January 2017 Prayer Letter

A Happy New Year Family and Friends in Christ,

As we start a new year, one question always comes to mind," what does God have in store for me in this coming year?" Most likely there will be storms, but even in the midst of a storm we can find peace because we know that God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. One verse that I am always reminded of is found in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." I am praying that this will be my goal this coming year, that I will take time to just be still and reflect on who God is. Life is busy, but if we do not make time for God, we live our life in vain. Whatever comes our way in 2017, be it storms or be it peaceful mountaintops, may we keep God as our focus and allow Him to use us for His honor and glory.

We received some sad news from Riobamba this past month. On December 30th, Cesar finished his earthly race and was received into the presence of his Lord and Savior. Cesar had been battling cancer for a year but his faith never faltered. When we said goodbye to come home on furlough he was saying his last farewell because he felt that he did not have much longer to live on this earth. Our hearts are sad because the Riobamba church has lost a godly leader; yet our hearts are glad because Cesar is no longer suffering and is enjoying the joys of heaven. Pray for the family, Carmita, his wife, and their three children, Victoria, Santiago and Camila that God will provide their needs and fill the void of Cesar's absence. With the deaths of two church members in one month’s time the church family has gone through a stormy period, but God has brought them closer together as a family. Santiago wrote us these words, "Que gran ejemplo de ayuda y servicio que es nuestra iglesia, me siento tan feliz y orgulloso de cada uno de mis hermanos." which translated says, "what great example of help and service is our church, I am so happy and proud of each one of my brothers." We have heard nothing but godly testimonies from the church family in Riobamba - to God be the glory! Continue to remember the church family and the men who are leading, that God will present many opportunities to share His Word with others and that the church will grow in the coming year. We would appreciate your prayers as we travel in the coming months to visit our supporting churches. We tried to schedule churches that are closer to home during the winter months. We received notice in December that a supporting church will no longer be financially supporting us as they are going in a different direction. We know that God is faithful and has always provided for us as His servants. We thank the Lord for the ministry that each of our supporting churches and individuals have had with us over the years. Thank you for being faithful to pray for us and thank you for giving toward the ministry. This past Sunday we visited with a new church and they want to bring a team down in August. This got us to thinking about our return to Ecuador and what dates we are thinking about finishing up our furlough. Seven months is still in the distance but we would appreciate your prayers as we make plans and preparations in returning to Riobamba, especially God's provision in housing.

Thank you again for keeping us in your prayers. We have some unspoken prayer needs that we desire your prayers for. Also, remember the upcoming presidential elections taking place in February down in Ecuador. Hope you have a great month. Our grandchildren have been praying for snow but we still haven't seen much. We are hoping we see a little more before spring arrives. The kids want to build a snowman!

Together in the King's Service, Dave and Cindy