Learning to be joyful givers!

 

Guayaquil—Jim and Lori Rice are working hard to get ready for the arrival of Sheri Beck, who will join us in Ecuador on September 9.  They are also helping Liz Serrato, a GoNetter who will be joining our ETeam for a two-year stint as an intern. Liz has about half of her funds raised and is targeting her arrival for January of 2014.

Resignation—Tom Hines has informed GP that he will be resigning his position as mission director of Ecuador as of June 1, 2014.  We expect news from Dr. Jackson very soon on who will be appointed to that position.  This will give the new appointee about 10 months to prepare to assume leadership of the field. Tom and Lydia are due to spend a year in partnership development (deputational service) July 2014 to May 2015.  After that, they expect to return to Guayaquil, Ecuador for another term of service.

Cuenca—This month is stewardship month at El Faro.  We have a goal to increase our regular giving in tithes and offerings and present the idea of a building fund to finance a new multipurpose building for worship and other large events.  We will also prepare two food baskets for needy families of our congregation. This is a time to re-educate many of our new believers.  Most come from the area’s traditional religion.  That group charges set fees for almost all services such as baptism, confirmation, weddings and funerals.  They can also be very demanding about tithing.  This has turned many people off to giving to the church.  It is our responsibility and privilege to introduce these new believers to the privilege of joyful giving of tithe and offerings.  Pray for Tom as he preaches and teaches this series on stewardship, and for God’s provision for the church and those who worship there.