September and October travels and adventures...

Wow, last month went by so fast we failed to get a letter out to you all! :-) This week finds us unexpectedly in the state of Missouri (more on that below), enjoying the last warmth of the summer before fall arrives.

Yes, we have been busy...but such enjoyable busy-ness!! Kathy and I often remark that we are greatly blessed as we travel to give ministry updates to the different churches and folks that support us because we get to see firsthand so many who are spiritually alive, doing the work of the Kingdom. We find ourselves greatly encouraged to see God at work through you...rubbing shoulders with so many of you is certainly a great privilege!

And yes, we have traveled far and wide, logging in over 7000 miles. A big THANK YOU to all who have provided hospitality to us along the way (and to those who are planning on receiving us in the future). Thank you also for praying that we can be a blessing wherever we go as we share about Jesus' gift of 'grace upon grace' (John 1:16).

Being here in Missouri this week was a bit unexpected! A week ago Sunday our daughter Keilah was bitten by a large copperhead snake while she and Jeremy were heading out for a swim at the lake here at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) where they are students. Keilah was in front, pushing our grandson Ronin in the stroller, and they were just arriving at the lakeside when she felt the snake bite her (none of them saw it til afterwards). We are thankful Jeremy was able to rush Keilah to the hospital right away, as she went through several hours of miserable pain and vomiting before being released the next day. Over the next few days the redness and swelling increased, but now, a week later, Keilah is recovering remarkably well. We are glad that we were able to travel down here to be with her and Jeremy as she recovers from this traumatic event. Of course we always enjoy the time with little Ronin as well! We thank God that the snake did not bite one of the many children who were around that day (including Ronin in the stroller!) as the bite of a copperhead, though rarely fatal to adults, can be to children. Today, just over a week later, Keilah was even able to attend classes here at the MTC! 

This week has been a tumultuous week in Ecuador. The government announced that it could no longer afford to keep the nation’s fuel subsidies in place.

This news caused the transportation companies to call for a country-wide protest and strike, blockading the roads and marching in the streets. The government then declared a state of emergency in order to have the authority to clear the roads and provide safety to the citizens. It is sad because some of the ruffians often take advantage of such chaos to loot the stores and markets. After two days the transportation strike was called off, but the uprising has been carried on by the many rural indigenous groups.

Some protests have turned violent, and there has been one reported death. Please pray for the country of Ecuador, that peace and stability can return. Our missionary coworkers down there have all been okay, although they have had to lay low during the unrest, and food and gasoline are in short supply.

Thank you for your continued prayers for our coworkers the Shaubs and the Awa ministry. Life in the mountains remains mostly calm, even when the political problems in the city escalate. There are advantages to working in a remote village as opposed to urban life!

In His grip,
Kevin & Kathy

Picture credits: Kevin preaching: Dick McCreight, Ecuador road blocks: www.teleSurTV.net