Quotes

"Not so easily was I remade as made. He spoke and all things were made. But while he made me simply and at once by a word, he has in the remaking of me said many words, and worked wonders and suffered much." (St. Bernard)

Monday, March 24, 2014

So That In All Things God May Be Glorified Through Jesus Christ

One week ago, our two teams in Ecuador hosted a mission trip for a group of college students from SFA University in Texas. These 15 students chose to preach the Gospel, to pray with God's little ones, and to help the poor of Ecuador instead of going on a 'normal' college spring break. I was so impressed with this group's preparation for the Lord's mission in Ecuador. They prepared with holy hours, sacrifices, novenas, speaking at churches to raise money and awareness and giving testimonies about how Jesus has worked in their life. When they arrived in Ecuador they were ready to 'go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature' (Mk. 16:15).

Their missionary hearts beamed forth, as they immediately began to love the people of Misahualli, Ecuador. They entered into the culture and life of the people here, eating and drinking what was offered to them (See Lk. 10:1-12). Of course, that often includes the things that are unas pocas extrañas, such as chicha. They truly enjoyed it! Praise Jesus! The Lord called each one by name, having for them a personal mission, to freely give from themselves what they have freely received (See Mt. 10:8). He called them to hike great distances through mud and swamp, becoming filthy from head to toe, falling too many times to count, and rising up again to persevere so that His scripture would be fulfilled: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news (Rom: 10:15)!' They gave glory to God serving the people with an intense love manifested, for example, when they gave their own food to the children of a village. Everything they did, whether preaching the gospel in word or deed, they did without complaining (See 1 Pet. 4:7-11). Their 'YES!' to serve Jesus here in Ecuador resounded in my heart, sending pulses of courage and the light of the Spirit to strengthen my entire being.

Thank you, all of you, who came on mission to Ecuador for saying YES!

Going to our first communities... the HIKE!

If there are a shortage of cute Kichwa children in Misahualli,
it is because the missionaries couldn't resist taking them home with them.

Nick giving his testimony in a community.

Candice 'Graciela' giving the Jesus talk to the people in Misahualli.

There is a never a dull moment with Rachel. So much Joy!

How blessed are we to help build a place of worship for the people!

Some Kichwa kids with the missionaries!

Please see my next post Nuestra Señora de Buen Suceso about a special blessing, a miracle from the Lord, given as a gift to us during this mission trip.