A wedding!

What a privilege it was for us to take part in our first Awa church wedding after 20 years of ministry here in Ecuador! The morning of February 7th found us trekking towards Palmira where the festivities were to take place. We had a carload of neighbors joining us for the service. Several times along the way we pulled a little pickup truck, filled with family coming to the wedding, out of the mud. Thank the Lord for good tires and a 4x4! Another praise was the way the Lord provided a beautiful day in the midst of much rain.

Sandra and Jaime had made a marriage commitment several years ago in the traditional Awa way. This commitment was very much a covenant 'til death do us part' agreement made in a meeting of Jaime and Sandra with both of their parents--the correct way to 'get together' in Awa culture. Even back at that time they had shared their desire to eventually have an official government wedding at the civil registry and a 'church' wedding. So even as they started their family together they saved and planned. Finally in these last few months they had enough money to get the paperwork done, buy a dress and a suit, as well as food for the big event. The main course of the wedding meal was a bull they had raised themselves!

It was fun planning with them what things they wanted in the ceremony, and Kevin worked with several people to translate vows into Awapit.  One thing Jaime specifically requested was a skit on the family--not necessarily our favorite thing to do--but something the Awa really seem to love!  

Later, reflecting on the day, we were struck by the Lord's grace in giving us a chance to stand before the Awa communities here and uphold the real meaning of marriage just a year after the Awa church's testimony was so damaged by the infidelity that took place while we were on furlough. God works in wondrous ways.

One note of urgent prayer: A month ago we got a call from Linda, one of Paulino's sisters who lives in the city. Her daughter Prisila was going through a difficult situation and was hurting herself; Linda was at her wit's end and wanted to know if we could talk with her. Kathy visited Prisila then and gave her a Bible and had a good talk. Two weeks later, when we went back to visit Prisila, we found her in the hospital as she had tried to commit suicide by drinking poison. The Lord gave us the opportunity to visit her there in the hospital, and again at her home after she was released. Prisila is a beautiful 16 yr. old with so much life in front of her---we'd appreciate your prayers that she would allow God to bring peace and hope into her life again, and for us to have wisdom as we talk with her.

Thank you for your prayers!
In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy

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