September 2017 Prayer Letter

Greetings Friends and Family in Christ, September 2017

In our church services here in Riobamba we have begun a study in the book of Romans. The Lord has impressed upon my heart these past weeks the power of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul knew it quite well. He wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." The Word of God has to be our message to the lost of this world. Without the gospel we have no hope to bring to the world. Salvation comes from hearing the Word of God. So, as we serve the Lord here in Ecuador our one desire is to share the truth of God’s Word with as many people as we can. We covet your prayers that God will use us as his messengers and through the power of the Gospel we will see souls brought to Him.

The first news to share is an answer to prayer. God provided a house for us not long after we returned from furlough. Well, in truth, it seemed like we were never going to find one, but it was only a month's time and God provided. One of the biggest challenges of missionary life (especially for the wife) is finding a house to rent after each furlough. God is always teaching me patience. But, praise the Lord, with the help of our church family we were able to move all of our household things in one day, and within a week’s time we were settled in. God has graciously given us a beautiful house so that we can use it for His glory. We are looking forward to hosting many visitors from the United States as well as some Christian friends from Peru. We will also be opening our home for Bible studies and weekly Bible Institute classes.

As we returned to Ecuador, Dave told the young men, who are serving as leaders in the church, that he is here to guide them and help where needed. He will not take the role of pastor, but he will help with preaching and evangelism to help the church grow. The young men who are leading the church are Santiago, Diego, and Jonathan. Please remember them in your prayers. Pray for growth in their lives and maturity in decisions as they lead the church family. The one thing they desire from Dave is Bible Institute classes; so, Dave will be teaching classes on Wednesday evenings. There are 13 church members that will be studying. Our prayer is that each one will be faithful to complete the goal set before them. As Dave told them Wednesday night, "this will not be a short race, but a marathon." With only meeting one night a week it will probably take nearly three to four years to complete. There was also a new addition to our plan of ministry. Dave was asked by Klever, the young pastor of Alasui, to help with starting Bible Institute classes with members of their church family. Since Klever is a graduate of the first Bible Institute, he is qualified to teach the classes. But he has asked Dave to give assistance in the startup so we will be travelling down on Tuesday evenings to help teach. There will be a group of 20 studying. It is exciting to see so many wanting to study the Word of God. They will need a lot of prayer for wisdom and faithfulness. We ask that you remember us in your prayers as we travel each Tuesday to Alausi. Travelling at night can be very dangerous especially with the thick fog, landslides, and other drivers. Pray for God's protection over us.

In our presentation given during furlough we shared with our churches that our hope for the future is establishing a church in Chambo. The work has begun. The Jeremiah 38 team that came in August, along with the church family from Riobamba, held a Vacation Bible School in Chambo and as a result a new family and an elderly gentleman are attending our Friday night Bible study. Be praying for Jorge, Veronica, and Gregorio as they hear the power of the Gospel and that this will lead them to see their need of a Savior. Dave has already been asked by Veronica to visit her parents. We are excited to see how God is going to build His church in Chambo. Be faithful to pray with us for new contacts.

In family news, everyone is just settling into the new routine. Caleb and Lauren are getting adjusted to early mornings, and classrooms full of classmates. They seem to be doing well, and making new friends. They are excited to experience the Apple Festival this week, and to be a part of the parade, riding on the school’s float. It took him a little while, but Noah has adjusted to a quiet house with just his mommy. Melissa has been working on some preschool material with him. Thank you all for your prayers for Nathan, as he searched for a job. We praise the Lord for answered prayer, as Nathan was able to get a job with Lori and Tim at Ohio Valley Bank. He started orientation and training last week, and is really enjoying it thus far. Melissa and Daniel were presented with the opportunity to be involved with the children’s ministry at their church: Gallia Baptist Church. They are leading the 1st and 2nd grade class on Sunday evenings.

Thank you to those of you who sent gifts to CMC to help them with Hurricane Harvey relief. We pray they are able to be a light and a blessing to the people of Houston. Thank you all for your faithful prayers and support. We are excited to see how the Lord will work this term. Continue to pray for laborers to spread the Gospel. The hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes serve as a reminder to us that the Lord’s return is soon, and that we all need to be busy about His work!

Together in the Kings Service,

Dave and Cindy