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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment