Power Outages Cripple Quito and other parts of Ecuador

Read this article to learn more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68835127

We have been struggling to get computer work done these days and so has our staff in Cayambe.  People in Quito and other parts of the country are affected even more than that.  Businesses have had to shut down and many people can’t work.  The Ecuadorian economy is suffering once again.

Quito and other parts of Ecuador have had to endure forced power outages due to an energy crisis that has been caused by drought that has his Ecuador and Colombia.  You can read the above article for more information.  In the meantime, please pray for Ecuador!

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Answers to Prayer

***  For those who want to read a quick overview of the last couple of weeks, that is the first paragraph.  Read further for all the rest of the processing and debriefing and answers to prayer!

It has been a whirlwind of a couple weeks so say the least.  Just a couple of weeks ago, I took a day off from being with an amazing team here in Ecuador to get what I thought was a wart removed from my upper lip area.  The following week I was told it was cancer.  A wart-like cancer tumor had grown in less than a month.  The first doctor wanted to take out a whole portion of my lip to make sure all the cancer was taken care of.  Although I appreciate the 100% certainty of it being gone, taking out a portion of my lip would put a damper on my quality of life, not to mention my work in seeing and taking care of patients as a Nurse Practitioner.  So, we got a second opinion (all of this happened in less than 24 hours by the way).  I got the second opinion, and she took the time to explain everything to us in detail and what our options were.  Her recommendation was a MOHS procedure which is quite common in the skin cancer world.  However, I was worried because although I was in the early stages, obviously the specific tumor was aggressive to develop in less than a month.  So the surgery was scheduled for Monday.  As you may recall, I asked boldly for prayer that NO cancer cells would be found on the first pass of the procedure.  This is EXACTLY what happened.  It only took 20 minutes to take the first layer of skin and about an hour for the pathologist to determine any problems, but about halfway through they said there were some areas on the edges that they needed to evaluate.  After 15 minutes the doctor came in with thumbs up saying “no hay nada,” there is nothing!  I piece of skin was then taken from my bicep to use for the reconstruction on my face.  I currently have a gauze sutured over the area of reconstruction.  I go tomorrow back to the doctor to check on all of that area and to get the gauze removed.  I have still been in a lot of pain, but probably because I tried to talk too much yesterday (a force of habit).

I am trying to organize my thoughts and wrap my head around the things that have happened this week.  It is a big jump to go from “having cancer” to “no hay nada” or “there is nothing” from the doctor.  It’s a lovely jump, I am grateful, I am beyond grateful.  I’m also tired and weary.  Sometimes the pain is a lot.  It is all a lot to wrap my head around.  That is just an honest response I suppose.  But I truly don’t want all the feelings and emotions to overshadow what has actually happened this week.  I went from having cancer to not having cancer.  Yes, those are heavy words to write, but the burden of carrying that was heavy too.  The greatest thing I believe that happened this week was that I did not carry this burden alone.  A lot of times we do that, right?  We want to be tough, to feel we need to prove that we can do it on our own.  We were never meant to carry burdens on our own.  That was one of the biggest lessons I learned this week.  Sharing the load, allowing others to carry and shoulder the burdens WITH me.  There were literally people around the world praying for me this week.  Those prayers were so felt while I was in the procedure room.  The one thing I wanted to prepare (probably was because it was something I could actually control) was to have a playlist of worship music that I could listen to, which is funny because I had no idea how to actually make that happen and it took 3 people to help me-thank you, you know who you are!  As soon as the music was in my ears and in my head there was peace, the unspeakable peace, the one that transcends or exceeds understanding, one translation says “His peace that keeps your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” (The Living Bible)

It only took about 15-20 minutes for the 1st part of the procedure.  After that, Joel was able to be with me.  We talked a bit and then listening to worship music until the doctor came in and said that the pathologist found some suspicious areas that need some more time (that had already been about 45 minutes) that we were waiting.  The anesthesia was starting to wear off which was something I was really scared about.  I knew it would be painful, but I was expecting the amount that was coming.  She came back 15 minutes later and gave us a thumbs up that everything was fine, she later said, “no hay nada” meaning there was nothing.  That whole 1st layer they took off showed NO CANCER CELLS at all!  She then said it was time to work on the reconstruction of my face.  This was something unexpected for me.  I didn’t realize this is something that would happen the same day.  The main thing was knowing more anesthesia would need to be injected in to the area that was already becoming super painful.  At the moment where it was becoming super painful is when I was listening to the song In the Room 

At the very time, God just gave me such amazing peace that He was in the room with me, like palpable, tangibly with me!  Even in the midst of the pain and fear, He was there!  I knew it was going to be OK, I knew I was going to be OK!

I don’t know what Jesus did, I don’t know how or why, but I know, the exact thing I prayed for and asked you all the pray for is exactly what happened!  That is what I know!  I don’t know how, I can’t wrap my brain around it all, the whys, the grace, the questions, but that is what I know.  God was in the the room, God was and is  me and He is good. And even if the outcome had been different, God STILL would have been there then and now and He would still be good.

I don’t know what you are facing, but here are some of the the verses that I received during this time and things people were praying over me.  I also have included the link to the amazing playlist that I listened to while in surgery.  Maybe it will usher you in to the presence of Jesus as it did me.

Presence Playlist

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.[a

Psalm 46

Matthew 11:28-30

(THE MESSAG) Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

(NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Psalm 40

Psalm 91

Nahum 1:7 NLT

The Lord is good,
    a strong refuge when trouble comes.
    He is close to those who trust in him.

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Prayer Request: Successful Surgery and Positive Outcomes

We wanted to let you all know of a surgery that Kim is scheduled to undergo today (April 1st) at 3:00 p.m. CST.  It is to remove an aggressive skin cancer lesion that she has developed recently on her face (between her upper lip and nose).  Initially she thought it was a wart, but because it had grown so quickly (less than a month), she decided to go to a dermatologist.  After it was taken off and biopsied, we were told that it was squamous cell carcinoma, and that an aggressive tumor had grown from it.  The first dermatologist wanted to remove a part of Kim’s upper lip and a large section above her upper lip.

 

However, we got a second opinion and this second opinion suggested starting with Mohs surgery option.  It is a little more intricate as the area is in the middle of Kim’s face.   The procedure will be performed by a highly trained dermatologist who will be working with a pathologist to determine if all of the cancer cells have been removed.  The surgery starts at 3:00 p.m. and can be finished as quickly as 45 minutes or can take up to 5 full hours.  Please pray that the surgery is successful and all of the cancer cells are removed.

 

Additionally, we would like to ask you to pray that after this procedure is completed that we do not find any other additional cancer spots.  This skin cancer that she has developed is very aggressive and the lesions need to removed quickly and completely to ensure that the cancer does not spread.  We also don’t know if Kim will need any kind of chemotherapy, radiation or any further treatment after this initial spot is removed.  Much is dependent on what is found during this surgery.  We know people are praying literally, all over the world, and we are so grateful to have this support.  A couple of specific things Kim is asking to pray for:

 

  1. Peace and Calm-she is planning to listen to worship music during the whole procedure if possible and is hoping this will calm the anxiety and keep pain or discomfort at bay.

  2. Either NO cancer cells to be found even before it starts (yes, she knows this is bold), but Jesus was raised from the grave and can still do miracles!

  3. For the dermatologist and pathologist performing the procedure to have wisdom during the procedure and recommendations after.

We can post an update on how the surgery went once it has completed.  Thank you all for your prayers!

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I LOVE THIS PART!

This morning we were reading this passage together and it really brought tears to my eyes at this beautiful account of Jesus resurrection.  In Spanish, the word used for this is resucitar.  Thinking of this in the medical world is literally bringing someone back to life, and I love the significance of this knowing and experiencing both of these words.  It hit a little different today for some reason.

 

As I got dressed and we went to church, I was listening to the sermon and had my bracelet from SUMAK on which reminded me of the women of SUMAK and all they overcome and endure to find their identities and significance as women in this world.  The rise above their circumstances to see themselves the way God sees them.  Both of these things came together for me today as I read the account of Jesus appearing to the women and asking them to take this GOOD NEWS to the brothers!  These women found their significance in Jesus himself as He met them; I continue to find my significance in Him, and I pray the women of SUMAK meet Jesus in their journey to see their worth and their value also.

 

I LOVE THIS PART OF THE STORY!

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New Community in Ecuador

We had a beautiful and life-giving week with our supporting church from New Community Bronzeville, lovingly known here as “Tio Pete’s team” (if you want to know the story, we can catch you up later!).  We also had volunteers from Willmar, MN who joined this team and are seeking out if short-term mission and partnership is something they should pursue.

 

Although we were SO looking forward to them getting here, because of spring break traffic in Florida, their flights were delayed for two days.  Once they arrived, one member was sick and another didn’t have her bag.  Yes, we know these are things that happen with mission teams, but also a huge blow for them and us.  They were so great and flexible with all the things that happened and we feel that is for sure the Holy Spirit’s presence with us; we are so grateful!

 

The team engaged in a lot of work together with the different areas of the project.  The main thing they were involved in was shucking 1,300+ pounds of fava beans to contribute to making the largest pot of Fanesca in all of Ecuador!  It was quite the undertaking and aside from arthritic-feeling fingers, everyone survived to try the Fanesca on Good Friday.  FANESCA

 

We all participated in a soccer game of Ecuadorians vs. Americans.  The Americans lost in a very intense game, but VERY fun!

 

The team was also able to tour all the different projects the Santiago Partnership has and was able to participate in two different weekly events the projects do.  On Thursday they were able to participate in a home visit and on Friday they were able to partner and encourage the women of SUMAK.  It was beautiful to see the engagement with our Ecuadorian partners in collaboration and service.

 

Another fabulous way the team helped was by painting the entrance to the Casa Hogar from a very pale Jesus to one with a tan.  An outside painter from the area painted the original mural, but we thought it was time for the kids of the home to see themselves represented better in the mural.

 

They also helped put a base coat of paint in the space for the Women’s Artisan studio.

 

Eliot, one of the teenagers from the teams turned 15 and was able to experience it all in pure Ecuadorian style, receiving roses from the Forever Flowers farm and a cake which his face made it in to and lots of Happy Birthdays!

 

It was also a special team and week for us because our kids had off from Spring Break so we were able to be together as a family with the team all week!

 

The week was amazing and challenging, full of life and laughs and stretching and flexibility.  All the things a week-long mission trip is.  We are SO grateful for the encouragement and life-giving care given to us through them.

THANK YOU NEW COM!

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Holy Moments

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. AMEN


Sometimes there is a bit of criticism of short-term mission teams.  I know people have opinions about it and honestly, we have probably heard it all: the good, the bad, the ugly when it comes to short-term mission teams.  Both Joel and I do what we do because we are products of short-term missions.

 

But every once in a while, we see and are reminded once again of why we engage, support and want short-term teams to come to Ecuador and work with our project.  Every once in a while, we get sweet and beautiful glimpses and reminders of why short-term teams are important.  We see holy moments that sweet Jesus gives us.  These past couple of weeks, we saw teams and volunteers experiencing these holy moments and I even said out loud how, we are seeing with our own eyes these holy moments.  I tried to capture them as best I could because I can trace back these moments that were captured on film for me.  On really hard days in ministry when I forget why I am doing what I am doing, I see these glimpses of holy moments and Jesus reminds me, for THIS!  Because we engage in holy moments and being able to be part of facilitating and creating these moments and then experiencing them WITH others seems to just be a reason for existence.

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Case Study: The Santiago Partnership

 

Recently, a group of Wheaton College graduate students completed a Case Study on the Santiago Partnership.  Click this link to read the case study: https://www.jamielynngoodwin.com/santiago-case-study

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Rejection, Adoption and the Redemptive Power of Jesus

A Lent Reflection for Friday, February 23 by Kim Delp

Lectionary reading for 2/23/2024 Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 16:1-6; Romans 4:1-12
Selected passage for reflection: Genesis 16: 1-6

Read

Genesis 16: 1-6 NASB
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not borne him a child, but she had an Egyptian slave woman whose name was Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please have relations with my slave woman; perhaps I will [a]obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 And so after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her slave woman, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. 4 Then he had relations with Hagar, and she conceived; and when Hagar became aware that she had conceived, her mistress was insignificant in her sight. 5 So Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be upon you! I put my slave woman into your [b]arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was insignificant in her [c]sight. May the Lord judge between [d]you and me.” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Look, your slave woman is in your [e]power; do to her what is good in your [f]sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.

Continue reading

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One-Year Ministry Assigment (formerly Home Assigment)

For those of you who maybe have not heard yet, we will be moving to the U.S. in June of this year for our 1-year Ministry Assignment (formerly known as “Home Assignment”) where we will be visiting our supporting churches and individuals during this year.  Please be in prayer as this will be a big change and a big move for the Delp family.

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Sharing at Missionary of the Valley

Recently, Kim and I had the opportunity to share at a Covenant church in Sangolqui (just outside of Quito) called Misionero del Valle (missionary of the valley) that is appropriately named in that the church was started as a church plant coming out of the city of Quito reaching into the valleys surrounding Quito where it resides.  The pastor, Eduardo Guaman, is a good friend and someone we both look up to.  He has a heart for evangelism and he used to be the head of Church Planting and Evangelism for the Evangelical Covenant Church of Ecuador.

Pastor Eduardo invited us to come and speak at his church to provide some history of missions and especially the missionary work of the Evangelical Covenant Church of the U.S. and Canada and provide an update of current projects and ministries that the ECC is a part of.  We felt very special to have been invited to take part in this opportunity, especially as both Kim and I were invited to share together, something we don’t do very often.

This was a good opportunity for Kim as she has studied in the past the history of ECC missions in Ecuador.  She was able to bring out her paper that she had written on this very topic.  She did an excellent job presenting the history ECC missions in Ecuador as U.S. missionaries were the first Covenant missionaries to serve in Ecuador and helped in forming the denomination of almost 80 churches that we have today known as Iglesia del Pacto Evangelico del Ecuador or the Evangelical Covenant Church of Ecuador.  I then shared an update of current Covenant missionaries (just Kim and I) and our project.  With that, I presented an overview of the ministries in Cayambe and Ibarra and also gave an invitation for the church members to come and serve the project in partnership.

In sharing the history of the ECC in Ecuador, we are so thankful for the missionaries that came before us and the legacy that they have provided.  We hope and pray that our service here has been one of which does honor to God, first of all, but additionally also to the servants that have come before us.  One such example is Marlan Enns, one of the earliest missionaries that came from the U.S. and planted some of the primary churches that comprise IPEE right now.  We had the privilege of receiving Marlan in 2016 as he came down for a visit.  Here are some pictures of his visit, one with Pastor Eduardo (pastor of the church we just visited) and with our family.

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