October 2017
Gary D. Gordon
30/10/17 04:10
Ten days ago my father had a heart problem: his mitral valve ripped. In the hospital his health rapidly declined and last night he went to be with the Lord. He left us a legacy of a life dedicated to serving the Lord in many ways. We'll see him again soon in heaven. (This photo was taken the day before he entered the hospital.)
Eleven graduate in Capulispungo
23/10/17 18:14
They were all smiles on Sunday, finally reaching their goal after two years of studies! We celebrated during the service with people coming from different communities to accompany their graduate. The National president of the FLET bible program drove four hours from Quito to participate in the ceremony which lasted three hours with speeches, music, and messages. The Quichua know how to celebrate!
Now we begin the planning process of deciding when to start level two of the FLET program. Looks like they will make the final decision and plans during their annual congregational meeting in December. We pray and wait. Psalm 27:13-14
Quichuas in Quito
16/10/17 18:23
We visited a Quichua church in Quito on Sunday. One tradition that isn't going to die out with the immigrants is the women's choir. Every church has one. And they perform in uniforms. The pastors, Geovany and Sandy, were students in a music program I taught several years ago. At that time they were single. I rejoice to see how God has brought them together and they are now serving the Lord, leading a church. The original purpose of our visit was to begin training teachers for the children, and to see what facilities they have. I slipped out of the service during the message and found the class was held outside, at night, with only chairs and no tables or materials. We hope to be able to coordinate some workshops with them in the future.
Quichua Festivals
09/10/17 17:52
A Quichua Community will hold every year or so a BIG festival. They rent a circus tent (no joke) and hold something like a tent meeting for a whole weekend. Evenings are filled with music and chorus competitions. During the day invited preachers teach seminars. Here in Cachisagua, where we have been working for around four years, they asked us to lead the youth for Saturday and Sunday. We took on the challenge, partly for the youth, and partly to maintain good relations with the community. (We are hoping to start a bible program, FLET, with them.) We prepared games, songs, and bible studies, which were well received. Actually we barely visited the main tent and its activities. I had requested the church building for our youth program. These festivals are a big deal for each community. They invited other communities from all over the country, and host around 1000 people!
Lose to Win
02/10/17 07:44
Sunday, I gave a message on the whole book of Philippians in the church in Quito where the young migrants from Capulispungo come together. I like to use pictures rather than bullet points, as the pictures communicate much better. The message: You have to lose in order to win. In chapter 3 of Philippians, Paul purposely lost all his Pharisee background in order to know Christ. And he ended up with a group of disciples. In chapter 2, Jesus gave up his heavenly position and identity, lost his life on the cross, and gained a family, the church, as well as his renewed glory in heaven. In chapter 1, Paul gave up his liberty, and was put in chains. As a result, he gained access to Rome, taught many more disciples, and wrote half of the new testament. The way of the cross is to lose your life in order to gain it.
