  March is the month for the delicious 'ittal' /EE-tal/ ants! Everywhere we look, there are little holes in the dirt...places where the Awa have used a knife or machete to dig out an ant. Our friend Teacher Andrew told us yesterday that he had taken his whole kindergarten class on an outing to dig for ants. This is definitely a favorite season for the Awa!The gold rush is over as quickly as it began....all the glitter that attracted so much attention turned out to be just fool's gold. (In other Awa communities, they really are finding gold...just not here close by! In many ways, we are thankful that the hubbub has quieted down.) A thanks to many of you who are praying: on Friday, March 3rd, Milton and wife Delia came for the first time of Bible study together. (This was after trying to do this for three weeks in a row; reasons just kept coming up to prevent them both being here at the same time.) We looked at God's creation of Adam and Eve, and His purposes and plan for marriage. As we remind ourselves so often, GOD is ABLE! One way He has answered our prayers for Milton and Delia has been by allowing their whole family to be sick over the last two weeks, causing them to all spend more time at home together.  And....we have exciting family news! Kenny and Sophia have picked a wedding date for this summer: July 29th. Two years ago, on July 29th, our daughter Keilah and Jeremy Windler were married...so that date is turning out to be quite an important one in our family! We are joyful and thankful for all that God has done in Kenny's and Sophia's lives to bring them to this point. They have a few busy months ahead of them as they not only plan the wedding but also Sophia is finishing up her Cinematic Arts program and will graduate from Liberty in May. So yep! We are planning a quick summer USA trip so that we can be with them on their special day. :-)In HIS grip, Kevin & Kathy Pray for:
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Thursday, March 16, 2017
tasty ittal
Friday, February 10, 2017
Gold Rush
Gold Rush
The Awa are buzzing with the latest news....gold was found just a few kilometers away! Over the last weeks, many went to see the action, coming home with bits of rock with shiny flecks in them. Gold fever settled in...there were fights, knifings, and supposedly one fellow died when the bank caved in. By this last weekend, the government had to send law enforcement to calm down the situation. Here closer, the Awa started thinking...remembering that they have seen such shiny flecks in many of the rocks here. “Why, probably that rock we always see down at the river really is gold!” And the local gold rush is now going full swing!But God's word is pertinent, and even has something to say about gold....on Sunday we went over the verses in Psalm 19 that remind us that God's laws and commandments are “more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold...” That struck a chord in the believers' hearts and brought smiles to their faces. “Yep, when we go to Heaven that gold isn't going with us!”
A Special Visit
My parents, Irvin and Nancy Bruce, are here for a two month visit. We've enjoyed several weeks with them so far, as they have taken part in our daily lives and ministry here. They are especially enjoying the beautiful weather, a break from the New England winters they are used to!
Milton
Thanks for your on-going prayers for Milton. Since the beginning of the year, for five weeks in a row he has showed up faithfully for a weekly Bible study, and then again for the church service on Sunday. Many days are a struggle for him, as he continues to reap the harvest of 'thorns' that he has sown, especially with his family. Many days he is discouraged; some days he just takes off and stays with a relative instead of coming home. Still, we see in him a desire to walk in obedience to God's truth. Together we are studying Jesus' life, and memorizing verses like Philippians 4:8; and I've been asking him those hard questions...”Have you seen the sister-in-law this week?”, “Are you seeking God and reading His word?”, and “Are you communicating with your wife about where you are each day?” Although he continues to struggle in many ways, there is a hint of joy returning to his face....the beginning of the fruit that obedience brings. Still, his position is 'fragile'---especially since the sister-in-law continues to seek him out. Please pray for a steadfast perseverance for him; that the Lord's mercy and grace would uphold him as he faces each struggle, specifically with his wife.Building "God's House of Prayer"?
January brought heavy rains---muddy roads and landslides. Some days our road has been closed and on two trips to the city Kathy and I were delayed by mudslides. We looked at the empty lot in Palm community and shook our heads...How will we ever get “God's House of Prayer” built in time for April's conference?
But we see God's hand at work...Christmas Eve a supporting church (Asbury United Methodist, in Allentown, PA) took up an offering for the construction. In January two cement builders, both believers from Ecuadorian churches, went up to check out the lot and help us think thru the construction needs. And this week the weather has been drier; perhaps the road will soon be passable for the dump trucks to be able to deliver the sand, gravel, and cement needed to get started! These next few weeks will tell; thanks for your prayers.
