May 2015

Greetings from Rio Verde! Just as many of you are enjoying the coming of Spring, we are also happy to be here in the beautiful climate of these green mountains again! God has created so much beauty around us! Each day the toucans gather around to sing, and the hydrangeas and other flowers are in full bloom. The fruitfulness of this area is impressive, with bananas and plantains, papayas, naranjilla fruit, yucca root, and lemons, oranges, and tangerines growing in abundance.

We are thankful for God's daily grace. He has brought joy into our lives in these days--in the smiling faces of many of our Awa friends who are happy to welcome us; in those who have come each Sunday with an earnest desire to listen and learn and grow; in the five cute little babies that God has added to the fellowship while we are gone. This last Sunday after church, 17 of us made an excursion down to Paulino's parent's house to pick tangerines....how fun it was to laugh and share the fun together! In these moments God gently re-confirms in our hearts that we are exactly where He wants us to be.

So many of you are praying for the situation with Milton. We have no desire to sound like a soap opera--and yet we wish to update you so you can join us in prayer---hopefully we can somehow balance out those two desires! There is much at stake for the Awa church; literally several hundred people up and down this valley are onlookers in what is going on. At this time, Milton continues in the relationship with his sister-in-law, Delia's sister. Several times he has come to talk to Delia, saying that he is going to 

leave the sister and return to Delia, but we have yet to see any action behind his words.

We've been seeing that culturally, the Awa people in general (including the believers) believe that Milton has done the unpardonable...that the problems he has created are SO bad...that, therefore, he is stuck in this mess with no possible way out. It's difficult for them to grasp how forgiveness could be applied here in any way. We are thankful for the HOPE that we have in remembering that God is the Great Redeemer, and that no-one is beyond the reach of His great mercy. Please pray for us to have wisdom as we continue to reach out to Milton in compassion, yet wanting to clearly speak truth into his life. We quite regularly feel inadequate for such a task! (2Cor. 3:5)

God has amazed us with a big change in someone else...in Delia...someone we perhaps least expected! Two months ago, when Milton had first tried to return home and ask for her forgiveness, she angrily responded by threatening to kill him, burn all his clothes and belongings, and otherwise do him all the harm she was able to. But over the last few weeks, she has faithfully come to the Bible teaching each Sunday, listening to how Jesus interacted with people with love and compassion. Many days she has stopped by the house here to talk and ask questions, asking us what God would have her to do in this situation. We have seen God working to change her heart. Recently she had a calm conversation with Milton, sharing with him that she has changed, and she is willing to forgive him and to receive him back if he is serious in wanting to follow God and to do what is right. This despite what she is hearing from the rest of her family, as they have counseled her to never allow him to return, and to instead, just beat him up with a big stick! It's been neat to see her earnest desire to do what God would have her to, and the way God has gentled her heart. Her life these days is not easy, as she struggles to feed six kids, and get four of them off to school each day. A special joy in her life right now is baby Sonia, three months old, who is a sweet, happy, healthy baby. She makes Delia smile!
 

Recently I went over Jesus' parable of the prodigal son with the believers. In the Awa culture, where their land has so much value, it was a terrible thing the younger son did---selling his inheritance and squandering the money. How amazing it is that the father would forgive him and allow him to return home! The believers have much to think on in these days. We appreciate your continued prayers as we seek to impart these truths to the Awa church. If Milton repents, and returns to Delia, the two of them will need the encouragement and support of the church here in order to make it work.

On the family front, we continue to prepare with Kimberly as she hopes to work at Whispering Winds Bible Camp this summer, in Missouri; Kenny continues to work at Liberty in VA, and our family is gearing up toward Keilah and Jeremy's wedding in NH the end of July. Here is a link to their wedding announcement and invitation, for those who are interested; perhaps some of you might join us that day! :-)
In HIS grip,               
Kevin & Kathy

<For a printable version click here>

Thanks so much for your prayers!

We are back in the city after spending Easter weekend with the Awa in the mountains. Although we wondered how things would go, we were thankful to be able to have the Believers' Conference with the Awa who came. Some of the ladies worked hard to cook lunches for all, and, thanks to Kimberly's ideas, we even managed to play some games on Saturday afternoon! It was good to see our Awa friends again, and they received us happily.

At the same time, we saw much brokenness and sadness among the believers, as they recounted to us what had happened while we were gone. Many of the believers wanted to give up being a part of God's family, because of the shame of the situation with Milton and his unfaithfulness. Many of the folks shared about how they had to make a choice...would they keep following God, or not? It was a blessing for us to hear most of the main group (eight or nine families represented) clearly tell how they had chosen to "stay"  with God. They shared how they are being laughed at and scorned by the rest of the Awa in the communities, for following a God who is 'worthless'.

We had four teaching times over the weekend, and Kevin taught from the life of Jesus, reminding them that Jesus was perfect, that He loved and forgave sinners, and then of His death for our sins, and His joyous resurrection. Kevin also went over the account in John 8 of the Pharisees bringing to Jesus the woman caught in adultery...of how Jesus said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone."  It gave the group much to think about...as it's easy, in the face of Milton's sin, to have a self-righteous attitude.

Monday morning Kathy and I went out early looking for Milton. By God's grace, we 'chanced' upon him on the road, further up the valley. In just a minute more, he would have crossed the river, to work in a field across the way, and we would have missed him! God's timing is perfect. We had a long talk with him and we can see that  God is at work. He shared with us how much he is suffering (he is sick and thin, the food was stolen from the property where he is supposed to be watching, his kids are a mess, his wife won't forgive him, everyone is angry with him and threatening to kill him, he knows he has done wrong, and feels the heavy weight of guilt). He said over and over, with tears, "But I did wrong, and it's my fault. I carry the blame. I've just been waiting for God to punish me, maybe He will just kill me."

We were thankful for the time with him, and were able to remind him, that's why Jesus died! For our sins...even for this. He suffered so much, shedding His blood, to pay that debt for us...because He loves us. We are still His children, and He won't abandon us, and He is still able to help us, even in this hard situation. We prayed together with him, right there on the road, asking God for His help, and promised him that we'd sit down together, over the next few weeks, and study God's word together, looking for God's help and what His word says and where to go from here. Pray that God will continue to work out true repentance in Milton's heart--not just a recognition of his sin, but a turning to God in trust and obedience.

Thank you for being here with us by your prayers! There is a big gulf of sin, hurt, sadness, and anger here among the believers...a large space for God to work! Our hearts are encouraged knowing that HE IS ABLE! May His glory be lifted high here among the Awa.

In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy

<FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION CLICK HERE>

From slippery snow to slick mud in just a few days was a bit of a shock to our system!

Enjoying the humid warm open air chapel

There were four new babies for us to meet

We had fun with our new self inflating soccer ball

We are back in Ecuador!

Just a quick note to say that we arrived safely here in Ecuador late Tuesday night. Thanks so much for your prayers! We had a grand reunion with the Liebenzell team yesterday, and it was good to re-connect with each one and to catch up on field news. Tomorrow we head to the mountains and we'll jump right into the Awa Conference with whoever shows up---so we'd appreciate your prayers.

Happy Easter! There is much joy in our hearts as we remember the resurrection. May you also rejoice in such a great salvation that He has provided for us!

Kevin & Kathy, and Kimberly

PS here is a picture of when Kenny and Sophia came to visit us in March. :-)

It's time to pack up!

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.

We'll be leaving Keilah here with her grandparents; she'll be working and preparing for her wedding to Jeremy Windler this summer (July 29th, here in New Hampshire). Kenny continues to work at Liberty University in Virginia--we are thankful to have one last week with him this coming week before we head out the end of the month.

Many challenges await us in Ecuador and we are grateful for your prayers. Our field director and his wife, Rainer and Kathi Kroger, will be in Germany for several months, and we will need to help out with some of the leadership responsibilities for the field. As we return to the Awa ministry, we greatly desire God's wisdom in knowing how to balance compassion and truth as we face Milton, Paulino, and the other believers, along with the communities of Awa around us who are the on-lookers in the present situation. Please pray with us that God will uphold His glory and His name among the Awa.

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!

April 3-5, just three days after we arrive, will be the annual Awa Conference. We don't know quite what to expect, and won't have much time there on the ground to prepare....so again, we are thankful for your prayers!

In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy
 

<PRINT VERSION CLICK HERE>

Greetings from snowy New Hampshire!

 

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

<FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION CLICK HERE>

Are you ready?

Check out this latest video from our mission!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! and Happy New Year! Our wish for you this Christmas season is that you feel "...wrapped in the love of God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. May mercy, peace, and love be lavished on you!" (Jud 1:1-2 NET)  We are wrapped snug in HIS love on both the mountaintops and valleys of life. Thank you for your prayers and support over 2014! In HIS grip, Kevin & Kathy