WOW...WHAT.A.WEEK. Our first Extreme Response team arrived Saturday evening...safe and sound! The team is from Ft. Wayne, Indiana (GO HOOSIERS), and the team consists of a couple (a youth pastor and his wife), 2 youth students, and 2 ER team leaders.
Sunday, we all went to church and they were warmly greeted by the church members. After, we took them to the market. Sunday is the big market day here in Sucua. Many venders bring in their weekly harvest, and many people go to buy since there is a larger variety. The team was super adventurous and tried many new tropical fruits, and foods. Later in the afternoon, they went out to an indian (Shuar) community and hiked down to a waterfall. They learned a little about the Shuar culture, and even got to hear and see some typical chanting and dancing. They ALL jumped in, and enjoyed the refreshing water!!
Sunday, we all went to church and they were warmly greeted by the church members. After, we took them to the market. Sunday is the big market day here in Sucua. Many venders bring in their weekly harvest, and many people go to buy since there is a larger variety. The team was super adventurous and tried many new tropical fruits, and foods. Later in the afternoon, they went out to an indian (Shuar) community and hiked down to a waterfall. They learned a little about the Shuar culture, and even got to hear and see some typical chanting and dancing. They ALL jumped in, and enjoyed the refreshing water!!
Blindly serving THE LEAST OF THESE
Many people have the opportunity to go on a mission trip and serve at a children's home, an orphanage, or actually serve the specific people that the organization is working with. That is not the case here, and I think that makes our supporters and the teams that we've had and will have in the next year that much more unique, and special.
God tells us in HIS word in Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Our support team and the work teams that have come down to serve haven't gotten to put names, faces, and stories behind their work/or trip, because we haven't been able to take in children yet. However, we believe that even though they don't know or haven't even been able to see the children that will someday fill the home, they are still serving "the least of these".
We are so thankful to our faithful supporters who give their treasure so that our family can continue to serve down here in Ecuador, and as we save up funds for the BIG OPENING DAY of Casa Rescate. We are thankful for the hard-working teams who have taken a step of faith to come down and work even though they may never see the faces of the children who will fill the home. YOU are serving "the least of these" and trusting God's vision for us by supporting us and the work God is doing here...THANK YOU!
God tells us in HIS word in Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Our support team and the work teams that have come down to serve haven't gotten to put names, faces, and stories behind their work/or trip, because we haven't been able to take in children yet. However, we believe that even though they don't know or haven't even been able to see the children that will someday fill the home, they are still serving "the least of these".
We are so thankful to our faithful supporters who give their treasure so that our family can continue to serve down here in Ecuador, and as we save up funds for the BIG OPENING DAY of Casa Rescate. We are thankful for the hard-working teams who have taken a step of faith to come down and work even though they may never see the faces of the children who will fill the home. YOU are serving "the least of these" and trusting God's vision for us by supporting us and the work God is doing here...THANK YOU!
Being the HANDS and FEET
The work plan this week was to dig holes (footers), to put in metal bases. They were then filled with cement, and will serve as foundational bases for the house. You will notice that there isn't any machinery on site...you guessed it...all the work done this week was done MANUALLY (digging holes, making cement, cutting the metallic support babes, leveling...you name it).
Many people have asked..."So is the house going to be almost done after this group?", and we answer "umm...no". In fact it will be far from done...and THAT'S OK! Actually, it is neat to see how God uses each person, and each group to fulfill a part of HIS purpose.
Below are some pictures of the team hard at work
Many people have asked..."So is the house going to be almost done after this group?", and we answer "umm...no". In fact it will be far from done...and THAT'S OK! Actually, it is neat to see how God uses each person, and each group to fulfill a part of HIS purpose.
Below are some pictures of the team hard at work