McGrady Farewell, New Interim Pastor--Tom Hines

McGrady farewell Sunday—Yesterday we celebrated the ministry of the McGradys at ICW. Fifty-four people attended. There were 33 adults, and 16 of them were guys. Lydia preached the message on repentance. A group of men gathered around Ned and Tom for prayer as Ned passed the baton to Tom as new interim pastor. Several gave special words of appreciation to the McGradys and presented gifts. A five-minute video compilation of pictures of the McGradys in action during their time in Ecuador was presented at the close of service, followed by prayer.

A God-thing--Perhaps the most special gift the McGradys received yesterday is told in this story. As Ned and Tom carried the nice wooden pulpit across the muddy lot to set up in the tent, Ned commented, “Well, here is the Absalom pulpit. I guess we won’t get to say goodbye to them.” (Absalom had crafted the pulpit for the church, and his wife, Gloria, was one of a handful of neighbors from Racar that attend the very first Bible study meetings at the McGradys house in early ’09.) Gloria had served as treasurer before they moved to the south side of Cuenca and started attending a different church because of the distance. They eventually moved to Quito to start a business. As Ned and I set up in the tent, a motorcycle came down the lane with a lone male rider wearing a helmet. Ned took a second look and said, “That looks like Absalom!” (Absalom never regularly attended the church before, and this rider was alone on the bike.) Soon Gloria came walking down the lane behind the bike. (The lane is a little treacherous with two on the bike.) It was Absalom and Gloria!

That is a neat story in itself, but as we conversed after service we discovered that this couple has moved back to Cuenca. And most interesting of all, they did not have any idea that the McGradys were moving to Home Ministries assignment and that this was their last day at the church. Everyone sensed that this was a God-thing and used it to bless us. Hopefully, the fact that Absalom and Gloria came to the service, means that they will be coming back to ICW as regular worshipers.

Racar Ministry Center construction—The steel studs for the wall of the storage area went up this last week. The walls should be up before the end of this week. This will allow us to store our chairs and sound equipment on site, which will make setting up for services in the tent much more convenient. A team of six to eight volunteers from Heritage Wesleyan Church in Moline, Illinois will be arriving May 9, and will work on the installation of the septic tank. We should have minimum bathroom facilities within the next several weeks.

All-church dialogue—Next Sunday we will announce date and time for a series of all-church dialogues in which we will gather to talk over, in-depth, the future development and direction of the church. This will be an opportunity for us to hear how our people would like to see the church evolve in its second year. We will share ideas, goals and strategies, and in particular, our plan for organized discipleship of new believers, with special attention to determining who will be part of the first leadership nucleus. We will also formulate a financial plan for contributing toward the RMC project. We currently have $1500 targeted toward the project and hope it will reach at least $5000.

VIDEO: Tom's installation as interim pastor

New missionaries appointed; Four believers baptized!

Cuenca, Ecuador

Boy, do we have news this week!…..

Not one but two!—Two couples have just been appointed to serve as long-term missionaries to Ecuador. They are Jim and Lori Rice, of Tuscaloosa First Wesleyan Church, and Isaac and Amy Thompson, of the Lawrence, Kansas Wesleyan Church. Jim is a police investigator and Lori is an RN. They have two children, Lauren, who graduates from IWU in just a few days, and Chris, who will graduate from high school May 6. Isaac Thompson is a math teacher and Amy is an accountant. Our missionary team is very excited about the doubling of our on-field personnel, and is so grateful for all the work that has gone into making this leap forward.

Farewell to the McGradys—It is with very mixed emotions that we bid farewell to the McGrady family this week. They have been a wonderful asset to our team and were used by God in so many ways. Although we will miss Ned’s great chili and their great gifts of hospitality, our best wishes go with them as they develop and pursue more fully their pastor-to-missionaries role. ICW will hold a farewell dinner for them next Sunday.

ICW Baptisms—Attendance was back up last Sunday with 55 (31 adults/youth) present for worship. Sheree preached the message on redemption and how God takes our broken lives and restores them. The message was particularly focused toward the four baptism candidates. Following worship in Big Blue (the tent), a hired bus took us to Gualaceo (45 minutes outside Cuenca) to a beautiful park along the Santa Barbara River. Two adult ladies (Karla, Katy) and two youth (Jordan McGrady and Suco) were baptized in the frigid water as those of us on the bank sang Power In the Blood and I Have Decided To Follow Jesus. Each candidate gave individual testimony to his/her salvation. (Some of our people were seeing an evangelical baptism for the first time.) Just after the baptisms, we pigged out on charcoal grilled pork steaks and chicken along with the trimmings! Almost everyone joined in either volleyball or soccer. Another great day for the REAL church—the body of Christ.

