Tungurahua (Throat of Fire)

Yesterday, Tungurahua Volcano in Baños exploded, sending up ash clouds which drifted across Guayaquil and then thankfully out over the Pacific Ocean. We were only lightly dusted by ash, although we holed up in our house prepared for an ashfall such as we've seen before in Quito.

Mike spoke to some of our Baños friends last night who said that Baños is not being evacuated, although some villages on the other side of Tungurahua are being evacuated.

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in His works -
he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains, and they smoke,
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Psalm 104:31-33

Pastor Juan Franco, Mike, and Olimpia Dragu in the Guayaquil airport ready to go to the Latin American Conference in (ta-ta-ta-taaa) Lima, Peru. We were ultra-refreshed by the messages, the fellowship, and the weather. Sue teaching, Karen Collins translating at the women's meeting.
Mike preaching, P. John Stambowski translating in one of the evening services.

Breakfast with Rachel Wilechek, Sue, Olimpia, Mike, and Karen.

P. Liege, P. Drew, Mike, P. Stan, and P. Shaller on the waterfront.

So long Cherokee!

Mike was able to sell our 1987 Cherokee last week. It had gotten to the point where it needed almost weekly repairs. So with mixed feelings we bid a fond farewell to the Cherokee. We are grateful that God brought us a buyer in a short time! We hope to buy a newer used car in August.

Peguche Wedding

The bride and groom.
In April, Mike was able to join our indigenous "family" for a wedding. As you can see he was an integral part of the food preparation! It's always a refreshing time for him in Peguche.

The Carlisle Cyclone strikes again--three years in a row!

12 people from the Greater Grace Church in Carlisle, Pennsylvania came down for a whirlwind 3-conference visit in Guayaquil, Baños, and Quito. Pastor Ray's teaching was particularly life-changing--for us and for people in the church. The rest of the group gifted all of us with encouragement, smiles, help, and love. The picture above is Sue translating for Becky as she teaches at the ladies' meeting in Quito.
The conference in Quito.

The group from Carlisle, along with Pastor Juan.

P. Ray, P. Juan, P. Justin Shaller, and Mike.

Carlisle group singing to the workers at the hosteria to thank them for their service.

The picture above shows Emanuel, a youth from our church leading a group in evangelism in Baños.

Snow-capped mountains on the Avenue of the Volcanos between Baños and Quito.

James giving an introduction, with Olimpia translating in Guayaquil.

Mike translating for Pastor Ray in a meeting at our house.

Pastor Jason Moore and Company!

Sue and Esther overlooking Guayaquil.
Three Pastors and a Pirate--does that sound like the name of a movie?

Mike, P. Jason, Daniel, and Brian

Bible study in our Florida room with P. Jason

Pray with the elders.

I know we're way behind getting this up here, but we were blessed with a wonderful visit from Pastor Jason Moore and the Martinez family: Brian, Esther, and Daniel.

Pastor Jason and Brian had a special time with the elders, held a meeting with the leadership at our house, visited--along with Esther--at the rehab center, and held special meetings at the church. It was an especially refreshing time for us personally and for the church.

Bible Institute Certificate Recipients

Students from fall quarter receiving certificates.

Perfect attendance: Carmen, Enrique, and Stefanie!