As we get back into a regular fall schedule, once again we are working as a team to ask the Lord to direct us with wise strategy for setting goals for this new school year. We appreciate your prayers as we get the homeschool year going; make plans for beginning adult literacy classes again; set up a schedule for teaching in Palmira; and take part in working with Liebenzell Mission Ecuador to set up priorities and goals for the ministry in the northern part of this country. The last weeks were filled with a short, but refreshing, conference with our missionary co-workers and a visiting pastor from New Hampshire; Mission planning meetings; and Awa Team meetings as well.
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| Sandra and Jaime on Sunday |
Kathy and I visited Palmira this last weekend, teaching a Bible lesson on Sunday morning. Our last words to Paulino’s family as we left to hike home at noon on Sunday were that we would be praying for safe deliveries for the two babies due at their house. Paulino’s son Salamon brought big news on Thursday—both Paulino’s wife Manuela and his oldest daughter Sandra gave birth on Wednesday at their home. The local birthing helper had attended both births, for which they were thankful as Paulino’s little son ‘died’ (as the Awa say) for a few minutes during the birth. Oswardo, the birthing helper, was able to resuscitate him, and we pray all is well with this precious little fellow now. Paulino’s grandchild was a little girl---Paulino says it’s just like having twins! What a joy to receive these two long-awaited babies—Paulino’s 11th child and his first grandchild!
For those of you who wondered how the time went here at the Outpost while we were in the USA:
Paulino’s wife Manuela and daughter Monica did an excellent job watching our houses and animals. We found all in order when we arrived the end of August. One surprise was the dishpan with about 140 eggs they had saved up for us—we had encouraged them to eat the eggs, but they just didn’t consider it good Awa etiquette! Thankfully we found very few rotten eggs in the batch—and yes, we were able to generously share the eggs to everyone who came by in the next few days!
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| Paulino & Milton |
Paulino was able to hold the monthly church service in Palmira, although he said that because of school vacations, it was mostly just his family that came. Milton carefully prepared and taught the three lessons on the life of Christ, although he was also disappointed to see that not many folks showed up for the services. “But the Lord knows their hearts, and I think it was just that they were busy,” he told us. He refused to let it discourage him! The first Sunday we were back, I had Milton do a review of the three lessons he had taught, and was amazed at his thorough knowledge of the passages and material. He had definitely done his homework! We praise the Lord to see his ability to handle the Scripture portions!
In HIS grip
Kevin & Kathy
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