As you live out this new year, may our God and His precious words be your treasure!
In HIS grip,
Kevin and Kathy
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
November's News--Happy (late) Thanksgiving!
A smoked turkey, stuffing, salad, pumpkin pie, and even a can of cranberry sauce (not easily available here!) made a special meal, as we celebrated--in hearty American-style!--one of our favorite holidays. No matter that it was a few days late, as we taught the children in the Palm community school on the actual Thanksgiving day (of course, not a holiday here.) And yes!, like many of you, our hearts were full, as we DO have much to be thankful for:
• How thankful we are to our God for Who He is...our Savior, our Redeemer, our Guide, our Help, our Provider! How amazing that we can go boldly into the very Throne-room and ask for mercy and grace in time of need! (Heb. 4:16) And how we appreciate His Truth, given to us in words we have the ability to read and understand and depend on.
• In Palm community, the believers are excited to begin work on their own church building. Paulino and Guillermo worked hard to have the provincial tractor level out the lots, and the believers in that community have a vision of having "Dios Paikum Yel" (God's house of prayer) ready for the Believers' Conference in April of 2017. Some in the community have boldly stated their opposition, but the believers have responded in kindness, saying that once the building is up, even those who don't agree will be invited to attend any events that we have! Paulino has a dream of celebrating his 50th birthday with a big community event, showing how to have a fun party without the drinking, dancing, and fighting that accompany most community gatherings.
• Our Sunday fellowship is growing! Along with the regular believers is another group, those who perhaps do not understand the full picture of Christ's sacrifice for their sins, and yet come and listen intently. Grandma Delfina (with a passel of grandkids!) and Segundo and wife and kids (the first ones to join us from the community of St. Vincent) are among these listeners, along with many children who come on their own.
• God is at work among the believers here, changing hearts. We have seen both Gloria and Paulino change in their attitude toward their brother Milton, expressing their love and forgiveness to him, and their desire that He would walk in obedience to God. Gloria expressed her heart in telling her wayward brother, "God never gives up on His children, and never throws them away. Even though it's hard, you can choose to repent and come back to Him." Such a change from two years ago!
• This week God has done a great work in Milton's life, bringing him to a place of humble repentance. This has been a long journey for Milton and for us, and it is not over yet! God's mercy and grace will be needed as Milton faces the harvest of the wrong he has sown. We are thankful that God is Able to redeem us, and can work good even in difficult situations. (If you would like more details, we have written a more detailed update, see previous blog entry.)
We are also thankful for each of you, as you stand with us in many different ways--you are a blessing to us!
Joining you in thanking our Savior,
Kevin & Kathy
• How thankful we are to our God for Who He is...our Savior, our Redeemer, our Guide, our Help, our Provider! How amazing that we can go boldly into the very Throne-room and ask for mercy and grace in time of need! (Heb. 4:16) And how we appreciate His Truth, given to us in words we have the ability to read and understand and depend on.
• In Palm community, the believers are excited to begin work on their own church building. Paulino and Guillermo worked hard to have the provincial tractor level out the lots, and the believers in that community have a vision of having "Dios Paikum Yel" (God's house of prayer) ready for the Believers' Conference in April of 2017. Some in the community have boldly stated their opposition, but the believers have responded in kindness, saying that once the building is up, even those who don't agree will be invited to attend any events that we have! Paulino has a dream of celebrating his 50th birthday with a big community event, showing how to have a fun party without the drinking, dancing, and fighting that accompany most community gatherings.
Lot for church building overlooking Palm community
• God is at work among the believers here, changing hearts. We have seen both Gloria and Paulino change in their attitude toward their brother Milton, expressing their love and forgiveness to him, and their desire that He would walk in obedience to God. Gloria expressed her heart in telling her wayward brother, "God never gives up on His children, and never throws them away. Even though it's hard, you can choose to repent and come back to Him." Such a change from two years ago!
Gloria and her husband Guillermo
We are also thankful for each of you, as you stand with us in many different ways--you are a blessing to us!
Joining you in thanking our Savior,
Kevin & Kathy
Milton update
Those of you who receive our prayer requests know that these last few days God is doing a great work in Milton's life. So many of you have asked for updates and assured us of your prayers. Thank you for partaking in Milton's life with us!
