Sun and Sand Saturday

On Saturday we had a men's activity--football (soccer) and volleyball (ecua-volley) at the beach. When we schedule outings for the men's group, we never know how many men from the church will be able to get off of work in time or will remember the starting time. This was the best-attended men's activity so far. Sixteen showed up! Several of them were newcomers to the church. The team leaders did a good job of contacting the guys. We had a lot of fun, considering how many of us are somewhere over the proverbial hill. Ecuador has it's own style of volleyball. Each team has three men and they play with a soccer ball. It is not easy, and is especially tough on sand. The soccer was fun, and I even scored a goal! My first goal since elementary school! Besides the sports, we enjoyed ceviche, and had a short devotional time. It was a hot afternoon. Everyone was worn out by the time the sun went down. More than a few of the guys mentioned sore legs, backs, and shoulders on Sunday morning, but they also asked when we could do it again.

Clearing Land

The land is cleared and ready for the next step! It was encouraging to see the dump truck drive away with the last load of unwanted rubble. Now we are ready to see dump trucks drive in with loads of things we need. Please continue to pray for the building project for the church in Manta. We would love to be meeting on the property by June of 2009.

Not All Things Seem Good

In the past couple of months we have had at least our share of the flu. One week in particular the germs passed from Teddy, to Joy, to me and sent us each to bed in turn. It is no fun to be sick, to feel weak, and to have to be still.
Lately, one of the men in our church who had seen some tremendous changes in his life has struggled to stay free from the grasp of drug use. He has had a few set-backs. His wife is battling despair and fear that he is on another downward spiral.
Two of the couples who were important parts of the beginning of our church in Manta have been notably absent from the unity and fellowship with the rest of the congregation. The church continues to change and grow, and maybe that's an excuse from their point of view, but it is painful for me to see some of those who worked and contributed to the first steps in starting this church missing out on the joyful results and the excitement about the future.
All of these things seem negative in themselves, but I believe in the power of prayer and in the promise that all things, even those that seen bad, work out for good through God's providence. We count on your prayers for each of these concerns.