The Following is a Reprint of a Recent Volunteers Newsletter

Thank you for your prayers as we worked in South Quito, Ecuador. I mentioned in my previous letter that “flexibility” was our watchword, and that certainly was true!

All segments of the Team had a very good week. The Medical team saw over 1,200 patients and filled 5,000 prescriptions. Dentist Chrissy pulled 70 teeth during the 5 days of clinic. Dr. John taught seminars on Baptist Beliefs and Baptist History to classes of 90+ pastors.

We worked with IMB missionaries Frank and Julie Lamca and their children—Bryan (19), Matthew (17), Katie (12) and Thomas (11). It was wonderful to get to know all of their family.

On Sunday, we divided up into 4 groups and participated in the worship services of 5 churches (one group did 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.).

I went with a group to Central Baptist Church, where I gave a short testimony and sang, both in Spanish.
Our VBS team, which started with 9 members, and by switching and borrowing, ended up with 7, conducted not just 2, but THREE Bible Schools each day! Shannon led the VBS team, which ended up comprised of: Jill, G. C., Mary Jane, Dorraine, Pam and me. Also working with us were Julie Lamca and 4 MK’s (missionary kids).

We split up in the mornings and did Bible School at Nueva Aurora (as planned) with tremendous help from the members of Santisima Fe. The second location was La Bretaña (desired by the missionaries, but not planned until Monday afternoon).

Jill (music), G.C. (records and refreshments), Pam (crafts), Katie Lamca (recreation), with MK Cody and me as rovers, worked with Pastor Mario (Bible Story) at the cell church in La Bretaña which meets at his house. We had about 30-40 children each of the 4 mornings.

In the afternoons, all of the VBS workers led up to 60 children at Pastor Mario’s church, Betania Sur (Bethany South).

Here is how God answered the specific prayer requests in my previous letter:
I was surprised and pleased with the amount of Spanish I could speak and understand. ¡Gracias a Dios! We had many miles of safe travel, which included a few close calls which we vowed not to discuss, so as not to concern our families. We are so glad that you were praying! We had a few instances of people feeling bad, but no one had to miss work. We were thankful for general good health. I slept well enough to feel rested. We had a midday break, eating our sack lunches in the van. I think that we did a good job keeping up our stamina in the afternoon sessions, although I think that all of us would agree that the second group of children was more challenging than either of the morning ones. It was so great to see the church members that I met last year! They remembered me and gave the warmest greetings! I believe that our presence was an encouragement to each of the churches where we had VBS or clinics. We also enjoyed our time with the IMB missionary families so much.

All of the IBC team members got along so well, and we made new friends of those we didn’t know before. Each person, from age 17 to age 82, fulfilled a special role very well. God took care of my family at home. The kids spent quite a bit of time together and certainly enjoyed themselves.
Whenever I return from a mission trip, people want to know how many were saved. Many seeds were planted, and the Gospel was certainly presented, both at the clinic sites and in the Vacation Bible Schools. I don’t know, however, how many people accepted Christ. We may never know, here, but we will someday.
Please pray for these people we encountered:
• Maria Isabel—a young mom who came to VBS at La Bretaña each day.
• Jennifer—a 12 year old from New Jersey (!) who just showed up on the block where we were teaching VBS, in answer to our prayers for another translator.
• Pastor Mario and wife Marta—as they minister at two sites, and open their home to reach their neighbors.
• Pastor Byron and wife Nieves—who are expecting their first child in October and minister at Santisima Fe and Nueva Aurora.
Immanuel will continue the partnership with South Quito for next two years. Please pray for the plans for future journeys and for the relationships formed in these first two trips.
Each of you who prayed was an important part of our mission trip! Thank you again for praying!
Love, Cheryl <><