Two weeks ago Gloria told us (in tears) that Milton's wife's sister Elvia was again pregnant from him. Little Benjamin, the first baby, is just a little over a year old. Over the last few months we had seen Milton's relationship with his wife and kids deteriorating even farther, but had not known specifics. One day last week Milton came to talk to Andy Shaub and shared that he was miserable. "Why do I do what is wrong?" he asked.
So much damage has been done, not only to Milton's immediate kids and family, but in the eyes of the communities around us (Milton is vice-president of the Rio Verde community and is often placed in a leadership role.) Oh, how our hearts ached to think of the continuing bad testimony not only to the church but to the name of God. We really didn't know what to do, but with the Shaubs sought God's help, and prayed, and prayed, and shared with many of you and prayed some more....
This week Andy, Paulino, and I called Milton to come to a meeting Tuesday morning, (and he came!) where we confronted him with his continued sin. Milton theoretically agreed---he knows he has done wrong in God's eyes---but challenged and argued as we asked him to agree to stop the relationship with his sister-in-law and to come to study God's word and receive teaching each week. We gave him a choice---to submit to what we were asking, or we would need to take some more steps (like going before each community to clarify that Milton was not following God or submitting to the church leadership, as many were saying that I, as the church pastor, was allowing or even encouraging Milton to have two 'wives').
Thursday another meeting was planned with Paulino and I, as the Shaub family was in Ibarra. Again, Milton showed up, but was angry and argumentative. After a time of listening to him, I didn't know how to continue. We had asked him to sign the 'contract', laying out what we said above...promising to stop the immoral relationship and attending church and a Bible study each week. (While signing a paper like that would not make Milton 'righteous', it would give him some clear steps to take to head in the right direction. Signing a paper like this works well in the Awa culture, emphasizing the seriousness of his situation.) Feeling there was no more that I could do or say I just prayed outloud, just asking God to change Milton's heart, recognizing that we needed God's help and intervention. After the prayer, Milton broke down in tears, confessing his sin to his brother Paulino and hugging him, and confessing his sin to me. We all three prayed and Milton just poured out his heart to God, confessing his sin and asking for forgiveness and help. He said that he was willing to do all that we had asked him to, and willingly signed the paper (although by this point I wasn't sure it was even needed.) He admitted his weakness and asked for our help, sharing his longing to return to the fellowship and help of the believers, and to hearing God's word taught. He knows he is unable to rebuild his relationship with his wife and family without God's intervention.
As we left the room where we were meeting, Milton saw Kathy and again confessed his sin to her, asking for forgiveness, expressing again his longing to listen and submit to God and His word, and to humbly admit his sin and leave it behind and ask for forgiveness from everyone.
What an amazing change! Milton had gone into the room angry and upset, and came out humble and repentant. We can only praise God for the change and we attribute this change to God's answer to the many prayers going up on his behalf. Some of you were praying even as we met.
Saturday morning we met again and watched a portion of the Jesus movie...so Milton could be reminded of how His Savior had died for him, and because of that sacrifice his sins are paid for. Please keep praying for a continuing deepening repentance and understanding of what Jesus' sacrifice means for him.
The next few days and weeks are going to be a huge battle for Milton. He is reaping a harvest of what he has sown. He is going to need our prayers and much help from God. Time will tell if he will allow God to be his strength thru the next weeks and months. We are reminded that there is a great spiritual battle going on for the lives and hearts of men! Thank you for 'fighting' alongside us through your prayers.
In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy
Two weeks ago Gloria told us (in tears) that Milton's wife's sister Elvia was again pregnant from him. Little Benjamin, the first baby, is just a little over a year old. Over the last few months we had seen Milton's relationship with his wife and kids deteriorating even farther, but had not known specifics. One day last week Milton came to talk to Andy Shaub and shared that he was miserable. "Why do I do what is wrong?" he asked.
So much damage has been done, not only to Milton's immediate kids and family, but in the eyes of the communities around us (Milton is vice-president of the Rio Verde community and is often placed in a leadership role.) Oh, how our hearts ached to think of the continuing bad testimony not only to the church but to the name of God. We really didn't know what to do, but with the Shaubs sought God's help, and prayed, and prayed, and shared with many of you and prayed some more....
This week Andy, Paulino, and I called Milton to come to a meeting Tuesday morning, (and he came!) where we confronted him with his continued sin. Milton theoretically agreed---he knows he has done wrong in God's eyes---but challenged and argued as we asked him to agree to stop the relationship with his sister-in-law and to come to study God's word and receive teaching each week. We gave him a choice---to submit to what we were asking, or we would need to take some more steps (like going before each community to clarify that Milton was not following God or submitting to the church leadership, as many were saying that I, as the church pastor, was allowing or even encouraging Milton to have two 'wives').
