Gold Rush

Gold Rush

The Awa are buzzing with the latest news....gold was found just a few kilometers away! Over the last weeks, many went to see the action, coming home with bits of rock with shiny flecks in them. Gold fever settled in...there were fights, knifings, and supposedly one fellow died when the bank caved in. By this last weekend, the government had to send law enforcement to calm down the situation. Here closer, the Awa started thinking...remembering that they have seen such shiny flecks in many of the rocks here. “Why, probably that rock we always see down at the river really is gold!” And the local gold rush is now going full swing!

But God's word is pertinent, and even has something to say about gold....on Sunday we went over the verses in Psalm 19 that remind us that God's laws and commandments are “more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold...” That struck a chord in the believers' hearts and brought smiles to their faces. “Yep, when we go to Heaven that gold isn't going with us!”

A Special Visit

My parents, Irvin and Nancy Bruce, are here for a two month visit. We've enjoyed several weeks with them so far, as they have taken part in our daily lives and ministry here. They are especially enjoying the beautiful weather, a break from the New England winters they are used to!

Milton

Thanks for your on-going prayers for Milton. Since the beginning of the year, for five weeks in a row he has showed up faithfully for a weekly Bible study, and then again for the church service on Sunday. Many days are a struggle for him, as he continues to reap the harvest of 'thorns' that he has sown, especially with his family. Many days he is discouraged; some days he just takes off and stays with a relative instead of coming home. Still, we see in him a desire to walk in obedience to God's truth. Together we are studying Jesus' life, and memorizing verses like Philippians 4:8; and I've been asking him those hard questions...”Have you seen the sister-in-law this week?”, “Are you seeking God and reading His word?”, and “Are you communicating with your wife about where you are each day?” Although he continues to struggle in many ways, there is a hint of joy returning to his face....the beginning of the fruit that obedience brings. Still, his position is 'fragile'---especially since the sister-in-law continues to seek him out. Please pray for a steadfast perseverance for him; that the Lord's mercy and grace would uphold him as he faces each struggle, specifically with his wife.

Building "God's House of Prayer"?

January brought heavy rains---muddy roads and landslides. Some days our road has been closed and on two trips to the city Kathy and I were delayed by mudslides. We looked at the empty lot in Palm community and shook our heads...How will we ever get “God's House of Prayer” built in time for April's conference?

But we see God's hand at work...Christmas Eve a supporting church (Asbury United Methodist, in Allentown, PA) took up an offering for the construction. In January two cement builders, both believers from Ecuadorian churches, went up to check out the lot and help us think thru the construction needs. And this week the weather has been drier; perhaps the road will soon be passable for the dump trucks to be able to deliver the sand, gravel, and cement needed to get started! These next few weeks will tell; thanks for your prayers.

As you live out this new year, may our God and His precious words be your treasure!

In HIS grip,
Kevin and Kathy

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