July 4, 2024
Dear Friends in Christ,
Happy 4th of July! Although today is a wonderful day to celebrate the birth of our nation with family and friends we also are reminded that the world seems to be swirling in multiple issues and concerns. We - as probably you - attempt to not get drawn in or consumed by the world. The verse in John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled." has been one of many Biblical guides for our firm foundation in Jesus Christ. This morning as I continued to read through the Bible it occurred to me - as previously - that warring seems to be planted in the heart of mankind. . . Do we never reflect or learn from Biblical history? Or for the non-Christian this same warring is also shared in secular history and not only contained in the Old Testament. However, “. . . in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33a & b NKJ) A heart at peace regardless of circumstances is direct reassurance, comfort, and confidence in Our Sovereign God.
Yes, against advisement we did leave for Ecuador a little over three weeks ago. The Ecuadorian military has been in full force in Manta (where we ultimately land) and in Portoviejo of which Floron is a 'suburb' and an excellent hideout for criminals... The daily shootings are mostly related to the drug cartels and individual gangs fighting for their turf. But it also involves innocent people 'being in the wrong place at the wrong time'. One of our favorite restaurant/hotel acquaintances was unmercifully shot for refusing entrance to ‘meet’ with a known drug accomplice. The military has confiscated 20 tons of drugs to date and the port city of Guayaquil has had well over 1,000 assassinations since the beginning of the year. But life must still go on like normal – but what is normal anymore?
The worst area in our province is the city of Manta – a port city. But Portoviejo (where we work) and especially Floron where our clinic resides comes in second. The other day when driving out of Floron onto a major avenue I ran into a team of about 30 police and swat officers stopping and inspecting vehicles in both directions. (no photo). They could see that an elderly gringo was no threat, so I didn’t get pulled over.
However, the military still shows its presence in Floron every night along with this day shot.
A truck full of troops
Hopefully, we don't sound omnipotent or above reproach regarding returning to Floron against advisement. Dra. Kerly has been in her new position less than a month and the 'water technicians' have contacted Richard about water production concerns. Thus, neither was wise to ignore or put off. Dra. Kerly surprised us with an overwhelming number of patients attended to. BRAVO!! And the concerns of the water technicians were a major issue that needed attention. Another BRAVO that they recognized the problem which was a learning curve for them.
Dra. Kerly
What we had not expected was a Mother's/ Father's Day lunch which was an unexpected surprise! Prior to lunch they went around to each staff member to give one adjective that came to mind for Richard and for Elizabeth. (They used to do this when we celebrated staff birthdays. . . and I was glad to see this revived. . .) They were all positive (we hope they were telling the truth!)
Currently Elizabeth did not have any more days that she could remain in Ecuador; so, after 10 days she returned to Quito, packed our fundraising wares and took the 'red eye' to Houston and on to Denver. God's timing is always so perfect. Her mom is 95 and experiencing multiple falls; hopefully the current major fall included no fracture. . . and thankfully did not. Richard remained to oversee multiple concerns - administrative and legal issues.
Disappointed, Elizabeth missed wonderful times that also occurred in our Floron Community. Richard was able to attend the wedding of Jhon Sanchez’s son Steeven. Elizabeth has known Jhon since her first CCPC mission trip 26 years ago and Richard shortly thereafter.
Richard with Idalla and Steeven (unfortunately, shadows altered the colors)
The Floron 8 church led by our day guard Pastor Meza included me in their Father’s Day celebration.
Richard was also proud to see one of our water technicians (Pepe – from Cuba) was playing an electric guitar at the Floron 8 church service. He just started a few months ago taking lessons from guitar players in the church. He hopes someday to attend the university to study for an architecture degree.
Carlos, husband of our admin clerk Dolores, who was a water technician for several years then attended the Police Academy and now a police officer gave the sermon for his third time in the Floron 8 church. His testimony is incredible!
Lastly, the church next door we normally attend held services on Saturday night so that they could have a special family event similar to our church’s annual summer BBQ. They cooked on site.
On the right is what I had for lunch for $1.50. Two cheese empanadas, rice, a salad and a fruit cup.
Church members.
They sold their own cast-off used clothes. Church members
Several mothers were asked to compete and give speeches about their life as a mother and what it means for the family and for themselves. They asked me to be the judge as to who was the best but I declined. . . You know, Spanish ‘imperfecto’. I did however give the award to the winner along with a gift. This was followed by several different games that involved the dads, children and dads and children together.
Our prayer requests:
*Praise and thanksgiving for the continued 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 drug situation.
*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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