September/October 3, 2024
Dear Friends in Christ,
Unfortunately, our return trip to Ecuador was delayed by a few days due to a loss of my 91-year-old uncle, truly a saint. Thus, we made a trip to Minnesota for his memorial service; it was so, so good to see all my cousins, especially my uncle’s children.
And now, as the leaves in Colorado are beginning to turn and fall, we again see the beautiful and amazing creativity of God in the seasons. . .He has bestowed talents of creativity on humanity. Thus, it seems some of this talent has been ignited at Buen Samaritano Clinic and Water. (Your support with prayers and gifts are certainly a foundational block in this process!) Let me introduce you to Ricardo Aldaz, who is the creator of two promo videos, one for the clinic, one for the water.
We know Ricardo from Emanuel Church (next to the clinic) and his musical talents as a drummer. Beyond music, he surprised us with these two Spanish promo videos (MP4 file) he created. Please enjoy and become better acquainted with Buen Samaritano Clinic and Water (even if only from the photos). Sincere thanks to Ricardo for this surprise!! Both videos can also be seen on Fundación El Buen Samaritano Facebook page that is published by our clinic and can be seen by these links (https://fb.watch/u-2FJ0E7Oc/) (https://fb.watch/u-2HviUPRI/) .
“Ignited” by the Spirit seems to be stuck in my head! Another project for Christian outreach into the Floron Community is the Dental Project. Delores, better known as ‘Loly’ has invested much time contacting the four Floron elementary schools and offering a gratis dental cleaning to all kindergarten children. Hopefully, this will instill the importance of oral hygiene in the moms for their children and develop more community relationships in the process.
We are grateful for Dra. Karolina’s enthusiasm to clean the teeth of a possible 360 4/5-year-old children. The project had started prior to our arrival; we asked Dra. Karolina about the children’s behavior since this was obviously a first-time experience for almost all of these small Frys. Dra. Karolina said thus far it was rare that a child ‘revolted’ in opening their mouth. . . We are sure it is Dra. Karolina’s winsome way with children. She sent each child packing with a toothbrush (thanks to a generous donation) and small tube of toothpaste. The project will take approximately 2+ months to complete.
Emanuel Church is in the process of undergoing a new roof and ceiling that is being constructed by church members. Here is the progress while we were here.
Thus, church services and activities are being held in the general assembly building that was built by donated funds when the school was still functioning.
It is amazing how God blessed this congregation by having this building. Besides being used for the youth group, convocations, and other functions over the years, it is perfect for church services Sunday morning, Tuesday and Thursday evening services and Monday evening prayer gathering. (We are humbled and overwhelmed at the many, many kind donations that have undergird these brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus over 26 years and added multiple construction projects, medical equipment, and water vehicles. We applaud and give thanks for many unseen, generous donors.)
“WhatsApp” has allowed a few young adults and teens to keep in touch with me when I am Stateside. Last month was Juliana, now married and remembered for her major heart defect from birth. My own heart nearly stopped when she contacted me to share that she became pregnant and at 8 weeks lost the baby. I cannot describe my concern and grief. . . there is no way her frail, compromised body could support pregnancy. During the miscarriage her husband text me, pleading to know why they were using anesthesia on Juliana. Then, his next text said all she did was cry and would not eat. Truth was, Juliana miraculously survived. This near fatality now opened the door to educate the couple, especially her husband. The clinic has been blessed with a wonderful Christian cardiologist from Cuba. Via WhatsApp I arranged an appointment (with Juliana and Alejandro’s agreement) for the couple and requested that Dra. Dionisia familiarizes herself with Juliana’s very thick patient chart. I have known Dra. Dionisia for years, when contacted for the appointment I was confident of her delicacy in managing the situation. . . She always attends devotions when she has a patient to see at our clinic. The appointment went well, and Juliana and Alejandro continued to text me with questions and shared grieving. And since we were coming to Floron we set up a dinner date (see below) where we could continue moving through their sadness together. Again, it is nothing short of a miracle she survived.
We also toted the “Messengers” that were requested by the church’s music team.
It was heartwarming to discover they are using “Messengers” for devotions. If you are wondering what “Messengers” are, they are not only Scripture in Spanish but also sermons of Dr. Charles Stanley. . . Generally they are used for new Christians and shut ins. We also brought another suitcase of Bibles. . . and it was touching when our custodian asked if he could have a Bible for a lady that inquired if he could get a Bible for her. . .
As always there is a long “To Do” list. This time Richard’s list was far longer than mine.
On top of that, we are on rolling electrical outages for the remainder of the week. . .and now saying that it could last for many more months! Thus, our accomplishments just diminished. But check out our mango crop. . . if you like them, stop by. Many more than we can use!
This has been a trip with multi-faceted situations. . . and much accomplished despite electrical outages, etc. The age-old problem ‘no work’ is heard often by locals. However, we are amazed that Diana (new RN) landed a job in the San Francisco ICU Clinic in Portoviejo! She has spent over a year since graduation humbly working at a jewelry factory stringing beads. . . In her words, “. . . God is open door and not let the enemy defeat me because since you left the last time it has been very hard. The enemy has been trying many things with me, but God has been there, and I am happy.” We heartily celebrate with Diana (whom you/we helped through nursing school) and Pepe, her husband!
I add that Pepe, you might remember, is the young man from Cuba. . . He learned to play the guitar and now plays with the music group at three services each week.
Pepe (left side) Sunday service in Pastor Meza’s church in Floron 8. Our church and clinic reside in Floron 5.
I received an email from Pastor Alex, “Elizabeth, do you remember the little girl you helped in Canitas? She is grown and has two children. She would like to meet you.” About 20 years ago we had a medical mission in Canitas; a nurse practitioner examined little 5-year-old Maria Angelica who had a very pronounced club foot that left her as an outcast from other children. I had no idea how to help her. A week after the mission Dr. Pedro Mendoza came to visit me and brought another physician, Dr. Cristobal Alban who was an orthopedic surgeon. To shorten this beautiful story Dr. Alban did corrective surgery on little Maria. Now what an incredible blessing to see her and her two children Sammuel and Ami! God orchestrated these incredible circumstances.
Our prayer requests and thanksgiving:
*Thanksgiving for donated toothbrushes and funds to cover the Dental Project.
*Thanksgiving for Richardo Aldaz’s initiative to make the promo videos of the clinic and water. May he be blessed as he blessed us!
*Daily prayer support for Delores (Loly) as she directs clinic and water activities.
May all the staff give her the needed support.
*Thanksgiving and praise for the donated Bibles and “Messengers.”
*Protection of the Buen Samaritano Staff (clinic and water) as military and police continue to scour the area as homicides continue in Floron and throughout the province.
*Pray for the re-election of President Naboa whom past President Corea (now in Belgium) leads multiple supporters of his in Ecuador’s Congress against President Naboa.
Dios los bendiga,
Elizabeth and Richard <><
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