X-rays that have been performed at local facilities. The day's tasks are lighter than on other days, and we get to see many of our Christian friends and acquaintances.

In the afternoon, the team performed its annual chore of discarding supplies that will expire and of storing and taking inventory of the remaining medications and supplies. Afterwards, we all cleaned up, had a nice dinner at Restaurant SISA in Otavalo, and then had our nightly time of devotions.

Evening devotions have been a very important time for our teams all these years. We sing a song, read a favorite scripture, and then one team member briefly shares their life story and journey of faith. This year the team is praying over the team member after they share. Then, we all share what happened that day, and what we heard from God. We close in prayer, and retire for the evening.

Saturday (today) has been a day of rest. We got to sleep in until 7am, then took our time in doing a bit of shopping, eating, and then packing for the trip home on Sunday. We will share a Celebration meal with our friends at Galilea, replete with games and a surprise. We will retire early, in order to get a very early start on Sunday morning. The team will depart Quito at 7am, and will have a six hour layover in Miami before returning to the airport in northern Kentucky about 10pm Sunday night.

Blessed by the love of His whole church,
Tim

Nicholas from Gonzales

Dear family,

Dr.Tim with children at Gonzales

On Thursday, the team went to a place we had never been before. Gonzales is a poor community located across the highway from San Pablo Lake. The lake is beautiful and is situated at the foot of Imbaburra volcano. The team arrived at the simple wooden house where the Gonzales community meets at about mid-morning. Many older individuals were already gathered to receive health care. Introductions were made, we prayed and our day got underway.

My first task was to check the ears, eyes, mouths, hearts and lungs of about twenty two- and three-year olds, seated on a rug in the middle of the waiting area. All of the children were eager to be examined....they were a delight. Other than a small sty that one boy had, all of the children were healthy. It was a good start to the day.

For all of these years, Shelia Duncan has served as my translator. A former missionary to Ecuador, she also organizes all of our trips. She is a fantastic team member, and a better person. She loves Jesus with her whole being.

Time with Nicholas at clinic in Gonzales

One of our first patients was a man by the name of Nicholas (we discovered this by examining the spelling book he carried with him). He could speak only a few words, and was significantly impaired, both intellectually and socially. We could tell, however, that he was in some pain....but Nicolas was unable to tell us where. We gradually removed some of his clothing, and discovered a wide string tied around one finger, and another tied around his wrist. We thought these were for pain relief, yet there were no wounds of his skin anywhere. I removed his shoes, and again found no abnormalities. Finally, he motioned toward his mouth. There we found five teeth, two of which were abscessed. We asked our dentist, Randy Baker, about the situation. He recommended medical treatment first, so we gave Nicholas an injection of antibiotic ( we did not believe he could follow directions for a course of treatment, and he lived alone).

While examining Nicholas, we did discover a small purse. Inside, there were two pennies, a nickel, and a quarter. We asked the community organizer about him, and found that he was homeless.

After giving him the injection and redressing him, Nicholas gave Shelia and me some big hugs. And then....he reached into his purse and offered to pay us for his care. We of course quickly assured him that there was no need for that, but then we both broke into tears.

The rest of the day went well enough. We did go to a daycare, and enjoyed checking on sixteen babies there. We also made a house call to evaluate a young woman with a persistent headache. We ended up presenting the gospel to her, and prayed with her and her family.

But for a few minutes that morning at the edge of San Pablo Lake, two veteran team members were overcome with humility in the face of God's mercy and grace.

In Christ,
Tim

Return to Gualsaqui - Day 8

How lovely on the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who announces peace

And brings good news of happiness,

Who announces salvation,

And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7

Dear family,

On Wednesday the team returned to one of the places we visit each year - the rural community of Gualsaqui. This is where our friend Roberto pastors a Nazarene church, and where we are welcomed with open arms. As usual, the VBS team conducted a bible school (in a corn field), while the health care team conducted medical and dental clinics in the church.

