Looking back over April:
- Awa conference started with neither of the elders present, and with another believer, M., losing his temper in the first meeting. Whew! Needless to say the first night Kathy and I didn’t sleep much. Our minds were thinking something like…’what in the world are we doing this for???’ I read through the book of 1 Peter and we prayed together, committing the whole conference into His mighty hands. The next day both Milton and Paulino arrived, jumping right into the events; M.’s attitude underwent a complete change; and our outlook straightened out, as well! ? Sunday morning’s service was a blessing to us as we listened to several giving clear witness to God’s salvation and work in their lives, including M.!
- During conference Saúl Paz, the Paez Indian pastor who has a vision for the Awa in Colombia, gave testimony to the spiritual need in remote areas there. Paulino especially was touched to hear this, and it was neat to see the realization and desire dawn in his heart to perhaps someday be a part of teaching the Bible in such areas.
- We thank the folks from Whitefield Christian Advent Church in northern NH who sent us a lively and hard-working team from April 11-18th! The team did a great job painting the front fence in Lita, as well as working on our driveway up here at the Outpost. They showered us with many gifts, and brought a suitcase-full from our home church, as well. Many thanks to all who prayed, gave, and took part in the team’s trip!
- Our girls are in their last few days of homeschool for this year. We applaud their tenacity to persevere despite much craziness in our daily schedules! Kimberly is finishing up Geography and Physical Science in order to close up her 8th grade; while Keilah is rounding out her senior year by taking a driver’s ed course in Ibarra. Can you imagine learning to drive using a stick shift, with all the instruction in another language? Yep, it takes courage, and she’s doing a great job!
Relying on His faithfulness,Kevin and Kathy
Prayer points:
- I would greatly appreciate your prayers for our small band of missionaries and pastors here in northern Ecuador. This has been a time of transition with leadership changing, new missionaries arriving in the summer, and our Ecuadorian director living thru the difficulties of his wife’s cancer (Diego and Mercedes Galarza). We deeply desire His guidance and help in carrying out all that we do.
- Meregildo and Clemencia’s baby boy is doing reasonably well! We’ve been able to help them buy formula for the little fellow, and he has tenaciously held on during several sicknesses.
- Thanks for praying for the couple who was spreading divisive gossip. Through the Bible study we have definitely seen the Lord’s hand working in this family’s hearts, and there have been many positive changes.
- Continue to pray for the elders as they try to be good Awa citizens of their communities amidst much pressure. Milton would like to leave his community soccer team, but each time he tries, the fellow players begin to blame God for Milton’s lack of enthusiasm to keep playing. This wounds him deeply, as he has a deep desire to be a Godly testimony to his people. While it’s hard for us to understand this heavy pull, in a community-based society, this is how social control works. In the end, Milton has to work this out between himself and the Lord….it’s been a heavy burden for him.
- The summer is looking a bit complicated, with Keilah graduating and the Shaub family taking an over-due short furlough. Thanks for praying as we try to plan for both ministry and family needs during these coming months!
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