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Ministry and Panademic 2020

2020-12-30T10:20:59-05:00

To sum up this year: the pandemic cancelled all our projects and activities in the Quichua communities, but it didn’t annul our friendships with the leaders. In years of working in the rural mountain churches, by the grace of God, we have developed lasting relationships with the church leaders. They often call us just to say “Hi!” So our work continues through them.

I want to share a little about each of these leaders, and then comment on the future of their communities. All of them are pastors, seminary graduates, and have been students of mine at one time or another. (For version with pictures, click here.)

Antonio is the pastor of Capulispungo. I taught the bible course FLET in his church for over 4 years. He and his wife Rosa had to migrate to Guayaquil for over a year in order to pay off a debt. With God’s help, he was able to continue pastoring the church, traveling back and forth from city to countryside. They are now back at home in Capulispungo, although their children remain scattered among Guayaquil, Riobamba, and Quito.

Abel is also from Capulispungo, but lives in Quito with his wife Jessica, and works in health care. He pastors the church of migrants from Capulispungo. I helped him set up the bible course FLET in his church. Around five families congregate regularly, but it’s difficult because they don’t live close to each other. In the Pandemic, they had to give up their church site, since they couldn’t continue to pay the rent. They stored all the church furniture at our home, and occasionally hold a service in our back yard.

Segundo, in Santa Julia, is unstoppable. He was a student of mine at the seminary in Riobamba. He lives in one of the most rural areas of Chimborazo, but organizes workshops, conferences, and VBS continually among the dozen or so communities in his area. Since he’s still single, he enrolled in a university program.

Luis recently married Maria. When single, he studied with us in Capulispungo. Now that he’s married he can be considered as the pastor of his church in Sablog. He makes a living as a farmer, and often calls me to “see what’s happening in the outside world.”

Ruben and Noemi are incredible church leaders in Cachisagua. I met Ruben as my student at the seminary in Riobamba. Although the church has an elderly pastor, Ruben does most of a pastor’s work: preaching, leading music, organizing, and counseling. We helped them with the downpayment to get an internet antenna installed in their community. Now Ruben calls me on Messenger. They still don’t have a cell phone signal on their side of the mountain.

Geovanny and Sandy are “second-generation” migrants in Quito. Their parents are from Chillanes, a community we have never visited, and they have spent most of their lives in the city. Geovanny has his own car mechanic shop, and pastors a Quichua church. They were both single students of mine at a seminary course in Quito, and later married. We stay in touch and they often invite us to their church.

Danilo is one of several students I have tried to mentor while they are studying at the university in Riobamba. I have tutored students in English (no problem), Calculus (nice try), Programming (I once worked as a computer programmer.), and Statistics (really had to brush up). The challenges are many: paying rent for a room, obtaining a computer (a cell phone isn’t really adequate), finding academic help (I do what I can), and staying single (not easy for a lonely student away from home). I had three promising students I was tutoring. One failed two semesters straight (never asked for help), another got married (I spent hours counseling him and helping him with his coursework), but Danilo remains focused on God and his studies. He is a leader and teacher at his church in Shobol Llin Llin, and runs a weekend restaurant with his mom in their home.

The future?
Personally, I see two phenomena affecting the future of the church communities: nominalism and migration.

The migration is non-stoppable, but has to be taken into account as their reality. The Quichua church needs to realize that ALL their youth will eventually migrate to the city for a better future. Small-farming is no longer profitable. In twenty years or less the churches will consist only of old adults. The solution? I don’t know. One thing I pray for and work for is to help Quichua students in Riobamba graduate from the university with the hope that they can and will return to their communities and set up businesses there that will attract migrants.

