Prayer and Praise

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Here at home we are praising God for all His goodness and witnessing His marvels in creation: birds, flowers, and rainbows. And praying for Faby's continuing health: hypothyroidism, variable blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches. Reminds me of 1 Timothy 5:23 "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses."

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Not in vain

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(Click here for video.)

I saw this ant hauling a wing that must outweigh it by far. Amazing it can pull so much weight! But what for? Made me think the same way. I can outspend myself, but what for? Do I see results? Paul often asked the same question:

Galatians 2:2 “running in vain”
Galatians 4:11 “wasted my efforts”
Phil 2:16 “labor for nothing”
1 Thess 3:5 “useless efforts”


but he also assures us: “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” 1 Cor 15:58

My conclusion is that if God is not in our efforts, then they are useless, but if we are following His direction, then it is not in vain.

“Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.” Psalm 127:1

“apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5

““I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.” Is. 48:17

Three at once!

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They all came at the same time! We had several visits lined up for Thursday. After limiting visits for the first six months on the Pandemic, people want to see us and catch up on news and relationships. Some were supposed to come in the morning, others in the afternoon, and others in the evening. Seems like they all agreed to come visit us at 7pm! First four youth from a church in Riobamba. We were helping them start a children's program at the church when the Pandemia hit. Antonio, the pastor at Capulispungo, and his wife, Rosa, arrived next. They wanted to talk about their son Walter, whom I am trying to help with his university studies. Right soon, Jose and Eduardo, rang the doorbell. They are leaders at the church in Shobol Llin Llin. Also, we had just set up a program in their church when the Pandemia changed all our plans. Three groups at once. So we held a general get-to-know each other session, comparing the different situations in each church. It was a good time of rebuilding relationships. As for planning, we're still in the wait-and-see mode. Psalm 37:5-6.


Sunday, the Capulispungo migrants in Quito held their first service since they closed their church. They have stored all their furniture in our backyard storeroom (
click here), and so came to our house for the service. We had 7 adults and 8 kids. Abel asked me to give the message. I included the kids in the message by having them draw the parables of Luke 15 and 16 on the white board. (And they can draw pretty well!) It kept their attention most of the message. I was trying a new strategy to have kids participate in the message instead of sending them off for a separate lesson.

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True Discipleship II - 2 Tim 2:2

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Danny, another Quichua student in Riobamba, spent five days with us at our home in El-Tingo. He helped us trim our Cipres trees, rake the yard, and clean the house. We baked banana bread, corn bread, and whole wheat bread. We played games and puzzles, and held daily devotions. We shared our home with him, and he shared his hands with us. All part of discipleship. Teaching the next generation all we know, and showing them how we live. Mt 28:19-20