Friday, August 25, 2006

Slowly but surely the team began to trickle down to breakfast feeling somewhat rested and inspired by the incredible bonding experience the team shared the night before.  About 11 am we checked out of our rooms and met in the lobby.  Jonathan Kerley, doctor and founder of ICMO asked everyone to come out behind the hotel to a little grassy knoll.  There he shared a letter emailed from Margie Phillips, bass player David Phillips' wife, reminding us of the trials the Hebrew children faced as they tried time and time again to leave Egypt.  These words served to remind us that God's timing is perfect and that he is in charge and can be trusted.

Then he shared had just received a call from Michael Mills our host missionary in Ecuador. We were still not sure how we were going to get from Quito to the Galapagos but Michael's message to us was clear.  As they were struggling to find transportation to the island, we were to begin praising God and that is exactly what we did.

It was a time of worship and praise... a time of prayer and healing.,. and the final act in God's plan to solidify the team.  How a group of people who had just met 24 hours earlier could be gelled into a cohesive team could only be an act of God.  He had held us back to give us the time we needed to be still and focus on the task he is calling us to.

As we moved back toward the hotel, David Phillips was standing near the door.  He was on the phone with Michael Mills telling him about the awesome worship time we had just experienced ant that he should expect a miracle.  Michael laughed and asked David if he was ready to hear about our miracle.  Another airline had decided out of the blue to run an unscheduled flight to the Island.  We were booked on that flight!  We believed God would make a way... and he did.

Then it was off to the airport to pick up where we left off yesterday.  Check in was a lengthy process and getting through security was just as bad.  But no one complained.  I guess we all realize that it is essential for our safety.

The flight was uneventful and we arrived safely albeit a bit early.  It was quite chilly as we stood outside the terminal waiting for Michael Mills and the bus.  Quito is on the equator, but because it is at 10,000 feet, the temperature is often much cooler than you would think.  It was actually a bit funny seeing everyone in their team T-shirts wrapped in airport blankets waiting for a bus.

We eventually made it to the Mill's home, grabbed our bunks and headed to Peter's Perch (the third floor roof top of the house overlooking the valley) to pray. 

It was another precious moment with the Lord as Michael Mills lead us in prayer. Then it was off to bed to "sleep fast" so we could be up for breakfast at 4:30 and on the bus by 5:30.

Our flight for the Island leaves at 9:30 am (Quito is on central time, the Island is on Mountain time)

Tomorrow, from 7:30 to 9:30 we will have the worship festival at The Darwin Center... This is why we are here... Please cover this historic event with prayer.

We understand that internet access on the island is intermittent and slow, so we may not be able to upload many pictures or video, but we will do the best we can...

Thank you so much for you continued support.