The other problem?
Nominalism plagues the churches. Two symptoms are: lack of attendance and teenage pregnancies. From studying Paul’s letter to Titus, I have concluded that the church doesn’t need better programs or new materials. What the church needs is examples of godly couples who create Christian homes. What can we do? Since we can’t visit the communities during the Pandemic, turns out, they come to visit us! Our back yard with a large shelter has proved an idea site for visitors and small groups. Many have already enjoyed here a day of food, fun, and fellowship. We hope and pray that here, they will see us as an example of how to make a house into a godly home. Pray with us and for us!

These are our Quichua contacts and our prayer for their future. 2021, here we come!

“You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thess. 2:10-12

(Click here to see a map of community locations.)

Working with children

2020-12-21T08:38:48-05:00

Teaching kids is a challenge. I find I can keep them occupied and interested, but helping them memorize three points is more difficult. I had them copy the same three points as last week on a paper that soon became a pyramid, but even after repeating the points with them for the whole hour, they didn't seem to grasp the lesson. I guess it will take more practice, on my part!
Then I starting them on memorizing the books of the New Testament with flash cards, but we ran out of time.

Kids and family

2020-12-17T13:38:30-05:00

We had a double function this weekend. Saturday, the pastor Geovanny, who came a month ago, brought his whole extended family to our house for a Christmas party. They have formed a "family bank," and this was their annual reunion. Mostly games and fun, but also a barbecue lunch and a time of sharing in the evening.

Then Sunday, I tried to practice what I preach. The church needs to put more emphasis on teaching the children, so I tried my hand at it. I had three young students. Since my specialty is crafts, I used the "hexa-hexa-flexagon" to teach a three-point gospel: God is love, God is just, and God is good. We kept repeating the points as they learned to manipulate the paper, and wrote down the lesson on the nine different sides. It took them a while, but they finally learned how to expose all nine sides. Lord willing, they will be here next week for a review.

SATURDAY

PING-PONG

CHESS

JUMP ROPE

FOOD

SOCCER

PUZZLES

SUNDAY

HEXA-HEXA-FLEXAGON

CHURCH DINNER

GAMES

Church family

2020-12-07T16:12:06-05:00

This Sunday was different: we focused on family, food, and fellowship. Rather than a sermon, Faby led a time of sharing. We wanted to get to know the members and their families better. We are also trying to show the members the importance of programs for the children. Faby loves working with the kids, and we're praying that other members will join in to help.

We provided lunch for everyone after the service. The goal is to have more time for fellowship and sharing. The meal provides the atmosphere for such. After lunch, the men played soccer, and the kids jumped rope, but I forgot to take photos.

We now have a better idea of the families, who goes with who.

The Pastor and his family: Abel, Samantha, Brigit, Jessica and Alan.

The Pastor's mother in law and family: Elvita, Rosa, Stephen, Nataly

Two families: Jennifer, Mario, Piedad, Arial, and: Natan, Juan Manuel, Susana, and Salomon.

Cristian, Melany, Franklin, Ana, and ?

Nelson's family: Angel, Laura, Nelson, and ?

Church Again

2020-11-30T09:46:48-05:00

I really didn't think they would come every Sunday. Only one family has a car. The rest have to come by bus, switching buses once or twice. It takes more than an hour to get to our house. They travel with children! But they came this Sunday and plan to return next Sunday. We enjoy the fellowship. Of course if a whole family with children makes a long bus journey for a morning church service that ends at 1pm, they get hungry. So far, some members have brought a light lunch, but if they're going to come regularly, we need to provide a more substancial meal. The plan for next Sunday is a fried egg on rice. (Equivalent to the North American PBJ.) We're learning. Most pastors concentrate on ministering to the adults, and forget about the kids. Faby is really good with the children, so we're focusing on that part of the service (as well as the lunch afterwards). All part of church.

Church in El Tingo

2020-11-23T16:29:09-05:00

Since the Pandemic, the migrants from Capulispungo who live in Quito came for their second church service at our home. They came on October 12 for their first service, and they moved all their furniture to our house back on July 6th. We enjoyed seeing them all and holding fellowship together. They plan to hold another service here next Sunday. It's a big sacrifice for them, since they have to use the buses to get from Quito to our house in the valley. We'll see if they want to meet every week or less frequently.

