They tell of the power of your awesome works – and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. (Psalm 145:6-8)
Scripture says that if we don’t cry out, the rocks will! We realize that you get tons of emails but we have to testify to the amazing goodness of Almighty God. Testifying brings encouragement and challenge to all those that hear as well as honor and glory to God.
Our short-term mission trip to Puyo, Ecuador far exceeded anything that we could have imagined. We left the US with intentions of serving alongside our Ecuadorian brothers and sisters during their first Vacation Bible School. We did that and it was wonderful to see 90-100 kids come to learn about Heroes of the Faith. Many seeds were planted into the hearts of those precious children and we know that God’s word will not return void.
As wonderful as that was.... it was NOT the highlight. The week prior to departure was filled with trials that tried to keep us from going, everything from childcare issues, to health issues, and even two cancelled flights. We knew without a doubt that we were to go, so we anticipated great blessings because of our perseverance. Even upon our arrival, we were met with more trials such as lost luggage, a van that had to be push started every time we got in, strep throat by a team member, and an exploding ceramic sink in the hotel.
We were welcomed to Puyo with a special church service. At that service, we met Rosa: A Christian Shuar woman expecting her 7th child when she, along with her children and a few other Shuar women, came to do a special presentation for our group. During the church service she shared her sadness of living with an alcoholic husband who, even that night, was out drunk in the streets. The group committed to pray for her during the week, and on Tuesday night during the evening service, we noticed that Alejandro, her husband, had come to church with her. He was quite uneasy, especially as we were so overjoyed to see him. He testified that he was searching for God and had a problem with alcohol. On Wednesday, we had the chance to go to the squatter home of Alejandro and Rosa to visit and pray with them. It was such a moving time as Alejandro dedicated his life to the Lord and then spoke a blessing over each of his children and over Rosa. At the Thursday night church service, we saw a completely transformed family. Alejandro was praising and rejoicing in what God had done while his wife beamed with such incredible hope and assurance of what God had done in their family.
What a blessing to be used by God even in a small way in the transformation of that family. On Friday, when we had our closing ceremony for VBS, Alejandro and his family came to do one more presentation for us, and as he led his family in praising the Lord through songs and dance, we all were moved to tears knowing that just like Zacchaeus, salvation had come to that house. Yes, we went to help with VBS, but oh how we were blessed to hear Alejandro share that if our team had not come, fulfilling the visions of our team that he had received prior to our arrival, he admitted that he would have never accepted the Lord.
Rosa has a vision to reach the Shuar community for Christ. Please pray for her and Alejandro as they seek to serve God in their community even though they are persecuted and ostracized for their beliefs in Jesus Christ. Pray also for Alejandro as he breaks the chains of alcoholism.
If you, your small group or your church has any interest in participating in a short-term mission trip, please let us know and we will be thrilled to help you in the process. The World is waiting. Are you willing?
Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy
