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Serving Christ in Ecuador |
We had an awesome time of worship and sharing at Hilltop Community Church in Mansfield, OH this morning. We were there on the invitation of Pastor Andy Hupp, a friend of Joel’s from his days at Indiana Wesleyan University. We really enjoyed their friendly, inviting atmosphere and were inspired by their uplifting worship. We also enjoyed fellowshipping with folks afterwards who wanted to be involved.
Finally, we had the perfect ending to our day in Mansfield when we went out to lunch with Joel’s family who had come to hear us speak at Hilltop. Joel’s Aunt Vangie and cousins Marty and Angela and their families all came out to hear us speak and then lunch afterwards. It was so great to see them and be with them for a little while. Thank you to everyone who made it such a wonderful day!!!
We also wanted to give a big THANK YOU to St. John’s Church of Millersburg, OH. They had us in last night, May 1st, for a special Wednesday evening gathering. We had a wonderful time with them in sharing but they also gave us a nice dinner, presents for the family and also for Kim and Simeon specifically. They also put us up in the nicest hotel that we have stayed at yet during our time of Home Assignment. THANK YOU ST. JOHN’S CHURCH!!!!
One of the perks of making a church visitation trip to Ohio is getting to go see Joel’s favorite sports teams from Ohio. We celebrated Joel’s birthday present (yeah…a little late!) by going to a Cleveland Indians game on Tuesday night. It was great because we were able to go with our long-time friend Darin Bilek and his fiancee Kristina and her brother Michael.
We just wanted to give a big shout out to Coshocton Christian Tabernacle and having us in for their Annual Missions Conference this past weekend. Safe to say we had a blast. It was three meetings of sharing alongside with Voice of the Martyrs and their awesome work that they do. We just felt so blessed to be a part of the festivities. A big THANK YOU goes out to Tim and Angie Eberhard and their family for not only inviting us but for hosting us in their homes and letting us destroy the place. You guys are awesome!!!
As you have read, I (Joel) made a quick trip to Ecuador last week. It went by in a flash but was very rewarding. Scott Hallam, my friend who will be serving on our Board of Directors of the Non-Profit Organization, went with me and we together met with IPEE and FACE leadership to make plans for the homes and clinics. In addition, another good friend of mine Jeremy Bustos and a new friend Dennis Michaelis went along to take pictures and videos that will be used to promote these ministries. We were only in country for three and a half days but we got everything accomplished that we set out to do.
The really cool thing is that I got to see for myself the clinic that has already been finished in Cayambe. The Covenant Church in Cayambe, Iglesia Emanuel, and its pastor, Jose Tuqueres, have committed to building the clinic on their own merit. THEY HAD ALREADY MADE THESE PLANS BEFORE THEY MET US!!! They had just sensed the Lord leading them to minister to the surrounding area through medicine. They figured that “if we build it, they would come” in terms of the doctor to staff the clinic. They had no idea who would actually come… only God knew that He had Kim and her medical expertise in mind for partnering with this church. We are really excited about this development and are happy to share some pictures with you!!!
Outside shot of the clinic
Waiting area outside the clinic
Main Exam Room
Dental Exam Room
Pastor Jose with his church in the background
We need to send out a big THANK YOU to Church of the Good Shepherd Covenant Church in Crest Hill, IL. We had a wonderful time meeting them and spending time (and a meal!) with them this past Sunday. We also want to thank them greatly for their support of our ministry.
Special thanks goes to Pastor Richard Johnson and Missions Chair Kristin Baly for arranging all of the details. An MVP Award goes to Brad and Sabrina Price as they did such an awesome job providing a comfortable place for us to stay and wonderful meals to eat! Simeon loved playing with all four of your kids! We also need to thank Pastor Dave Green and everyone else at Church of the Good Shepherd for all they did to instantly make us feel at home and welcome.
Finally, we also need to thank Larry and Connie Wall for hosting us in their home on Saturday for a nice meal and a great conversation about future possibilities.
Joel is flying to Ecuador tomorrow morning to have meetings and begin process of creating materials that we will be utilizing to promote our non-profit organization. Please pray for him and the gentlemen traveling with him Jeremy Bustos, Scott Hallam and Dennis Michaelis as they travel, have meetings and create videos and photos. They fly out tomorrow morning, Monday, April 14th and will return Friday night, April 19th.
We will be sharing our story and ministry in Ecuador at Trinity United Methodist Church (303 North Walnut Street) in Hartford City, IN on Sunday. Their service starts at 10:15 a.m. Here’s the website for the church: http://trinityumchc.com/
If you are in the area and would like to come out, we would love to see you. You prayers are appreciated for our time of sharing this Sunday.
The Santiago Partnership