Retreat in El Tingo

2020-11-16T10:40:54-05:00

The Quichua tradition of a "fast" is like our "retreat", except that they skip lunch. We've known Geovanny, the pastor, for several years. He's a second generation immigrant, lives in Quito, and runs his own mechanics shop. This was their first church meeting since the Pandemic began in March. We had about twenty people, including children, and the activities ranged from conferences and testimonies to sports and games. We are thankful to be able to use our back yard for ministry. Next Sunday another Quichua church in Quito plans to hold their service here, Lord willing.

... but to serve.

2020-11-09T16:59:09-05:00

So why would anyone volunteer to be the administrator of an 18-apartment building complex? Simply, to serve. I volunteered over a year ago to be the administrator of our complex in Riobamba. We have a suite on the top floor, and stay here when we visit the Quichua communities in Riobamba. Christ came not to be served but to serve. This is one way of doing so. The administrator oversees the maintenance and the accounts. Actually, the treasurer, Adriana, does most of the daily work: receiving monthly fees, and paying the cleaning service and the utility bills. But it's a service to our small community, and a way of demonstrating Christ's example. Since the pandemia, we spend most of our time in quarantine in our house in Quito, but we've been making monthly visits to check on things at the apartment complex. I called a meeting in August to elect a new committee, but the majority response over Whatsapp was to wait til the pandemia calms down. So we continue to serve.

Back in Capulispungo

2020-11-02T14:47:49-05:00

Our first visit to a community since the Pandemia began! Capulispungo celebrated the end of five years of planning for church construction and growth. They celebrated for two days, but we only attended Sunday during the day. I led the conference that morning. They wanted a workshop on the end times. I complied, but added my comments about the future vision for the church. In my opinion, they need to address two important issues for the future: nominalism and migration. The evangelical Quichua church is now seeing the second and third generations of Christians. Many grow up in the church without ever having a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. They think they're Christians, but they're not. The church needs to switch from activism to evangelism. The next generation needs to know the Lord. Second, just about all the members, sooner or later, are going to migrate to the city for work. I take that as a fact. To prevent the migration is fruitless, but to motivate them to learn all they can in the city on how to run a business/factory and then, after some years, to return to the community and start a business/factory in Capulispungo, is the future of the church and community. I have already seen two successful examples: weaving cloth and stamping caps. These two issues (nominalism and migration) are in my prayers for their future.

Prayer and Praise

2020-10-28T19:00:33-05:00

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."

Not in vain

2020-10-19T12:36:49-05:00

(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!

2020-10-12T20:17:00-05:00

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.

True Discipleship II - 2 Tim 2:2

2020-10-04T17:12:01-05:00

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

That is discipleship!

2020-09-25T20:02:51-05:00

Walter, a university student from Capulispungo, studying in Riobamba, comes over at noon for help with computer programming. Before starting we talk about his internet business and his classes. Then we talk about how he’s going to balance his time between the two. Maybe he could sell his business and study full time. Next I spend two hours helping him understand the logic of computer programming by writing some programs together. He logs in to his computer class at three o’clock. I listen for a while and then run some errands. Walter sits at the computer screen listening to the professor but not really understanding the lecture. At seven class is over and we eat dinner together at the table. We have spent eight hours together at our home, talking, studying, sharing, etc. I understand his life better and he understands mine. THAT IS DISCIPLESHIP!

In the photo are two more students we'll trying to help and encourage: Danilo (third from left), and Jefferson (second from right).

Great are your purposes

2020-09-20T21:56:51-05:00

Meditating on Jeremiah, chapter 32. In less than one year, the Jews will be exiled to Babylon. Jeremiah is in prison for prophesying this disaster. The king Zedekiah accuses him for discouraging the people. Yet God tells Jeremiah to buy land from his cousin, because in the future, the Jews will return and once again buy and sell fields. There is a hope and a future for the people of God. He has his purposes in everything. "Great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds" v.19. God's purpose in the Pandemic? Nothing is too hard for God v.17,27. He is in control.

Hands tied by the Pandemia?

2020-09-13T21:45:53-05:00

Sometimes it seems that way. Can’t travel. Can’t visit. Can’t congregate. Just telephone calls and internet.

Working at home is no problem. We’ve been using the time to fix up the house, waiting for the moment when we can use our house for conferences and retreats. The latest project is a total renovation of our garage and storeroom. We got rid of a lot of junk, but still have lots of wood for our chimneys. More room is now available to store chairs and tables, etc. for meetings in our shelter out back.

But just when I think that the ministry is on hold, the calls come rolling in. Luis, from Guamote, calls to say hi and we end up planning a meeting for Wednesday. His church leaders are confused by sects who deny the Trinity and Pentecostal groups who are baptized in the Spirit. Joseph calls out of the blue. He’s a former seminary student of mine who wants to start a Foundation in his church. (I’ve gained a reputation for helping people with the paperwork for legal status, be it a church or a Foundation.) I call Vinicio to see what happened to our ZOOM meetings. He expected me to call. I was waiting for his call. We have been discussing Liturgy and possible changes in his church. He also wants to gain legal status for his church. We scheduled two meetings for this week. Also, three students I’m following to see how they’re doing in their university studies. Danilo (from Shobol Llin Llin) and Walter (from Capulispungo) have passed the semester. Jefferson (from Cachisagua) didn’t do so well. I’m learning that they need to learn better studying habits. They also need some basic items such as a computer and a desk.

The ministry continues, based on the friendships we have gained over the years. God is faithful!

Day of Surprises

2020-09-07T12:07:53-05:00

Geovanny and Sandy gave us a surprise visit on Sunday. They came with their two kids, their sister, and a niece and nephew. I classify them as second-generation immigrants. Their parents moved from their communities to the city. Geovanny has been able to study auto mechanics and now has his own shop. He also pastors a Quichua church in Quito. The big surprise was, after a wonderful afternoon of sharing in our back yard, Geovanny says, "We have to lead the church service at 5pm!" So what do we do? Pull out the computer, hook up to ZOOM, and from our house lead the service. The pandemic has brought on a new age. You don't have to GO to church anymore. You can worship together from anywhere. (The other surprise was when he asked me, "You're going to give the message, right?")

Part of the Capulispungo Family

2020-08-30T19:08:38-05:00

Antonio, the pastor at Capulispungo, paid us a visit today with two deacons and their young driver. Since the Pandemia began we haven't been able to visit them, but they came to us. Only Antonio had been to our house before. They are planning a celebration at the end of October and want us to be there. We are still part of their family.
The church sponsored this trip to Quito to visit the families who have migrated from Capulispungo. Antonio told me they tallied a total of 45 families now living in Quito! Plus they have more in Guayaquil and other cities in Ecuador. They are scattered, but still consider themselves part of the church. The celebration is Thanksgiving for completing a five year building program.
One of the Quichua traditions is to invite people personally, not by telephone. This visit was for that purpose. We are privileged to be part of their ministry and pray for wisdom as they seek God's will for the future.

Instant VBS

2020-08-26T20:00:29-05:00

Tuesday, 10 am. Segundo calls. He’s put together a two-day VBS in his community which is one of the most remote ones we have worked in. He calls regularly to chat or to ask for materials. “So what’s up, Segundo?” “Pastor, Alan, we need you to give a bible class for the kids.” “Ok, when?” “At 11 o’clock.” So that’s a one-hour notice to give a VBS bible class over the internet. Wow!

