JANUARY'S OVER
In many ways, January was a somber month for us. We are right at the height of rainy season, and have passed many days with dark skies overhead, along with the rain and fog. It’s a big event to catch a glimpse of sunshine! The trails are muddy, slippery, and tiring. Hiking up to the Outpost with full backpacks has become a real challenge, with each step forward at times seeming like a small victory. (We hear that this is a result of 'El Nino', the weather trend, which is causing flooding in many parts of Ecuador. Perhaps it's a bit of a consolation to know that it has a name!) Also, last week, one of our little goats died, after being sick just two days, making us feel even gloomier. Even the Awa are feeling subdued, especially since there is also much sickness going around. The local ‘curers’ have been busy seeking to cure those who are sick, especially if a trip to the local town medical doctor doesn’t seem to help. Then, also this month, our young friend Wilso (just a little older than our Kenny) committed suicide, casting a dark shadow on the whole Rio Verde community.
WILSO'S STORY
Wilso committed suicide late on January 3rd, by the Rio Verde River, in the dark and in the rain. He had been suffering for a couple of months with what the Awa called a ‘spirit’ sickness. His family had tried to help him, spending much money on town doctors, witchdoctor curers, and even taking him to the hospital in Ibarra. Nothing seemed to help, and Wilso decided to end his own suffering by drinking poison on that dark afternoon. His body was found by his cousins the next morning, starting a cycle of sadness and darkness in Rio Verde.
Wilso’s death was hard for us to take. Several years ago we had taken care of him when he was hospitalized for an infection of his gall bladder, and again a year later when he had another attack. During this time Wilso’s attention was caught by a picture Bible storybook we had, and he spent hours reading and listening to it. “This is so good, God’s Word is so good!” he exclaimed many times. (He eventually saved up his money and bought his own.) Then there was the day that Wilso heard our co-worker Doug teach about Jesus being the Good Shepherd. After the lesson, I remember Wilso going up to the front and fingering the little fuzzy flannelgraph sheep that had been lost. “I want Jesus to take care of me like that,” Wilso said that day.
We are still putting together the pieces of what happened over the last two years. Evidently his parents forbid him to come to our Sunday teaching here in Rio Verde. We invited him many times, and were somewhat puzzled as to why he didn’t show up. Milton, one of the believers, was also faithful to talk with Wilso about the Lord. Milton tells us that last year Wilso had said to him, “Yes, I’m really wanting to follow God’s path!”
Then about six months ago, we noticed a change. The believers told us that Wilso was drinking and living just like the other Awa boys. One day Kevin met Wilso on the trail and asked him what he was thinking about God. "Yes, I used to want to follow, but now alot of people are telling me God's way is not good, so I'm not sure anymore. And my family doesn't really like me to go to hear the Bible teaching." To Milton, another day, Wilso said, "Oh, God, He's worth nothing." Then came the time of 'spirit sickness'. We prayed for Wilso all during December, and Kevin talked to him two more times--once during his 'spirit curing' days and then again, a few days later. Kevin was able to remind him that God is greater than the spirits or the sickenss he was experiencing, although Wilso didn't really respond. But in a note Wilso left behind, he told his family, "It's better if I go to live with Jesus in Heaven."
The believers have asked us many times where Wilso's spirit is now. Our honest answer has been, "Only God knows."
GOD'S COMFORT
And in that we find our 'LIGHT' on the dark and cloudy days. God knows, He cares, He understands our heartaches. "Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,.." says Isaiah 53. The phrase "carried our sorrows..." has been a special comfort to us as we remember Wilso.
PRAISES and PRAYER
We do have much to thank the Lord for right in the middle of the rain!
- Our new coworkers (and family) the Shaubs are well settled in!
- Kevin and Andy Shaub had a safe trip to Colombia for a week-long conference on tribal work.
- Rainy season, in all its splendor, does end! And we have a good dry roof over our heads here at the Outpost!
- We started up the literacy course again January 19th, and just finished our second weekend with the students.
- We have finally moved our city belongings over to the new house in Ibarra, PTL! Getting the finishing touches on the house was rather a headache, as we made many trips back and forth encouraging the workers to finish up the different projects. We do have yet to do the paperwork, and get the title deed.
- We'd like to ask your prayers for Milton, our Awa friend and neighbor. He has been sick for a couple of weeks now. His family brought him a 'curer' one day, but Milton refused to participate with the fellow. Several trips to the doctor haven't brought much help, however, and it's been a discouraging time for Milton. We do thank the Lord for the maturity He is working out in Milton's life during this time, and also for the chances Kevin has had to really encourage him.
- Kathy would appreciate your prayers as she gets to rejoice in getting all four of her wisdom teeth out next week (Monday the 11th). No fun!
In Christ,
Kevin & Kathy Bruce
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