Once again, Roberto and Wilman took Shelia and me on a house call to start the morning. We visited Roberto's elderly mother-in-law, who had been bedfast for several months. We determined that she was suffering from an advanced case of dementia. We left some helps for her medical condition, and prayed for her and with the family.

The people of Gualsaqui are always so very gracious and very grateful for our help. They always ask if we will return in a year, and we tell them that we cannot be sure, but that we will try.

The second case was a seven month old infant who had a severe seizure disorder that had required a two month hospitalization in Quito. We reviewed his X-rays and records, and discussed his care with his mother. We also gave her some of the medication he had been prescribed, and provided some funds to help pay for some of his future care.

In both situations, the patient or family was deeply grateful for the care and help that we had given. We prayed with each of them for strength and for healing.

Blessed with tired but happy feet,
Tim

Time with the Awa - Day 6 and 7

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety. 

Psalms 4:8

Dear family,

While working with the Awa each year, the team in recent years has been sleeping at the youth campground quarters next to the Liebenzell Conference Center in Lita. Saturday night this year, however, was tough on sleep because a band in Lita played until 2am that night. On Sunday night, though, everyone slept very well!

VBS in Lita

Erica and Andre at VBS
( Liebenzell Centre)

On Monday and Tuesday, the medical team saw patients at the Rio Verde health centre, while the VBS team conducted VBS sessions with children in Lita as well as with children at a one-room schoolhouse along the road to Rio Verde.  Over 200 children attended the sessions in Lita. The team was very impressed by the teaching and aide rendered by our friends from Galilea Baptist Church as well as by the German students with the Liebenzell Impact team. The students had a tremendous time, and remained focused as well.

The medical team consisted of Randy and Connie Baker with dentistry, Leah Duncan and Audrey Smith with primary nursing and medical care, Jessica Marsee with pharmacy, and myself and Shelia Duncan with general medical care. We were assisted by the team from Galilea church, the Liebenzell students, and the missionary families. We also worked with and gave further medical experience to Jose, the Rio Verde community health worker employed by the Ecuadorian government. Jose has become a dependable health care provider for the Rio Verde community over the past two years.

We saw many patients on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Some of them were patients we see every year, while others were people we were seeing for the first time. We saw Gloria, the older couple with the two children with Down's syndrome, Augustine (the older man who has lost both arms in an accident), the Conticuz families, and Paulino (elder of the Awa church) and his family.

We saw more than the usual number of cases of pneumonia this year, as well as scabies and head lice. We also saw quite a few new people who I believe have seizure disorders. Some of these patients we referred on to local health departments and local physicians, when possible. The patients are now more open to this than in the past, as health care has improved. Randy took care of many patients, and his care is always deeply appreciated because of the pain relief he provides.

All things considered, life in Rio Verde continues to improve. Our team members are richly blessed to know that God has allowed each of us to be a small part of that journey.

Dona Esther hostel in Otavalo

We are now all back in Otavalo, ready to take hot showers and to sleep in soft beds. But most of all, deep in our souls, we know that we have a Father Who cares for us and leads us with a love that grows deeper, wider and stronger with each passing year.

At peace in His arms,
Tim

Worship at Rio Verde - Day 5

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

Dear family,

Sunday was a great day for our team as we were privileged to worship with the missionaries and the Awa people that they serve. We gathered up on top of the ridge where Kevin and Kathy Bruce as well as Andy and Chrissey Shaub live. About twenty five Awa that live in the area worshipped our Lord in song, and then heard a great message on forgiveness, provided by Kevin. Prompted by a recent crisis in the church, the gathered body received teaching from Luke as well as Ephesians.

Following the service, we all enjoyed lunch and the great views from the missionaries' homes. I enjoyed watching a huge grasshopper make its way along the gutter at the backside of the home, and I also enjoyed perspectives on American life by 12 year old Leeann Schaub.