Not that we didn’t have a bible class prepared, but to do it over internet requires a new method. We tried. Faby and I sang a few songs. That went over pretty well. We could see the kids and I assumed they could see us projected on the church wall. The story of Abraham sacrificing his son didn’t work so well. I began the story with pictures, but I could see that the kids’ attention had expired after only a few minutes. I almost gave up, but managed to finish a quick version. Faby saved the day. She began by repeating the story and asking questions. The kids love to see who can answer first. Segundo helped because he was physically there with a microphone and would repeat the question.

I think we covered the main point: Jesus was the lamb of God sacrificed in place of us, but it wasn’t easy. Good experience. Probably with the Pandemic we’ll have more of these opportunities. Need to develop a new technique based on questions and simple pictures.

Final Exams

2020-08-17T10:12:11-05:00

This week the students are taking their final exams for the semester. Danilo just took his English Final. Walter has Calculus today, English on Wednesday, and Statistics on Thursday. Danilo seems to be doing okay in his studies. Walter is really struggling, but he plans to persevere. I admire them both. What is my final exam? This week it's trying to find a water leak underneath the cement. I found one connection, cut off one side, and found that the leak is on the far side. The next question is to find the following connection and repeat the process until I find the leak. I have begun chipping away at the cement in the corner of the room. Will I pass the exam? Time will tell. That's the advantage I have over the students. I have no time limit for the exam.

Math Ministry

2020-08-10T12:39:48-05:00

One of the strategies to advance the Quichua communities is to help their youth get a university degree. Few try. So I'm trying to help those few. These day I work with Walter who is from Capulispungo. Danilo, from Shobol Llin Llin, is doing all right so far, but he has to work hard. Their most difficult courses are Calculus and Statistics. (And English, but that isn't a problem for me.) I haven't studied math formally for over forty years. Yesterday I spent three hours working on probability problems. I have to figure them out, so I can tutor a student on how to solve them. I got a kick out of the first cartoon. The second one doesn't make sense unless you've studied calculus, but if you have, it's funny. My prayer is that these youth will graduate with a working knowledge that they will use to make a difference in their communities. Both of them are leaders in their congregations, but the added scientific knowledge will help with community projects.

New Horizons

2020-08-03T10:27:34-05:00

The university cafeteria offered a new menu item: crab cakes. I devoured them. I thought they were the best thing on earth. My friends disagreed: "They're just filled with crab-flavored lettuce." Upon graduation, some of us celebrated at a sea food restaurant. I noticed "crab cakes" on the menu. So I ordered one. On my first bite I realized what a REAL crab cake tasted like. I had been eating imitations all during my college meals, but never knew it because I had never tasted a real one.
Danilo is a Quichua youth studying at the University in Riobamba. We have a pretty good relationship, and he is one of the students I am following and helping towards a university degree. He came over Friday to talk. He shared with me how his horizons have broadened now that he's reading and learning lots of new things. He has been an active member in his church, being the youth leader for many years and even giving bible classes to adults. Yet now he realizes that the church is content with its traditions. Since they have never seen anything better, they are content with their ways. Another version of my crab cake story. Education is not just getting a degree, but exposure to new horizons. That's why I'm working and praying with Quichua students, the future of their communities.

Interest in Liturgy

2020-07-27T20:46:47-05:00

God makes all things work for good. The Wednesday night ZOOM bible study was fading, but this Wednesday I moved from talking about a Bible survey to a specific topic, in this case, The Work of Christ on the Cross. I never know until the end what their response will be, but I've gained enough rapport with them so they ask lots of questions. As a result of the questions and discussion, a new theme came up: Liturgy, or How to Plan a Worship Service. I've done a lot of work on that theme so we're all set for the next meeting. I think we've finally find a topic that they're really interested in. Just need to follow God's lead.

Rare rainbow

2020-07-20T09:53:37-05:00

A morning rainbow is rare. Usually we see rainbows in the afternoon in the East. This one only lasted 10 minutes.
Last week was rare. All three Zoom meetings were cancelled. The first, because the leader (Vinicio) had a family emergency. The second because the leader (Luis) was sick. And the third because no one connected for whatever reason. Have to be patient and persevere.

