An Ecuadorian Mission Experience

Grace and peace!

Yesterday took us an hour and a half south of Quito into an indigenous town called Quicono. In this town Christians are struggling for the same rights as Catholics. The best way to compare it or describe it is to the Catholica Protestant clashes in Ireland. In Ecuador, you have the Catholics and then everybody else, all the Christians. Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, Pentecostals, etc. are all lumped in together as Christians. ABout 90% of the population of Ecuador identifies itself as Catholic. In some areas Christians are viewed in a negative light. This town is one such place, and as a minority, the Christians are persecuted. The town authorities will deny water and other services. Christians are trying their best to respond in love by sharing the Gospel and doing acts of community service.

In the morning we arrived at a school to play games, do crafts and hang out with kids. It was a bit awkward as the school didn't act as though they expected us. But eventually they allowed us to hang out with the kids. It was a fun time, and the team of youth from Nueva Jerusalen jumped right into their program as we tried to assist as best we could. As we filed into the school, all I could think about was how this scenario would play out in the US. There is no way that a school would shut down their learning day to play games, do crafts and hear an evangelical message from a group of strangers. It was a strange dichotomy for me.

Lunch was pretty cool. Apparently, Jose Luis' church has a sister church in Quicono, and a member of that church provided us with lunch. It was very indigenous: chicken soup (with parts), indigenous corn, potatoes, ava beans and fruit. The home was a farm, and there were chickens walking around us throughout lunch. The property had three structures situated together, and they were very primitive with some modern amenities. They were so gracious to share their space with us.

The afternoon took us into the middle of the town (I think), and we performed some community service. We repainted some lines on a soccer/basketball court. It wasn't too hard, and it went by really fast. But it was cool to do something to benefit the community.

For once, we weren't out too terribly late, and after dinner we had time to hang out and play games together at the hostel. It was a good, fun day together. It is hard to believe, though, that tomorrow is our last day and we fly out in the evening. Unbelievable! Again, thank you for all your support and prayers! See you soon!

blessings,
Dorian