May 31, 2022
Dear Family of Friends,
Pardon me! We were remiss on updates the past two trips to Ecuador that Richard made solo. He specifically went for water production repairs. This trip we returned from last week was brief but of a different focus. If you recall Juliana, now twenty-one, was born with a three chambered heart and major vessels transposed. Juliana had repeatedly asked me when we were coming to Floron; she wanted us to be there for her wedding. . . What an honor it was for us to attend her and Alejandro’s wedding.
The reception was in the ‘Oriente’ (jungle) at Alejandro’s parents’ home. I teased a young boy to climb one of the palm trees and pick a fresh coconut for me. The next morning Juliana and Alejandro brought us a huge palm branch with six coconuts. And the day I was to return home Juliana called me and said I must go out in front of the clinic . . . Her dad would be there momentarily! And at that moment he came chugging and sputtering in his car and handed me fresh, out of the oven, hot pan de yucca (bread from yucca). They could be described as the consistency of Elmer’s glue on the inside with a delicious, distinctive flavor.
Juliana and family live in Floron 8, perhaps I have previously mentioned that it is ‘peligroso’. . . dangerous. Juliana’s mom makes ‘pan de yuca’ every morning and then Fernando walks the streets and peddles them. We have gone to their home many times but have never been invited in. The house is out of bamboo and holds all the family. . . two married brothers and wives and children and of course Juliana, her parents and now Alejandro.
Besides the joy of being at Juliana and Alejandro’s wedding there were two ‘unexpected’ blessings for me. The first morning at devotions, I was stunned and speechless at the closing prayer which is usually by one person. . .However, every person offered a prayer. . . and this included the four ‘water technicians’ whose prayers were passionate and from deep within each heart. Why did this ‘blow me away’? Well, the ‘water techs’ do attend devotions and take their turn at preparing a devotion on Friday. . . But this time, any of my concerns about their ‘connection/relationship’ with Jesus Christ was erased. I was so moved by each of their prayers that I could not hide the tears trickling down my cheeks. . . as they even do now as I peck away at the keys. I know some of you have had concerns about a child (young or adult), so you know what I am talking about. Confirmation of a child’s faith in Christ is paramount to a Christian mom.
Morning staff devotions in the patient waiting area.
As Sunday rolled around, I was disappointed to not see Pastor Meza, wife Bella and family in church. . .Not even his daughter, Delores who is the clinic’s office manager, was there. I thought, “Hmmm, he must have been sent to preach for a vacationing pastor elsewhere.” On Monday I discovered all of them would be permanently gone!! Next to Pastor Meza’s home is a small chapel/church that had begun to hold Sunday morning services and mid-week evening services! I was thrilled and attended the Wednesday evening service. About twenty-five children and adults were at the service. Alright Holy Spirit – You set the fire and may it burn brightly, grow, and consume many!
“… He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; … He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; …” John 14:16b-18a (NIV)
We will return to Floron the end of June to host Chris Lang who is the Director of Music at Colorado Community Church in Aurora. He will be meeting with pastors, Dra. Silvia and Hermano Fabricio; and then he will tour and investigate possible Floron areas to hold his and a team’s music ministry in 2023. As I understand this, he brings donated instruments to be given and taught to ‘aspiring musicians’ in the church. This is definitely a new avenue for us, and evangelism and we thank board members Cleofe and Amy Intriago for their initiative in promoting this music mission.
Lastly, if you attend Parker Days this coming weekend, please look us up at Booth #511. And yes!! We will have the popular alpaca throws plus children’s’ sweaters, ladies wraps, wood carvings, etc.!
Whether it is FYTA or other organizations, please consider giving support. The economy in Floron broke our hearts. . . and yes, thanks, due to your donations we did give each employee a small pay increase. I know we all have been economically affected. . . But not as much as the impoverished.
“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” Proverbs 29:7 (NIV)
Please pray for God’s wisdom and discernment as FYTA navigates through challenging days. May our focus be on our Savior and not waver.
Dios los bendiga,
Elizabeth, Richard and the FYTA Board