My soul finds rest in God alone. Psalm 62:1
Trust in him at all times. Psalm 62:8

Rained out on ZOOM

2020-07-13T15:29:22-05:00

Now, how can you get rained out on zoom? Luis Ortiz lives in Sablog, which is a far-removed Quichua community in the mountains behind Guamote. He has kept in touch with me, and constantly wants to learn more and "keep up" with the outside world. As a result of his pursuit, he is the first one in his community to get internet installed in his home. That's a BIG step for a remote community! Now we are trying to begin a regular bible study on ZOOM. Normally, with ZOOM, everyone stays at home, but he is the only one with internet. So everyone has to come to his home for the meeting. We connected Friday night on ZOOM at the agreed time, but he was the only one there. What happened? Luis explained to me, "It just started raining. A real downpour." I know enough to understand that when it rains in the mountains, no one is going to leave their home. So we got "rained-out." We did have a good time going over the material I had prepared, so Luis can help me explain it next week, Lord willing, if we don't have another rain storm.

Church Moves to Our Home

2020-07-06T15:30:52-05:00

The pastor called me Saturday morning, "We can no longer pay the rent where we meet for church services. Can we store everything at your house?"
These are some of the migrants from Capulispungo who now live in Quito. We've been friends with them for several years now, so we know and trust each other well. I drove to Quito and they loaded up my pickup, hardly believing we could take everything in one trip. After unloading at our home and carefully storing chairs, pulpits, boxes, etc., the pastor asks me, "Can we meet here once a month?" Yes, we have the space and the time. Not the first time a church has used our back yard and shelter for services. And now we'll have more contact with them. The ministry continues.

Tell me stories

2020-06-30T09:29:19-05:00

I have one steady, weekly, ZOOM, bible study so far, (with potential for three more). We're all getting used to using the internet, but I'm thinking about the teaching methods I'm using. For one, the bible study or message shouldn't be more than half an hour. People are sitting in their homes and get distracted easily. I also try to ask questions, but you have to ask a specific person, and each person needs to know how to turn on and off their microphones. But over all, I'm trying to develop the time-proven method of telling stories. I use pictures, and I can project the pictures over ZOOM. First of all, it keeps their attention, but also, the method of telling a bible story seems to communicate better than a three-point topical sermon. Also, a person's lack of bible knowledge here is discouraging. I think it may be because a lot of sermons are based on doctrine, science, and/or psychology rather than on the bible. My strategy is to tell bible stories and reflect on the purpose of the story. And by using selected stories, I'm tying them together to form an outline of the whole bible story. After all, the bible really isn't a book about doctrine, but about the story of God's intervention in our world.

Pandemic and ministry

2020-06-24T18:27:04-05:00

How has the pandemic changed our ministry? Well, we can't visit the communities, but we are still in touch. In fact, with the internet, we are even more in touch than before!

In Capulispungo, we haven't been able to continue the FLET bible program, but I am tutoring, almost daily, one of their youth in Riobamba, in English, Math, and Statistics. In Shobol Llin Llin, we have met a couple of times with the church via ZOOM, and more to come! Right across the valley from them, in a community called Guabug where we visited only once years ago, we have begun to meet via ZOOM with a house group. In Cachisagua, only two homes have internet, one of them being our main contact. We are working on being able to meet with them. Over in Guamote, a long-time contact has been calling me regularly. He wants to keep up with the technology, and is trying to install ZOOM on his computer, but is having trouble. Way out in no-where land, in a community called Santa Julia, Segundo rings our phone and we call him back (so we pay for the call). They don't have internet yet. Even his cell phone signal tends to fade out, but we talk frecuently. Then in Latacunga, we have started meeting with a bible study group that we never got around to meeting before, but now with internet, we are meeting every week.

