Puyo

Yesterday, I finished hosting a Presbyterian Church from Maryland. During their time here they worked at Argelia Alta, a school for underprivileged kids, a church, and a microfinance site. The school is a Compassion International ministry site through the sponsorship program. The group participated in home visits where they were able to pray for single mothers. They led four Vacation Bible Schools for the kids and helped out with construction. We built walls, lowered bricks, painted walls, and hauled potting soil. In addition to helping at the school, our group played soccer with the kids twice after school.

After Argelia Alta, we went to a jungle city called Puyo. There we connected with a church called Kairos. We played games with their youth group, shared testimonies, and ate pizza together. All the while, we did not have electricity-so it was a night to remember.

After our time in Kairos, we attended a retreat for five Christian Churches. We had a church service, group games, and then a soccer tournament.

Our time in Puyo was especially significant for me because I was able to hear about their ministry to five different jungle tribes. We helped the church paint their sanctuary and clear an area to make a soccer field.

On our way back from Puyo, we stopped at el Pailon del Diablo. It is a giant waterfall which literally means pod of the Devil. It was one of my top five experiences being so close to the waterfall from different observation decks. We also climbed behind the giant waterfall.

During final debrief, we were able to hear from the group what God had been speaking to them during their experience. One has decided he wants to start an outdoor ministry camp for kids, two girls have decided to research some tough questions about the Christian faith, a guy has decided to volunteer more in his community as a result of working with kids, and yet three others want to be intentional to reach out to their unsaved friends.

As for me, I think God taught me about the importance of resting in abiding in Him rather than worrying about minor details. It was a great experience for me to be in charge of the finances for the team and it will definitely prepare me for a future vocation.

Tomorrow, the staff will be taking a retreat to the beach.

Thanks for all your prayers. God is alive and well here all throughout Ecuador and Kairos church in Puyo is a confirmation of just that.

Please pray specifically for:

my health, my stomach has been upset recently

greater unity among us staff

that I would continue to take time to listen to God (John 10:27) even though things can get hectic with a team

A relaxing time at the beach