April & May 2022

 A Motorcycle Fall, Fractured Ankle, and Recovery   May 7th I was on my motorcycle heading down a steep hill on my way to Lita when I met a truck coming around a blind curve. As I braked to pull tighter into the inside of the curve, my bike slipped on loose gravel and went down. The full weight of the motorcycle landed on my ankle, fracturing the tibia bone. One young fellow from the truck helped lift the motorcycle off my leg, and somehow I managed to go on to Lita and return home, all the while thinking my ankle sure was painful! Kathy helped me to our bedroom and I didn’t move much for the next few days. 😳

Kathy and the Shaubs managed to do the two church services and both of the youth classes with 30 students in attendance that next day. By Monday I was recovered enough from all the scrapes and jolts to be able to travel, and we were becoming more convinced that my ankle was broken. Co-worker Andy Shaub drove us out to the city of Ibarra on Tuesday. Wednesday the doctor confirmed the fracture and put a cast on my foot and surgery was planned for Friday. We are thankful for a successful surgery as the doctor put nine screws and a metal plate in to hold the fracture in place. Whew! On the bright side, Dr. Villalba assures me that I have strong bones and should make a full recovery! ! Using crutches during mud season in AwaLand is definitely going to be a challenge. We need much help from God to make it through the next few weeks; we greatly appreciate your prayers.

Awa Conference 2022   We are so thankful for a great conference this year! With good weather and an average of 100 in attendance, God blessed us with a truly enjoyable time together. We were especially appreciative of a good crew of youth and adults listening attentively to the daily teaching. This year’s theme was “Jesus, the Lamb of God” and we went over the Old Testament examples of sacrifice and ended up Sunday morning recognizing Jesus’ death as our sacrificial Lamb. What joy it brings to our hearts to see an understanding growing in many of the young people, specifically the youth going through the Bible course we are doing now.

Sandra & Jaime   In March we introduced you to Milton Jr and Mónica Esthela, two of the young students. One of the young couples doing the course is Paulino’s oldest daughter Sandra and husband Jaime. They have faithfully attended Sunday after Sunday, and show a good understanding of what we are studying as they answer questions and do the worksheets. On Sundays Sandra and Jaime sit in the front of the church and we are blessed to watch them encouraging their children to sing and pay attention to the teaching. During Conference, Sandra and Jaime came up to say the memory verse together, holding hands and with big smiles on their faces. Their two daughters, Sarela and Mariuxi, also said the verse in front of the whole church! Sandra and Jaime struggle with their handicapped daughter Liseth, as she is very weak and sickly, and would greatly appreciate your prayers on Liseth’s behalf.

Rainy Season   The heavy rains continue, as well as the mudslides and travelling challenges. God kept the road open for the Conference days, but on April 18th, the following Monday, a big mudslide fell on the road near our house and carried one of the truck drivers down with the mud. Early the next morning our Awa neighbors found his body, quite battered by the mud and rocks, carried quite a way down the mountain. That was a sad day for Rio Verde. We do thank God for opening the road Sunday after Sunday as we make the trek up to Palmira for the service there.

Thanks for your partnership and prayers! As we look out at the world situation (and at my multi-colored ankle!) we are reminded how much we need to lean on God, our dependable, sturdy Rock.

In His grip,
Kevin & Kathy