Back to school – September 2026
Hello from Ecuador!
September has found us (like many of you!) settling back into a regular fall schedule. We are thankful that the Lord continues to open doors for us to show His love and grace to the Awa people.
With schools starting up on September 3rd, we were again able to use a large financial donation to help many children get a good start on the year. An office supply store in Ibarra has helped us buy school supplies in bulk at a good discount. It’s a truckload! Then we started with a list of 100 children, going over their school lists, and helping with notebooks, pencils, erasers and sharpeners, colored pencils, glue, construction paper, and so on. At last count, we’ve been able to help 134 children in three area schools. Many moms and dads have thanked us for helping out, as the school supplies can be a big financial burden for them.
We are so thankful for the continued ability to meet with the believers each Sunday! The life of Elijah is our teaching topic for the children this fall, while Kevin and Andy continue to teach through the book of Acts with the adults. We are encouraging the Awa of all ages to learn Psalm 23 as well; some of the older children especially do love a challenge!
Last Saturday we restarted our Youth Saturday with a fun day at our camp in Lita. Twenty-two youth signed up, making for a very full load for our truck! Thankfully some are able to come on their motorcycles to help out with the transportation. Many of the youth who come are not believers; pray that the teaching on the life of Daniel will impact their hearts.
Translation Fridays are back on our regular schedule and we are again making progress! David has been away at his new teaching job but both Guillermo and Oscar have been helping faithfully. We have completed several more chapters in Joshua.
Because of the widespread illegal gold mining in the mountains around us, security has continued to be an issue. An offensive from the Ecuadorian military seemed to push some of the armed groups to use our road for supplies and travel. Even our stoic Awa folks have been fearful as they run into these groups on the trails. Again we are reminded that God has allowed us to live here in peace for many years, and we are convinced that He is able to continue to hold the door open as He wills. We appreciate your continued prayers for wisdom for each day, and that we would be sensitive to His guidance.
In His grip,
Kevin & Kathy