Ecuador

 How would one even begin to describe, or even have the time to write down, all that we saw, and all that we experienced on our mission trip to Ecuador. Ecuador is truly one of God's greatest creations. The country, it slandscapes, and its people are all beautiful. I would move there in a heart beat if the Lord would open that door.
 We first served in the Jungle. We were allowed the privlege of starting a 3,000 sq. ft. slab for a new building at the orphanage/shool in the jungle. We litterly loaded and unloaded concrete one wheel barrow at a time from one spot to another. Roberto and Charmae are a wonderful blessing. Their love and enthusiasm is contagious and their hearts are huge. They started bringing kids into their home first and then started a school where the people would know it was a safe enviroment to send their kids. If I am not mistaken they have 52 kids right now and within a couple of years they should be teaching several hundred. The blessing is that they will not only be taught reading, writing and arithmetic, but that they will also come to know Christ through Roberto, Charmae and the staff.
 If you have ever watched 'National Geographic' seeing 25' canoes that are only wide enough to seat two, sliding down rivers in the jungle and stopping on a bank amongst the vegitation, you have seen just what we did. We would go down the river and come to rest next to a path that led up to a village full of kids ready to meet us, and se what we had to offer. Other time we would be on the bus driving through the vast jungle and coming to rest at a location where village people would gather to meet us. We shared many crafts and games. We provided lentils and rice along with bread and drinks. When the fun was dying down Jake Bickham would share the message of Jesus and salvation to those who gathered around us.
 Colorado in all of its splendor does not hold a candle to the mountains of Ecuador. As we drove through the mountains one could only marvel and the splendor of God's masterpiece. I found myself daily thanking God for the opportunity to witness such majesty.
 We arrived in Manta to serve at a church. Sunday morning service was great and the people welcomed us with love and warmth. We built a wall for the church and we labored each day mixing our concrete with sand and rocks. We were privileged to have church members cook lunch for us daily. After two days of working the members of the church came and began helping us as we worked. Judy, Shereen and the girls painted rooms, painted murals, and met other needs that the church needed. Manta is ont he coast and once again we witnessed even more of God's majesty in His creation.
 I was fortunate to preach on Sunday night in the jungle, and also in Manta. I was told that it was amazing that the Pastor in Manta asked me to preach the wednesday night service. The people in this church were sincere, and in the end I asked if they would like to see revival and they al raised their hands. The Solis family blessed us by letting us stay in their house for the week. They are truly a family seeking out God's will and living it out also. Leavinf was extremely difficult. It was bittersweet. One part was that we wanted to stay, and the other was that we were needed at home.
 There were many God times, many miracles, and many blessings that we witnessed. I have shortened this all up and probably am not doing any justice to what we experienced and witnessed. We are already planning to go back next year, and we are looking forward to serving and loving the people of Ecuador the same as Christ. Our team was amazing and made everlasting friendships. God is good :)
If any of you ever have the opportunity to serve in Ecuador, please do not hesitate. It will be a God thing~