Evangelism Home Run

Mike came home from evangelism yesterday and told me this story, "Richie and I went out to evangelize and we looked up to the second floor of this house and saw two people sitting at a table by the window. We asked if we could come up, and they said sure once they understood what I was asking. We climbed up the ladder-like staircase on the outside of the building and when we entered, four teenagers, a child, the mom, and the dad, along with a friend who was fixing the tv, gathered around when I asked if I could tell them a story.

I told them the story of the Prodigal Son and asked them to identify the characters. Then I explained the gospel, and asked who wanted to receive Christ. It was like they were hanging on my every word. Everyone prayed to receive Christ."

We Ask for Your Prayers

In May, just before we left for the states, we announced to the church that this school year will be our last year in Guayaquil. We'll be leaving in June 2012. Please pray for a pastor to be raised up for the church in Guayaquil and for us to know God's will for our future.

Last but not Least

We finished up our 6-state stateside tour in Maine. First Mike spoke at Pastor Waterhouse's church and then he spoke at Pastor Sheff's church on a missions weekend they were having. Jim Seaver also spoke about his trips to Cuba and Quito as well as Pastor Cannon who spoke about Haiti and Debbie Colby who spoke about Thailand. The Sheff's graciously loaned us a van for the New England portion of our trip and we greatly appreciate it.

Heading home. This is the challenging part. Fitting all my books in the suitcases. It's a good thing that Mike is a GREAT packer.

Family Reunion

The highlight of this trip was our family reunion with Mike's family. Here's a shot of Mike's immediate family.

The Vermonters Welcomed Us

As usual, we visited Pastor Harold Noyes church in Vermont, and it was twice the blessing that it usually is as we got to visit with Mike's Mom & Dad at the same time as Dad is working with Harold in the church now. We are so grateful for the support we receive--both financial support and prayer support--from this church as well as the friendship we have with Harold & Patti.

We LOVE Those Quaker Staters!

From fellowship on the golf course, to time with the former Karen Sawtelle, who was a missionary to Guayaquil with her husband in the 1990's, we had a great time with our Pennsylvania friends!

Mike shared at Pastor Ray's church and with the youth group guys and Sue was able to share with the gals at a meeting held at Shane & Becky's house. We're already planning toward next year's visit from the Pennsylvanians.

Daniel Post Visits and Falls in Love

...with Guayaquil and the church here, of course.

Conference with P. Ray & P. Sheff: Quito

P. Ray, P. Mike, P. Sheff

Boys 'splaining the Sunday School lesson to Mike

"The boys" from Guayaquil.

Smile!

The Quito worship team treated us to folkloric dances

Conference with P. Ray & P. Sheff: Guayaquil

This year's conference with Pastor Ray started in Guayaquil. Seven members of his church in Carlisle, Pennsylvania came with him. We were also joined by P. Sheff, his wife, Kim, and Jim Seaver from Maine as well as Rachel Wileczek and Jamie from Peru.

We had a leadership and pizza night at our house, a beach day, and an amazing conference with the pastors. In addition, Jim Seaver taught a class on music ministry to about 20 people and Rachel taught a class on teaching children to our Bible Club and Sunday School teachers. All were well-received.

Conference with P. Ray & P. Sheff: Otavalo

The trip to Otavalo was for shopping, relaxing, and visiting our indigenous family, who guided the group to the nearby waterfall Here's Alberto (back to the camera, P. Mike, and P. Juan.)

Fairy and Shane walking toward the waterfall.

Mike greeting Michelle (one of our god-children)

Graciala, Mike, and P. Ray greeting the fam

Alice enjoying the shopping

Conference with P. Ray & P. Sheff: Baños

These photos are from Banos where the group evangelized by day and studied by night.

Stephanie's Graduation

Mike attended Stephanie Barriga's graduation this week. We still don't get the educational system here . . . this is the first of three graduations that Steph will have this year leading to her bachelor's degree.

Church Anniversary/Valentine's Supper

Alfredo worked through his vacation and many nights and weekends to oversee the remodeling and painting of the church.
Maria, the blonde in the center, oversees the hospitality committee. We don't even have to think about events anymore. Maria does the thinking for us.
We can fit about 10 more chairs with the remodeling and the praise team has more room too.

Fall Semester Bible Institute

Here are the students (A cheerful bunch, aren't they? Ecuadorians have a tendency not to smile in photographs.) who finished one or two courses: Mike's Biblical Perspectives and Olimpia's Victory Over Iniquity.
There was a special 5-week course between semesters on evangelism taught by Enrique Plaza. These students earned study Bibles by completing all the course requirements.
Jeffrey and Joel presented a skit on evangelism for the church. Joel's objections and questions had Jeffrey really searching for answers!