Thursday another meeting was planned with Paulino and I, as the Shaub family was in Ibarra. Again, Milton showed up, but was angry and argumentative. After a time of listening to him, I didn't know how to continue. We had asked him to sign the 'contract', laying out what we said above...promising to stop the immoral relationship and attending church and a Bible study each week. (While signing a paper like that would not make Milton 'righteous', it would give him some clear steps to take to head in the right direction. Signing a paper like this works well in the Awa culture, emphasizing the seriousness of his situation.) Feeling there was no more that I could do or say I just prayed outloud, just asking God to change Milton's heart, recognizing that we needed God's help and intervention. After the prayer, Milton broke down in tears, confessing his sin to his brother Paulino and hugging him, and confessing his sin to me. We all three prayed and Milton just poured out his heart to God, confessing his sin and asking for forgiveness and help. He said that he was willing to do all that we had asked him to, and willingly signed the paper (although by this point I wasn't sure it was even needed.) He admitted his weakness and asked for our help, sharing his longing to return to the fellowship and help of the believers, and to hearing God's word taught. He knows he is unable to rebuild his relationship with his wife and family without God's intervention.
As we left the room where we were meeting, Milton saw Kathy and again confessed his sin to her, asking for forgiveness, expressing again his longing to listen and submit to God and His word, and to humbly admit his sin and leave it behind and ask for forgiveness from everyone.
What an amazing change! Milton had gone into the room angry and upset, and came out humble and repentant. We can only praise God for the change and we attribute this change to God's answer to the many prayers going up on his behalf. Some of you were praying even as we met.
Saturday morning we met again and watched a portion of the Jesus movie...so Milton could be reminded of how His Savior had died for him, and because of that sacrifice his sins are paid for. Please keep praying for a continuing deepening repentance and understanding of what Jesus' sacrifice means for him.
The next few days and weeks are going to be a huge battle for Milton. He is reaping a harvest of what he has sown. He is going to need our prayers and much help from God. Time will tell if he will allow God to be his strength thru the next weeks and months. We are reminded that there is a great spiritual battle going on for the lives and hearts of men! Thank you for 'fighting' alongside us through your prayers.
In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy
Friday, October 28, 2016
October's news---God's handiwork in a Tiny Little One
Many of you are enjoying the fall foliage...we've seen many beautiful pictures posted online. God's artwork is amazing! This week we saw His beautiful handiwork in a very tiny baby girl, born right on the back seat of our truck this last Sunday afternoon, on the road to the local health center. As Kathy held the baby, so perfectly formed, she marveled at God's handiwork even in such a little one! Such tiny hands and feet! Listening to the little girl's newborn squall was music to our ears--things were working right and she was breathing. We wrapped her in my t-shirt---the only thing on hand!---making mental notes to be more prepared next time. :-)
Tiny Little Girl was born into a difficult situation. Andrea, the new mom, has two boys, but her husband Alfredo was killed years ago in a drunken fight. Andrea has lived with her elderly parents for these last seven years. Over the last months she hid the relationship that she had with a neighbor, and told no-one about her pregnancy. It was just a few weeks ago that her family realized that there was a baby on the way. At this point the father is absent and isn't acknowledging his baby, so Andrea will not likely receive much help. While Andrea has never claimed to be a believer, she does regularly come to the Sunday services, and often sits quietly listening. Thanks for joining us in prayer for Andrea and this new little one.
We thank the Lord for continued opportunities to teach His truth--in the service on Sundays as well as informally through times spent with the Awa. Last Sunday Kathy had 51 kids show up for Sunday School---now that's a handful! The number of children coming has been steadily climbing, filling up our porch where Kathy and niece Liana set up tables and benches for the kids' class each week.
On Fridays Kathy and I have been teaching in the school in Palm Community, where 96 kids are enrolled. Many of them come from difficult home situations. School for the Awa kids isn't quite what we are used to...there is much disorganization. Some of the kids seem to 'major' in swimming in the local river, coming into class rather drippy! Most Fridays the kids may come to play soccer, but not much school happens. The school desks are not arranged in any order, there is mud everywhere, but the shy smiles are there waiting for us! It's easy to grow fond of these kids and we are thankful for the opportunity to spend time with them. Many of these same kids show up for Sunday church.
