We would covet your prayers for Ecuador right now for the unrest and violence that we are currently experiencing as a country as a whole. You have probably heard different news reports and such, but if not, this video provides a quick explanation of what has been happening: BBC News
Despite all of these news reports which are true and good at providing the prayer points that we would love you to join us for prayer on, we do want to share that we are doing well here in Quito as well as the project is doing well in Cayambe. Although there is increased violence on the coast, especially in regards to the police and military interventions with the drug trafficking, we have experienced relative calm and peace here in the highlands. We want to share with you that 80% of the increased crime that Ecuador has seen since the recent uptick in voilence is related specifically to the crackdown on the drug cartels and their response to those efforts.
Since the initial steps that the government took to keep people safe, Quito, Cayambe and the rest of the highlands have all returned to normal and, besides an overnight curfew, there are no additional restrictions in place. Though the coast of Ecuador, where the drug route is located, is still experiencing many restrictions, our life is back to normal here in the highlands.
Additionally, during this time of increased violence, the U.S. Embassy has not issued any additional travel warnings or advisories for U.S. citizens traveling here. Ecuador is still considered a relative safe place to travel to, especially here in the highlands. If you have had plans to travel here, the U.S. Embassy still gives you the green light and so do we.
All of that to stay, please pray for Ecuador and the Ecuadorian government and police and military forces as they are in a battle against these drug cartels!
The Santiago Partnership