August update

This last week Oso brought his son Stalin for a haircut. It was a hot day, and Stalin's thick mop of hair was making him sweat in the hot sun. As I finished up the haircut, Oso´s parting words were: “I'll be here for church on Sunday!”

Over the years we have learned that befriending the Awa is often the first step towards encouraging them to open their hearts to God. Building relationships here in the mountains can mean changing a motorcycle tire, making a photocopy, mending a torn pair of pants, repairing a chainsaw, or driving a sick Awa to the health center in a nearby town. Often lending a hand in time of need is the best method we have for being able to show God's love and compassion. Some of the saddest moments we have experienced are when we find that a friend or neighbor desperately needed help, perhaps with a sick family member, but chose not to ask. And likewise, it brings our hearts joy when an Awa friend comes to us seeking help, because very often that asking also shows a willingness to turn towards God.

As we interact with the Awa our desire is that we would be a visual of God's love and compassion...like an arrow that points them in God's direction. Please pray with us that as our friends recognize their neediness, they would also open their hearts to accept the Help and Hope that our amazing God offers. Two couples come quickly to our minds. David and his wife are a young couple with two children who are struggling in their marriage; we were thankful for a good opportunity that God provided to talk with them this last week. Our friend Teacher Andrew has been drinking and hitting his wife; their five children are caught in the middle of much unhappiness. Neither of these couples is yet willing to seek God in the midst of their struggles, but we are praying that will change.

We are happy to say that we have finally been able to get internet access here on the mountain! This last week I was able to get a repeater antenna system set up on a mountain between here and Lita, and so far it is working well. We are thankful not to have to make the long drive to the city for internet access. Now we just hope that no-one steals the antenna, solar panels, or batteries from the short tower I set up! :-)

Thank you for joining us in “holding forth the word of Life” to the Awa people here in Ecuador!

In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy