Remembering…

Happy Memorial Day! As we celebrate in the USA the sacrifice of so many who have given their lives for our freedom, here in AwaLand we also had a time of special remembering of our friend Paulino’s life and legacy. May 24th marked one year since God called him to heaven. For most Awa, the year anniversary of a family member’s death is the time for the ‘honor’ drinking party, which the people believe plays a big part in making sure the spirit of their loved one makes the journey safely on to heaven. Instead of this party, we joined Paulino’s widow Manuela, along with six of her children, her son-in-law Jaime, and three grandchildren for a short graveside remembering service. “Paulino is with our Father God, and one day we will join him there,” we remembered as we read a few verses from 2 Corinthians 5 together. Manuela and her children cleaned the graveside, cut the grass, and planted and placed new flowers there. We would appreciate your prayers for Manuela and family as they face this anniversary, specifically to find their comfort in our Heavenly Father.

Would you join us in praying for Paulino’s two middle sons, Abraham (16) and Rómulo (18)? At an age when many young Awa guys are drawn into drinking and generally doing what they want, these two boys have shouldered heavy responsibilities as they work alongside their mom to keep the family going. Clearing mountainsides and planting corn and other crops, harvesting plantains for selling, replacing old wooden house posts, participating in community work days by swinging a machete for many hours….all of this has been a part of their lives over the last year. Rómulo is also beginning to farm the small plot of land he received as an inheritance from his dad. Both Abraham and Rómulo have expressed a desire to follow God as their father did and have asked to be baptized along with two of their sisters.

[Rómulo, Sergio, Alejandro and Abraham. The four cousins came by on Saturday to use our internet connection to check their Facebook and WhatsApp chats! ]
 

We have seen God’s hand of provision and protection as we have watched these two young fellows grow and mature over this last year. Will you pray with us:

• That both Rómulo and Abraham will grow in their faith and understanding of God’s word
• That they would faithfully help their mom and be good examples to their five younger siblings
• And pray that God would perhaps choose to use them as future church leaders

Red light, yellow light….
Here in Ecuador our province will soon be moving from a ‘red’ light covid-19 designation to a ‘yellow’ one. For us, this means we will be able to drive two days a week (rather than just one) and that the daily curfew will begin at 9 pm (rather than 2 pm). We are thankful that our province has not been so hard hit by the virus as other areas of Ecuador and also for the small advances in freedom of movement. Just like many churches there in the USA, we wonder what ministry will look like in the coming weeks and months. How we need God’s wisdom and creativity as we continue to share His message here with the Awa!

In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy

Picture of the month!

Paulino’s elderly parents, José and Senovia, are both believers. José asked us recently, “When will we be able to meet again for church services? I am really missing church and feel like I am forgetting some of God’s word. Please let me know when we can gather again!” Senovia strug-gles to walk much as her knees give her much pain, and José is just getting over a time of sick-ness, but they still have their cheerful smiles when they greet us! Jose and Senovia are the head of a legacy of 10 children, over 50 grandchildren, and 25+ great-grandchildren (with more on the way!)