New men—I shared in last week’s update about Juana and her growth in Christ and passionate desire to know Him more. Juana and her husband, Miguel, have been estranged for five years. He was in the USA and they had no contact. Several days ago, Miguel showed up. God has helped them begin to reconcile their marriage—Praise God! Miguel attended services Sunday as well as the baptism. Ana Lucia’s husband, Fabian, did not come to worship, but did join us for the baptism trip. That was a first. Tom spent about 45 minutes listening to Fabian talk about faith in God and his ideas regarding church. Pray for both of these men that they will literally become “new men in Christ.”

Pastor Gustavo—Tom received a call from Pastor Gustavo a few days ago. Gustavo reported that he and his family have moved back to his mother’s home, but that renovations had been done and they were now getting settled. He stated that he believes God has allowed the difficulties of recent weeks to happen in order to allow them to learn and grow. He said that the pastors of Guayaquil were planning to meet at Pastor Mazzini’s home for prayer and fellowship last Saturday night. Pray for unity among them.

RMC Construction—Each week the property looks a little different as construction progresses. The fencing is now erected. Gates will follow soon and work on the storage area will begin this week. We expect to have temporary electrical service in the coming weeks. (The ladies are still screaming for a bathroom!)

Hey….only a page and a half this week!

Tom

Update April 13, 2010--Baptism, new pastor's home

Ecuador Update
April 13, 2010

ICW: a difficult Sunday—Bad news first…right? Last Sunday was a hard one. It had rained all week and the property was a mud bog, including inside the tent. Ned and Marlene were in Mexico, so we missed them. Attendance was down to (GULP!) 19! It was a holiday and that hurt us. Some were sick. We set up on the concrete slab and service went pretty well. Because of the low attendance, both children’s church and adult worship was modified at last minute. God still worked through Sheree as she preached on redemption. We divided into groups and afterward three people shared a summary of what we had learned on the subject. Participation by those who were there was good.

Leadership development—Three leaders from Guayaquil, Pilar Rodriguez and Juan Carlos and Diana Cruz plan to enter a three-year ministerial training program in a local Bible institute in Guayaquil. They seem very fired up and ready to go. Classes begin May 3.

Moran family’s new home—Pastor Juan and Sonia Moran (FERTISA) have moved into their new third-floor home above the sanctuary. They are thrilled. For many years they have been living in a one-room apartment in a flood-prone area. All the while they have battled the seasonal flooding of their home, along with horrible mold, mud and rust. As the name of the church says, “Dios Es Primero” (God is First). They have lived out that motto over the past 11 years working hard to get the church finished first, before their home. Pray God’s blessing on them for their sacrifice.

Teacher training—Last Tuesday night Laura and Nube came to Tom and Lydia’s apartment where they received teacher training and made preparations for classes at ICW. We now have three committed teachers for children’s Sunday classes.

Baptism next Sunday—On April 18, ICW will hold its first baptism. One candidate, Katy Acuña, will be baptized. It will be a church-wide celebration with a bus trip to Gualaceo, worship on the banks of the river, picnicking, and sports. Three ladies received classes on baptism from Tom. Pray that all will soon take this important step.

Elena—One of the ladies who attended the baptism class was Elena. She has been Catholic all her life. In January, through VBS, she started coming to ICW along with her daughter, Nube. At the close of the session, I asked the baptism class students what their decision regarding baptism was, Elena spoke up and said, “Pastor, I wanted to come to this class to learn about baptism. I 66 years old, and it is only now that I am beginning to understand what it means to follow Jesus.” Her voice quivered. “Can you imagine?” she continued, “until now, I just went to Mass, and that was it. I just didn’t know about all this that I’m learning now.” Tears welled up. “I need to take care of some things in my life before I am baptized, but I want to be.” By this time she was weeping. “I will be baptized a little later when I learn more about knowing Jesus.” Even though Elena felt she should not to be baptized yet, it was a precious moment when she was expressing the “all things become new” realities of her recent conversion. Her sincerity and strong desire to be all that God wants her to be was very special.

Katy—At the close of the baptism class, Katy said, “I want to be baptized, but I want to talk to you first, Pastor.” Without violating confidentiality with details, I can tell you that Katy met privately with me and Lydia immediately following the class. She said, “I want to be baptized, but I don’t feel worthy. There are some things in my life that are not pleasing to God and I have to clear them up before my baptism. I want to be honest with God and only be baptized when my conscience is totally clear.” At this point, Katy began to weep and tremble. She poured her heart out to me and Lydia as God dealt with her, and as she confronted the need for restitution and making things right in her life. Tears flowed freely, falling from her cheeks as she asked us about what she should do. Lydia and I told her to do the right thing and obey what she knew to be right. (This was not at all a simple matter. It involved a tangle of family relationships, the father of her child and legal issues.) Suddenly, Katy sat upright, lifted her head from a bowed position and said, “OK, the decision is made. I will talk to my family tonight (it was already 8:30pm!) and I will be baptized!” It was a moment of wonderful victory. Later that evening, she called us and reported that all went pretty well. Pray for Katy as she continues to make restitution and rectify bad decisions of the past. She still has tough issues to resolve, but with God’s help she will make it.

