You're Looking Fine Oklahoma....Oklahoma...OK!

We love Oklahoma! Never been there in my life. In fact, I am not real sure that I have ever flown over it. We know about oil towns and flat land and tornadoes, but have never been there.

Yet, we feel like we could find our way around the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University. Our kids could swear they have gone to camp at Falls Creek. We have heard all about Shawnee and Oklahoma City and other places, as well. And Sonics! Boy have we heard about Sonics! From their burgers to the way they make their ice cubes, have we ever heard about Sonics!

For the past 7 years we have been blessed to know people from Southern Hills Baptist Church in OKC, from Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee, from Awestar Ministries and even co-workers in Peru. We love you guys. If the rest of Oklahoma is anything like you guys, it is no wonder people break out into song when they hear where you are from. Happy Birthday.

Betania Sur: A Total Failure...or Was It?

Matt Baker and I went out to Betania Sur this morning. Even though the pastor's wife called around 7 AM to tell us he had a doctor's appointment and could not let us in the building, we thought the kids would be there. They were not. Matt and I visited with Antonela who came by with her friend Cindy. They could only stay a bit.

Two boys we had not met before named Naldo and Javier chatted with us for five or ten minutes.

It was Luis, though, that made our day. He is 22 and works as a security guard. His father is an alcoholic and his mother is in the hospital. He has a deaf/mute brother who is 18 and does not seem to have had any training for life skills. Luis is basically the only support his family has and is feeling the weight of the world. He came looking for the pastor who is usually there every Wednesday from early in the morning. He was needing prayer. I thank God that Matt and I were there to pray with him.

We did not do anything we had planned. Matt was ready to launch into his study. God had us there for His purposes and not our.

Glad I Don't Fly Iberia

Pray for our volunteers from Pennsylvania. They were to finish up a great trip to Quito by flying home in the morning. Unfortunately for the second time in a few weeks, Iberia Airlines popped a tire on touchdown and the airport is closed. Add to that that the other major airport in the country was closed for repairs...well, it is a mess!

The good news is that nobody was hurt and our guys are safe and sound. A little annoyed, but safe and sound.

When Do You Get Paid?

I like payday. Most of us do. We look forward to getting that check or seeing our pay has been deposited to our account. The man wearing the Arizona State sweatshirt got paid today. He has been donating food for hungry children and today got to meet with the people who faithfully hand it out. They thanked him for supplying food to help these children. They told him how the children are now coming with some parents. That the children are being told Bible stories and hearing Christian music.

The man in the Arizona State sweatshirt got paid today. Well, at least he got a downpayment. Someday he will see the end result. How many of these children will come to know Christ? How many will raise their families to know Christ? Is the next Jim Elliot in the group? How about the next Billy Graham?

I am not giving out the man's name. He does not want to be known. Better to defer payment and take it with interest later.

Betania Sur: Then There Were Three

This past Wednesday, three came to the youth outreach. The first week there had been just one boy. Matt Baker "took off the training wheels" and taught the group by himself. It is one thing to know how to order food or get on a bus and quite another to have spiritual conversations. Way to go, Matt!

Visitors From Up North

So you thought Al Roker from the Today Show was the only visitor to Ecuador this week? Doug Pilot and Tom Fogg are coming this evening for a vision trip. Doug is the Associational Missionary for the Association of Baptist Churches in Central Pennsylvania. Tom is pastor of Westmont Baptist Church in Johnstown, PA.

As for the picture of Arch Spring? Well, it is from my home of Sinking Valley, Pennsylvania. It really has no relation to this blog other than I always enjoyed it. By the way, I have not yet seen Al Roker, but should probably bump into him at the Magic Bean if he stays here long enough.