Family in Manta Ecuador

Family in Manta Ecuador
January 2015

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Summer Slump

It's easy for me to forget to blog when I'm busy doing the business of ministry yet it doesn't seem like anything exciting is happening. In truth, there are lots of exciting, even miraculous things happening every day. The beauty of the Christian life is seeing God's involvement in the daily grind through the eye of faith. God is at work in the young man who wants to turn his life around and attends church and his discipleship meeting faithfully for five weeks. He is at work in the hearts of those who look for ways to share with those who are in greater need than they are. He is faithful to supply enough hours in the day and enough days in the week to accomplish every task, plus give us a little more strength so we can share a smile and a few minutes with an unexpected visitor. His hand is not still. He is busily engaged in the details.
Everything moves forward. We are growing closer to the deadline for the purchase of property for the Manta church. We are still about $8,000 short of the goal, but a bit more comes in each week. Seven of our supporting churches and three individuals or families have made contributions to our project fund. We are very thankful for their involvement.
At the beginning of August there will be a new rotation of Sunday School teachers. Joy has made plans for a small expansion of the teaching team. We are praying that all of the workers in this ministry will be faithful to such a big commitment.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

No Gas

Tempers are running high around Ecuador these days because of a shortage in the production of LP gas. That is the basic cooking fuel in Ecuadorian homes, where it may also be used in appliances like water heaters and clothes dryers. The shortage has gone on for a couple of months and seems to be getting worse. The president blames the production companies, while the producers claim that the state-controled selling price is less than the cost of production. The price has been established without increase for at least five years. Vendors are trying to cash in on higher prices in neighboring countries and are selling it there illegally. People waiting in long lines are getting hot under the collar. I drive around with an empty tank in the trunk of my car just hoping to find a line to wait in. I may have to build a cooking fire. I wish I had paid closer attention in Cub Scouts.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Blue Ridge Group



A group from Blue Ridge Baptist Temple in Kansas City, including Pastor Bill Boren, ministered with us for five days toward the end of June. They did a great job, taking music and evangelism to elementary schools, parks, a children's home and the village of Travesía. They also participated in our regular church services. Their ministry was well-received and fruitful in opening doors for sharing the love of Christ with many in our community. Thank you, Blue Ridge Baptist!