Walter—This young man about 17, came to youth meeting Saturday. He also came Sunday morning for worship. This was unusual as Walter always goes to Catechism instead of coming to worship at ICW. Pray for his salvation.

Javier and Laura—Tom and Lydia invited Javier and Laura to lunch Sunday after worship. We spent two hours over our meal, talking about what it means to be a committed Christian. Javier accepted Christ three years ago, but his relationship had grown cold with the Lord. He started attending ICW with his newlywed wife, Laura in October of 2009. She met the Lord in July of last year. We felt God was really in our conversation and they seemed very sincere in their desire to grow spiritually. Here are some excerpts from emails Laura sent to Lydia today.

“God is hearing my prayers. I am so happy. Last night while talking with Javier, he said he is now going to become fully involved in the church, and is going to give his full support. He is the one who started the conversation.

It is important that we have a meeting of the people soon so each one can solidify their commitment and understand their individual responsibility. Let us know when the meeting is so we can motivate the people to attend.”

“The reality is that we must be obedient to the Lord. He will work in our lives and through our lives for the benefit of others.”

Lydia had loaned Laura a about Christian marriage a month or so ago. It was due to be checked back in to the library. Laura asked Lydia if she could borrow it one more week so Javier can read it.

“I want to learn more”—Juana, who recently began regularly attending services, testified Sunday in our small group that she was so happy to learn about living with God in her life. In January Juana sat in the back row in the tent, seemed very intimidated, feeling inferior and looking very expressionless. What a change God has made in her. Sunday she said “I have learned so much living the Christian life…and I like it! How can I learn more?” She told about how happy she is now that Christ is in her life and wants other to know about it. Her huge smile and now-confident manner confirmed everything she said in words.

Discipleship—George Wuertz continues to mentor the construction workers in their walk with Christ.

Fabian and Ana Lucia—Tom and Lydia invited this couple to their apartment for dinner and fellowship. It was a great time of interacting and getting to know them better. Today, Ana Lucia celebrated thirteen days of freedom from her smoking habit. We thank God, and ask for your prayers as she battles the nicotine cravings. Tonight she said, “I’ve quit before about five times, but this time it has not been so hard.” I reminded her that many people are praying for her.

We sense that we are on the verge of some real good revival fire taking our young church deeper in Him. Please pray it will be so.

Tom Hines

Update April 5, 2010--Record attendance, smoke free!

Ecuador Update April 5, 2010

Guayaquil—Pastor Gustavo Viejo reports that the Altar Cristiano Church had “marvelous” services Good Friday and Easter with an attendance of about 40. He reported that one young lady was saved.

Teachers’ workshop: Guayaquil—Lydia held the fourth teachers workshop at the Fortin Church a week ago Saturday. Participation was good and it was the first time some of the teachers from the other churches had been to Fortin. Pastor Pilar seemed very pleased.

FERTISA—The Dios Es Primero Church recently completed a 21-day fasting program. Several members fasted from 7am to 8pm each day for the 21 days, including youth. Some fasted 7 complete days without food. Pastor Juan reports great victories and a special sense of God’s moving.

Guayaquil visit—George and Sheree made a recent three-day visit to Guayaquil where they visited our pastors and churches. They contacted Vicki and Marlon (formerly major leaders at FERTISA who had left the church about 8 months ago and had gone back to a sinful lifestyle) and this key couple returned to FERTISA a week ago Sunday night. Pastor Juan said Vicki came running toward the altar and wept in repentance. It was so good to see them in the services again during our last visit. Pray they will hang on.

Pastors’ workshop—Tom held the monthly pastors’ workshop in Guayaquil last Monday night. The main discussion had to do with theological training for our pastors and future pastors. Pastor Pilar as well as Juan Carlos and Diana are planning to enter Bible Institute. There was also discussion about our upcoming stewardship month in May. Tom will work with the church leaders to assist the congregations in committing to a better support plan for their pastors. The prayer time at the close was exceptionally good. Tom challenged the pastors to meet once per month on their own, to pray and enjoy fellowship.

