April 2023 He is Risen!!

 

The Awa Easter conference has come and gone! Thanks for many of you who were praying! We feel blessed to report that all went well, and we had a truly joyful celebration of Jesus’ resurrection together with the Awa people. Each day somewhere between 100-150 people joined us for singing, the Bible teaching, games, and lunch. Four of the Impact youth helped us with the children, taking them down to the Palmira school soccer field for their Bible lesson and games. We enjoyed the more peaceful teaching time with the older youth and adults. 🙂 A few highlights of our time together: •    Gloria’s son David wrote a song based on the last lesson of the King of Glo-ry course and sang it for us not once, but twice! “When the King returns” was the theme of his song. •    The Bible course youth showed up in full force (I counted 33 of them the first day) and how much fun they had laughing and visiting, singing and playing the guitars, and helping to cook! •    We had the graduation for the older children’s Bible course with thirteen 10–12-year-olds. What big proud smiles they had on their faces as they re-ceived their diplomas and prizes! Almost all of these children come to church on their own, without their parents. •    Five of the King of Glory course youth joined us in celebration of the Lord’s supper for the first time. •    The ladies all eagerly jumped in to help cook, crowding the kitchen with happy smiles and a willingness to do whatever was needed! Feeding 150 people the first day (more than we expected) was a bit of a stretch but in the end there was enough food for all.  •    Humberto came with his family from an Awa community further west and were shown overnight hospitality by Manuela and family. Daniel & Cornel-ia Hahlen, our past coworkers from Lita days, also joined us for one day and were enthusiastically greeted by old Awa friends! •    A landslide blocked the road between our houses and Palmira one morn-ing, but even this turned into a blessing as all the conference-goers chipped in to clear away the mud and help our trucks to get by. Fellowship and fun can be found even in working together!  There were many other joyful moments that brought smiles to our faces. Seeing God at work in the hearts of the believers is such a joy, erasing the tiredness of the many intense days of preparation. We are thankful that Jesus is alive and at work calling out His own. May you also be blessed as you rejoice in the new life of His resurrection and spring-time! In HIS grip, Full house Visitors, helpers & friends Practicing a new song! Rio Verde graduation Landslides not stopping us! Special music in Swiss German (the Hahlens) Spontaneous jam sessions Enthusiastic kids

February travel…and ‘March’ing ahead in Awaland!

 

Visit to Paraguay

We have just returned from a much-enjoyed trip to Paraguay to visit our daughter Keilah & Jeremy and family! What fun it was to see firsthand where they are living, understand the challenges they face as they settle in and learn language, and get to know Paraguay a little! Playing with our grandkids was also a delight. 😊 While we were there heavy rains caused the close river to flood; we woke up at 5 a.m. early one morning to quickly rising water in the yard! We quickly packed up to leave for higher ground, but in God’s grace He stopped the water just a few inches from entering the house. Returning to Ecuador became a bit challenging with one small bridge out, but God was faithful to open the way before us and we returned on schedule.
Some pictures from our visit:

Wide open countryside!	Treats at the mall!
The trail to the river IS the river!	The back yard became a lake
Ronin keeping an eye on the water level	Getting to the city became a challenge

 

 

Unrest in Ecuador

Please pray for the country of Ecuador as there are again rumors of strikes and demonstrations. We pray that continued dialogues will help find some resolution as many are increasingly disillusioned  with the present administration. Last week a native leader opposing petroleum mining was killed, adding to the unrest.

Visits in March

In just a few days our Liebenzell USA director Chris Matthews and a young couple, Steven & Gwen Anderson and their two young sons, will be visiting us here in order to see the ministry firsthand. Steven & Gwen are interested in perhaps joining us in the Awa work; how we appreciate your prayers for wisdom and God’s leading for them as they experience Ecuador and AwaLand in person. We’d also appreciate your prayers for open roads during the time they are here!
 
Whether we face floods or political unrest, we are so thankful for a God who hears our prayers and invites us with open access to the throne of grace. What a relief to “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 ESV
 
Thank you for your prayers; we also pray for you, knowing that life brings many challenges and trials. May you also find grace from Him in your time of need.
 
In HIS grip,