Many of you have asked for an update about Milton. He continues to struggle, and has not chosen to return to the fellowship of believers yet. Thanks for your continued prayers! Where we have seen God doing His work is in Paulino's heart. Last Sunday I was especially touched to hear Paulino praying for his little brother in a very tender way. God continues to work in the group, and we continue to pray, and reach out, and place our hope in God's faithfulness.
In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy
Tiny Little Girl was born into a difficult situation. Andrea, the new mom, has two boys, but her husband Alfredo was killed years ago in a drunken fight. Andrea has lived with her elderly parents for these last seven years. Over the last months she hid the relationship that she had with a neighbor, and told no-one about her pregnancy. It was just a few weeks ago that her family realized that there was a baby on the way. At this point the father is absent and isn't acknowledging his baby, so Andrea will not likely receive much help. While Andrea has never claimed to be a believer, she does regularly come to the Sunday services, and often sits quietly listening. Thanks for joining us in prayer for Andrea and this new little one.
We thank the Lord for continued opportunities to teach His truth--in the service on Sundays as well as informally through times spent with the Awa. Last Sunday Kathy had 51 kids show up for Sunday School---now that's a handful! The number of children coming has been steadily climbing, filling up our porch where Kathy and niece Liana set up tables and benches for the kids' class each week.
On Fridays Kathy and I have been teaching in the school in Palm Community, where 96 kids are enrolled. Many of them come from difficult home situations. School for the Awa kids isn't quite what we are used to...there is much disorganization. Some of the kids seem to 'major' in swimming in the local river, coming into class rather drippy! Most Fridays the kids may come to play soccer, but not much school happens. The school desks are not arranged in any order, there is mud everywhere, but the shy smiles are there waiting for us! It's easy to grow fond of these kids and we are thankful for the opportunity to spend time with them. Many of these same kids show up for Sunday church.
Many of you have asked for an update about Milton. He continues to struggle, and has not chosen to return to the fellowship of believers yet. Thanks for your continued prayers! Where we have seen God doing His work is in Paulino's heart. Last Sunday I was especially touched to hear Paulino praying for his little brother in a very tender way. God continues to work in the group, and we continue to pray, and reach out, and place our hope in God's faithfulness.
In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
September 2016 - Back to School!
In February we helped Paulino's daughter Sandra and husband Jaime celebrate their wedding. Just a few months later, we shared with you a prayer request for their baby Lizeth, who was not developing normally and seemed to be blind. The Shaubs were able to help Sandra and Jaime make three long, complicated trips to a children's hospital in Quito where it was determined that Sandra had had an infection (toxoplasmosis) while being pregnant with Lizeth. The doctor said that calcification on the optic nerve is the cause of Lizeth's blindness. There is hope that Lizeth could continue to develop at a slower pace, and that she may even regain some sight. Because they were some of the first believers willing to stand up in front of their whole community and celebrate their wedding in God's eyes, it was hard to see them so quickly face this trial! But Jaime and Sandra have handled this situation with faith in God and much patience, and we have seen God use it to pull them together as a couple. They would appreciate your prayers for little Lizeth's continuing recovery and development.
Some added notes for prayer and praise:
- Gloria's husband Guillermo continues to struggle with his health. His digestive issues seem to have been resolved, but he still has little strength. He continues to desire to follow God in the midst of this trial, although he has many discouraging days.
- The Liebenzell Mission Ecuador team is experiencing some growing pains! Over this last year we have added Walther Pullugando & family, a new pastor for the Cotacachi church, as well as ordaining two other young men for ministry. Several new churches wish to partner with us in the coming year or so. Such growth creates new needs for leadership, training, and fellowship, along with other changes in our organization. We'd appreciate prayer for wisdom as these challenges are faced.
- Kimberly is hanging in there at NTBI in Wisconsin, adapting to school life. She is working part-time, which along with her studies keeps her quite busy! Thanks for continued prayers for her.
- PRAISE God that the land issues in Rio Verde have been resolved! The partitioning off between Paulino's brothers and sisters is finished. Whew! We are happy to see the end of the conflicts that this issue fostered. At one time we had hoped to buy the land where we are settled for the church. Paulino's sister Cecilia is the new owner of our section, and while she does not want to sell the land, she has been content to just charge us a small monthly rent, which works out well.
Kevin and Kathy
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