Easter Sunday ICW—It was another great Sunday. Worship was at 10am with a record (non-Kansas Team) attendance reported between 64 and 70. Nineteen were children and the rest were adults and youth. There were 5 or 6 teenage guys there. Tom preached from John chapter 20 on “The Seven Words of Christ After His Resurrection.” Following the service, we enjoyed a turkey dinner which was followed by a movie, volleyball, soccer, music jam, table games and lots of great fellowship. We finally left about 5:30 pm. Great body life!

Growing in Christ—Ana Lucia, a school teacher in her fifties, who was reached through Sheree’s ladies meetings a few years ago, and who only recently began attending ICW, came to Sheree’s home a few days ago and said, “Here’s $40—I am going to start giving my tithe.” We were all excited because we know “where your treasure is, your heart also will be.” This was a great victory, but Sunday, she approached Tom and said, Pastor, I have not smoked for four days!” She didn’t share with everyone, but did tell Lydia. Pray for her as she strives to break this addiction after decades of smoking. God is really working in her life, and it shows on her face. Pray for her husband Fabian’s salvation.

VBS fruits--Several people who came to the VBS held by the Kansas team in January attended yesterday’s Easter services at ICW.

Racar Ministry Center—The parking area is basically done, the fence is going up. The storage area is to be done by the end of April and the septic system with some bathroom facilities is to be ready in May. We are looking forward to the first floor being enclosed in the next few months. The muddy floor of the tent has been a little hard to deal with during this rainy season. But we’re getting there!

McGradys/Mexico and farewell—Ned and Marlene will travel to Mexico April 6 for a ten-day pastor-to-misionaries trip. Shortly after they return we will celebrate their ministry here with a farewell. They will depart Cuenca Sunday afternoon, April 25. Pray for them as they transition to home minstries.

Update March 15, 2010--Kidnapping, VBS and more

Ecuador Update March 15, 2010

ICW—Services went well at ICW yesterday with 37 people present. Nine of those were boys or men who had not been to the church before. Of the 37 people, 22 were guys. Tom preached on “You Need a Savior.” There were no seekers who came forward, but many had tears in their eyes and were deeply touched during the message. Tom was stricken ill Saturday night and was quite sick Sunday. Prayers of the ministry team were heard and Tom made it through the service. Tom believes this was a physical attack from the enemy. He is doing better today.

God’s protection—We praise God for his protection. Last Sunday afternoon, as Lydia walked alone by the river taking some pictures, a man brandishing a knife approached her and stole her camera. She was shaken, and suffered a minor cut on her hand from the skirmish, but is doing well.

The sister of Nube T., Veronica, was kidnapped last Saturday night about midnight in Cuenca. Five men carjacked her vehicle and drove her to a remote location where they began to dismantle her car. During the incident, one of the kidnappers attempted to rape her. She fought back hard, kicking, hitting and biting the attacker. He did not rape her, but beat her so violently that when her family finally found her, they thought she was dead. Fortunately, Veronica is recovering, though she needs much prayer. She had been a Christian but has drifted away from the Lord. Pray that this situation will “work together for her good.”

Guayaquil—VBS is being held this week at Camino de Santidad Church.

McGrady’s held a one-day VBS activity at the Altar Cristiano Church last Thursday. Fifty-five kids were there and it was a great success.

Manta—McGradys visited Manta for few days recently and feel there could be potential there for a future church plant. More investigation will be done to gather detailed info.

Racar Ministry Center—Thanks to the outstanding work and support of the Kansas teams, good progress has been made on the RMC. We are hoping to mount a capital campaign in the coming months to raise the needed funds to finish this building which will serve the entire Ecuador ministry. Our project manager, George Wuertz estimates it will take about $120,000 to finish the building and grounds, including the sports areas.

Family visits in Racar—Last Sunday Lydia and Tom stopped by Fabian and Ana Lucia’s home to visit Fabian after his recent accident. He is a professional coach and recently suffered a knee injury. What was to be a quick visit turned into staying for “a little soup” which turned into a full dinner. After eating together, we sat in their living room and talked about spiritual concepts. The discussion was prompted by Lydia’s teaching that Sunday morning. Both Fabian and Ana Lucia entered into the discussion and both seemed to sincerely be seeking God’s truth. We talked until after 3pm. Pray for their salvation.
Ladies’ book study going well—Sheree Wuertz is directing a ladies’ book study in their home on Monday evenings and Tuesday afternoons. They are reading “Captivating” by John and Stasi Eldridge. Pray for this study, as many of the attendees do not regularly attend our church services.

Welcome to Hines Sight Now!

For some time now Lydia and I have wanted to give you access to the latest news and prayer requests from the Global Partners ministries here in Ecuador. Now you are never more than a few clicks away from updates, photos and our current contact information.

We depend on the prayers and support of our North American friends and want to make sure you are always in the know.

If you have any special requests or items you would like to see in Hines Sight Now, drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you.

Blessings,

Tom and Lydia