January 18, 2024
Good morning, Family and Friends,
Hope this finds you staying warm; we hear it has been very cold back there! So, we are sending our warmest wishes in this New Year, 2024. Unfortunately, and without jest we can say our year here began with multiple ‘bangs’. As some of you are aware a week ago cartels, that identified themselves as mafia attempted to take over the major cities of Ecuador, guards in prisons were held at bay while two major gang heads escaped and remain at large. This was like living in a “Bonnie and Clyde” movie!
Everything in the country closed. . .Well, not everything. Evangelical Emanuel Church, next to the clinic still held their evening service. I thought, “I wonder if anyone will come?” To my joy the service was packed and was lengthened for prayer covering their beloved country. Youth have been texting their fears about the current situation. It has been good to be here and lend a little support. Bryan continues as youth group leader and asks if we had any Bibles left over from the Music Mission. . . we didn’t. But there were large print Bibles he was fine with; he said he is trying to get the youth group into reading their Bibles regularly.
Today is Monday and truckloads of armed military as well as police continue to slowly cruise through the streets.
Armored carrier with 5 troops on top.
El Floron is known to harbor vigilantes; thus, it was no surprise when the military kicked in a door that was protecting five criminals. As of yesterday, the military gained control of all prisons that guards were being held hostage. Yes, “the fervent prayers of many (including churches in the USA)
... Thus, we always felt safe and sincerely thank your inquiries and prayers.
The local police would usually eat at the small restaurant across the street.
So let’s roll back to our first weekend here! We arrived for both the civil ceremony followed by the lovely, long-awaited wedding for Pepe and Diana.
The bride was spectacular, and all was videoed and sent back to Pepe’s mom in Cuba. Diana’s dad sang a beautiful song “Princesas Magicas” about the wonderful days of a daughter growing up and his difficulty of a daughter leaving home. Richard and I are honored to have been a significant part of their lives. . . Lives that honor God. They even had a honeymoom. . .They took a long bus ride to Cuenca, a beautiful city with European style buildings we have yet to visit. However, once the civil war broke out, they cut their trip short and returned home. Pepe continues to work in our water production plant. He gained his Ecuadorian GED and continues working online with university classes in engineering. Diana graduated from nursing (with many tears along the way) and in December finished her required year ‘rural experience’ in a small village along the river that continually flooded. We now pray she can find a job. . .
We also attended the 24th Anniversary of Pastor Meza church in Floron 8 last Sunday.
Pastor Meza, his wife Bella and daughter Dolores worked tirelessly all these years.
XTRA, XTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!!
This just in: The church next door to the clinic that we attend decided to honor Elizabeth’s birthday (75) at the Thursday night church service with a full house.
Then at noon on Wednesday the clinic staff decided to do the same with a meal…
… and of course one can’t celebrate without a cake!
We started our trek home Wednesday night to Quito and hope to get on the (red eye) plane Saturday night. In an attempt to exit Ecuador, the flights have been completely full.
Security is high at the airports. Our first flight is from Manta to Quito. To enter the airport grounds the military asks for itinerary or ticket and searches the car. To enter the terminal, one shows your passport (ID) and ticket or reservations.
Inside they also have military personnel and a drug or bomb dog checking passengers before screening.
Our prayer requests:
*Praise and thanksgiving for the safety of our staff and friends here.
*Sincere thanksgiving for supporters’ generosity in economic trying times.
*Prayer that newly elected President Naboa remains wise, firm and confident in leading Ecuador, especially dealing with criminals.
*Prayer for Evangelical Emanuel Church and Pastor Gabriel’s 2024 goal of unity within his church.
*Prayer for clear wisdom and direction of FBS and FYTA.
In humility and sincere gratitude,
Richard, Elizabeth and FYTA Board
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