Judging by the view from our window, it's definitely winter here! Even though
it's been a challenge to adjust to the cold weather, we can't help but admire
the beauty around us--lazy floating snowflakes; those icy blue winter skies
overhead; the frozen waters of Lake Spofford; the evergreen trees frosted
with white. Our coal stove has been faithful to keep us warm on even the
coldest days, as long as I keep it well fed, that is! Each Thursday Kimberly
and I are braving the slopes of Mt. Snow, VT, with our snowboards, coming home
with bruises and sore tail-bones, but muscles that are slowly getting
accustomed to this new activity. We might actually graduate from the 'bunny
slope' soon! :-)
Along with just enjoying the winter, we are thankful for time with family and
friends. Fellowshipping with our different church families is always a
highlight of the winter months here, as well...as we spend time with many of you,
our hearts have been blessed and encouraged. Thanks to those who have hosted us
in your churches, and assured us of your interest and prayers! In just nine
short weeks, Lord willing, we will be heading back to Ecuador (the end of
March).
Kenny, now 23 years
old, continues to work at Liberty University; we are looking forward to a week
with him again in early March. Kimberly will turn 17 soon. She continues to
work hard at homeschooling and enjoys earning a few spending dollars at her
once-a-week housecleaning job. Keilah has perhaps faced the most changes in her
life this year---she turned 21, graduated from Bible School, got her driver's
license and first car (and bought her first set of snow tires!), settled
herself into working two part-time jobs here, and got engaged to Jeremy Windler
over Christmas break! What a blessing to be able to be here with her during
these big life events! :-) Jeremy was born and grew up in Paraguay, where his
parents are missionaries, so he and Keilah have much in common. Keilah and
Jeremy look forward to a summer wedding (the end of July), and are working
through the dynamics of planning a wedding with both sets of their parents far
away....hopefully we will both be able to make it here for the big day!
We have been saddened
by the news from Ecuador that all is not going well with the Awa church.
Communication has been very difficult, but we finally were able to talk with
several of our friends. It would seem that one of the elders (Milton) has been
involved in an immoral situation, and, although he is now repentant, has
disqualified himself from teaching and leading the flock. The other elder
(Paulino), has kept himself far away from the church, probably feeling the
shame of his brother's sin. Our hearts have been heavy as we consider the
consequences of this situation. Emotionally, we have felt like we were on a
roller coaster of emotions--one minute facing the discouragement of knowing
that God's name has been publicly 'dragged through the mud' among the Awa
communities; the next minute feeling frustrated at those involved; and then
wondering if we made the right decision to be away for these months.
Thankfully, our faithful Father has encouraged us with the realization that He
is the Great Redeemer and sin is no surprise to Him---He made provision for
each and every one of us with His own blood. He knows the Awa; He loves them;
and He will build His church among them. Thank you for your prayers for His
redeeming work to be done in this situation. Please pray especially that His
name will be upheld among the Awa.
In HIS grip,Kevin & Kathy
In just a few short weeks, we'll be saying our good-byes to our church and
family here. We are so appreciative of the time God has given us here and how
He has prepared our hearts for returning to Ecuador.
I had a good
conversation with Milton on the phone the other day. He is facing the many
consequences of his sin, and living through a difficult time as he feels the
public shame. We pray that God will work a deep repentance and humility in his
life in these days. "I am really hungry for God's word," he told me
repeatedly. ( Because of his embarrassment and shame, he has not been attending
the Sunday meetings.) We are thankful for our Ecuadorian co-worker, Jaime
Muenala, who has been faithfully taking the truck up to RV each Sunday to be
with the believers and teach from the Psalms. The picture shows the group
meeting in Rio Verde several weeks ago. Just a couple of weeks ago Jaime said
there were 20 Awa there, which was good to hear!
We travelled back to
New England at the height of Fall, enjoying the beautiful colors of the foliage
in Ohio, New York, and the New England states. We don't get to experience the
change of seasons in Ecuador, so the beauty of God's creation amazed us anew!
Our return to Ecuador
is scheduled for March 30th. These remaining winter months are finding us
visiting and updating different supporting churches. It's a blessing for us to
fellowship with family and friends here at our home church, Grace Evangelical
Free Church in Spofford, and Kevin enjoys spending any free days helping his
dad out at the welding shop. We've been eating a special diet, working to help
our digestive systems continue to heal from our bout with parasites back in
July in Ecuador. We are thankful to be doing much better and to feel our energy
levels returning.
