Men's Retreat

Last week some of the men went to a retreat where I was to be one of the speakers. It was a great time. There were only a handful of church groups invited so it wasn't big, but everyone enjoyed it. The teaching definitely made in impact on the men from Manta who should be able to apply it in their homes immediately. In fact, within a half-hour of arriving home, I got a call from one of the wives saying "Thank you" for what her husband had learned at the retreat, and on Sunday a father and son were baptized together.

Still Moving Forward

There are so many good things going on around our church that sometimes we don't notice all of the progress. Overall attendance has been increasing steadily. Now the Sunday attendance is over 100 more often than not. We always have new believers and others interested in personal Bible study and discipleship classes. The Thursday night Bible institute class, Escuela de Liderazgo Bíblico, just started a new cycle of classes with 17 students. The ministry/leadership team has been working well together for several months. We have about 20 people involved in teaching children's classes. The church's monthly budget and giving have increased dramatically over last year. Wow! God has been good.
Yet there have been challenges. A number of people have been hospitalized lately with illness and injuries. One man in the church was involved in a terrible auto accident that resulted in some legal troubles. The financial crunch has hit families in the congregation at all economic levels. Several are out of work or are underemployed. Crime has increased in Manta and has touched some of our church families. We are making the best of limited space and limited resources. However, we realize that each of these challenges is an opportunity for God to work and to be worshipped.
Thank you for your prayers and partnership in our ministry.

Floor Finished

Here is Teddy standing on the floor of the classroom building in progress. All it needs are walls, ceiling, windows, and doors!

Building Progress

It has been neat to see the education building begin to take shape as the foundation, and columns and floor are completed! We are thankful for what God has done for us.

Ecua-Volley

What did the men do while the women were at a baby shower? First they spent a few hours working at the construction site. Twelve men put their hands and hearts into completing a task together. Then the fellowship continued with one of Ecuador's favorite sports--volleyball. In Ecuador volleyball is played with three on a side, a high net, and a soccer ball. There is no rotation. The competition is serious.

Double Baby Shower

This past Sunday evening the ladies of the church held a baby shower for two lovely Moms-to-be, Viviana and Monica. Joy had a great time planning, organizing, and buying gifts. The cakes she made were beautiful. The other leaders of the ladies ministry pitched in and did a wonderful job with decorations, games, and a devotion. About 35 ladies participated and made both of the mothers feel very blessed and appreciated. Viviana has attended our church for a few years, but her husband is not a believer. Monica and her husband have just recently begun to follow Jesus.

Bible Institute Students

Here you see most of the people from the church who recently completed subjects in our Bible institute ministry. All of these folks take active roles in our church. Baby Aaron was present for the latest subject and took the final exam. This Thursday we expect to add several new students to this group.


Miriam, Darwin and Jessica each received a beautiful Study Bible in recognition of their completing 12 subjects. They are the first to finish the Level One courses. They will be continuing to study in areas specific to the ministries they are involved in or will be stretching into!