We saw where the government has now extended the road to Rio Verde yet further by about five miles to the remote community of Palmira. The team is hoping to hold a medical clinic in that community next year.

After lunch, we all went back down the ridge to Rio Verde where we conducted the first day of clinic for the Awa. We saw about sixty people, including several cases of pneumonia, as well as scabies, head lice and parasites. We anticipate a busy day on Monday.

Blessed by our Father's forgiveness,
Tim

Mountains Quake - Day 4

Prayer for Mercy and Help

Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence—

Isaiah 64:1

But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

Dear family,

Mountains are everywhere in Ecuador. There are 22 volcanoes here, and one one of them has been active the past few years. So, yes, the mountains do sometimes quake here!

The team is heading to the remote area where the Awa live this afternoon. We will be there the next three days. I likely will be unable to communicate with you during that time. Please pray for the Awa people, the missionaries, the team and me during those three days. We each have physical needs, emotional needs and spiritual needs. Mostly, though, pray that each of us hear what God has to say to us, and that we will respond to Him with submission and obedience.

In His hands,
Tim

Pitched Our Tent in Nantabuela - Day 3

Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. 

Genesis 12:8 

Dear family,

Over the nineteen years that teams from Kentucky have been going to Ecuador, there have been half a dozen times when a tent was put up to be used as a one or two day clinic. Today was one of those times, and for the first time our team played a big role in pitching the tent. Our pastor friend Wilman Varela directed us and a few of his church members in setting up a 60 foot tent, and then putting up the external and internal tarpolin walls. It was a great team experience, and a lot of fun!

As usual, we saw a lot of medical and dental patients. We were in the community of Nantabuela, where a weekly Bible study has been established by Wilman and his wife Clemencia. The community welcomed us with open arms. Many of our first time team members were deeply impressed by the trust and sense of community that they experienced.

Like Abraham, we pitched our tent on the mountain, where we called upon the name of the Lord. It was a day of great blessing.

At peace, and looking forward to a time of rest,
Tim

Mission to Ecuador - Day 1

 ...but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

1 John 1:7

Dear family of God,

We are flying at 38,000 feet, high above the clouds, on our way to Quito. There is a panorama of white and blue below us, with an endless display of illuminating rays of sunlight. The sea far below is a brilliant blend of blue and green. The islands of the Caribbean shine with white coastlines and dark interiors. One is struck with how awesome is The Creator.

Our team travels to Ecuador to have fellowship with His church as well as with those we serve. Old friendships are renewed, and new brief relationships develop with patients as well as with the children in the Bible Schools where we work. All of these relationships are enabled by our Father, Who provides the light in which we walk, day by day. It is a rewarding and very exciting way to live, albeit with considerable effort and endurance at times.

We also celebrate being one with Him, enabled by the sacrifice and life of Jesus. We are meant to live and walk and work and love in Him. It is a life that at times allows us to fly above the clouds, seeing things from His perspective.

In His grace, peace and mercy,
Tim

2015 Pre-Ecuador thoughts

“Listen closely to the thunder of His voice, And the rumbling that goes out from His mouth."

Job 37:2 

Dear family and friends,

The team has gathered and settled in at the Hampton Inn near the airport.

We will rise early in the morning to get on the 6am flight to Miami. Everyone is excited. Though half of us have made this trip many times before, no one can be sure of all that will happen tomorrow. We have made many preparations for this day, but in the end our path is in our Father's hands.

Tonight, it is thundering outside. The sound reminds me of God's sovereignty and awesome power. Like Job, I am reminded to listen closely to what the Lord is saying. Tonight, I hear Him saying, "Trust Me. I am the One Who has made the deep preparations for this trip. I have prepared hearts and minds and circumstances and meetings. My purpose will be accomplished. Enjoy this journey." And so, I lie down for a much needed rest, knowing that our Father will provide.

At peace in His grace,
Dr. Tim