Sunday, July 24, 2005

There is something about worshiping together with brothers and sisters in another part of the world that brings the universal nature of God a bit more in focus.  You get a glimpse of what heaven may be like as we lift our hands and voices together in praise.  Pastor Jimmy brought an excellent message about "running the race"... quite appropriate as we prepare to start the major thrust of our clinic effort this week.  Melvin provided interpretation, our musicians provided praise and the youth drama team brought inspiration that moved the entire congregation.  It is amazing, that even with such a distinct language barrier, God's people can still communicate on a level that needs no words.  Praise God from whom ALL blessing flow.

What a great thrill it was to see Marco at church.  Marco, you may recall, was the young man who was delivered from some serious demonic oppression last year as we prayed for him on the front porch.  God has since lead him to fellow believers who support one another and inspire growth.  He is in school studying to become an engineer and learning English.  Gloria Dios!

After lunch we went shopping downtown.  First at a "flea market" type shopping center.  And as you might expect, each booth was stocked to overflowing with Ecuador T-Shirts, trinkets and gift items.  Keep you eyes open, you may see team members sporting new hats on their return.

We left the market and made our way to the park, just 3 blocks away.  The side walk along the main street was filled with original paintings, ranging from classic Ecuadorian landscapes to modern art.  Jonathan Kerley gave a great lesson by example as he negotiated a painting down from $180 to a lower than low $50 for Annetta his mother-in-law.  As you left the main drag and cut down the circular path that surrounds the park.  Vendors with arts and crafts of all kinds lined the way.  Although they had their share of touristy stuff, there were some very neat things as well.  Just about everyone made a purchase of some kind, proudly adding to the Ecuadorian economy.

We had a really good time shopping together and comparing our negotiating skills and seeing who got the best price on what.  Unfortunately, we were constantly reminded about the harsh realities of the world as we were approached by young dirty faced children and adult women with torn clothing and sad eyes asking for money.  Mothers would hold up their equally dirty infants and say "please, for the baby" and follow you around until you gave in. We were warned again, not to start giving them money or you would be swarmed, but as a Christian, that was easier said than done. Jesus said their would always be poor... He didn't say it wouldn't break your heart... in fact, He is expecting that it will.

Tomorrow we start a 3 day stretch of clinics.  Pray for strength and focus for the team, and a large harvest for the Kingdom.