Times have changed, but the ministry continues.

New Neighbors

2020-06-16T17:32:11-05:00

We now have new neighbors who have rented our front house. We have been praying for renters, since our house complex is too big for the two of us. Susana, her daughter and sister, came to us, recommended by Faby's niece. We didn't even advertise! Susana works with plants just like Faby, except that Faby does it for a hobby and Susana does it for a living. We have become friends and have enjoyed many an evening together playing cards. Great therapy during the quarantine.

The Coming of the Kingdom

2020-06-10T10:56:26-05:00

The Coming of the Kingdom
Matthew 21 -25

I give an interpretation of these chapters using this framework: The Jews expected that Jesus, the Messiah, would remove the Roman government and re-establish David’s kingdom in Jerusalem. So everything Jesus actually did and taught in these chapters is completely contrary to what everyone expected.

Chapter 21
As Jesus entered Jerusalem for the Passover, the Jews expected Jesus to overthrow the Roman government. With over 2 million Jews in the city, Pilate and the soldiers were out-numbered. But what did Jesus do? He didn’t go to palace, but to the temple. Instead of overthrowing the government, he overthrew the temple! “He wasn’t supposed to do that!”

Chapter 21-22-23
In the temple, Jesus begins to proclaim parables against the priests and elders: a disobedient son, tenants who reject the landowner, and guests who refuse to attend the banquet. If Jesus was to re-establish David’s kingdom, shouldn’t the priests and elders be the best candidates for his cabinet members. But instead of recruiting them, he criticizes them and everything they do. In chapter 23 he insults them with strong language that includes everything short of four letter words. “He wasn’t supposed to do that!”

Chapter 24
The Jews expected the rebuilding of Jerusalem as the capital city. Here Jesus predicts the destruction of Jerusalem. “He wasn’t supposed to do that!”

Chapter 25
A political candidate is expected to set forth his campaign plan. The Jews expected a battle plan to conquer the Romans, and a political plan on how to govern the provinces of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. Instead Jesus sets forth three parables to outline a new government of the people. The Ten Virgins: Be alert and watchful. The Talents: use what God has given you and put it to work. The Sheep and Goats: help those in need. In other words: “Wake up to a new reality and use all that God has given you to help your neighbor.” We are expected to do just that.

Then he died to save us. “He wasn’t supposed to do that!” (But he did.)

Zoom

2020-06-02T10:08:03-05:00

So these days we beat social distancing with ZOOM. Not quite the same as getting together, but it will have to do for now. So what can and can't you do with ZOOM? You can get together and talk, but not all at the same time. You can see each other, but only when the person has their video turned on and is in front of the camera. You can share screens! You don't need a projector and blank wall any more. You can even draw on other persons' screens, which is turning out to be very useful for tutoring students, and even helping others figure out procedures on their computers. But one thing you can't do is sing together. I've watched several groups try to do group singing, but with the delay factor on everyone's computer, you hear most people one or two seconds behind whoever is playing the piano or guitar. Doesn't work. Playing guessing games on ZOOM is possible, but the leader has to realize the limitations of the technology and call on people one by one and by name. Takes some skill and practice. You can send messages both to everyone or to a particular person, but the phones don't have a separate keyboard like computers do. When the majority are using phones, messaging is difficult. So we need to master the new technology: ZOOM, here we go!

New Birth

2020-05-26T16:01:56-05:00

This past week we received news of newborns from three different families in three different cities in three very different circumstances. The first was a big surprise, even for her parents. A sixteen year old told her parents that she was pregnant. Her father called us for counsel. He believed that she should marry the father of the child. We recommended the opposite. A seventeen year old boy who has a reputation for getting girls pregnant is not going to be a good husband. So her parents are dealing with their new situation. We encouraged them that even an error God can turn into a blessing.
The next surprise was a blessing. A young couple had their second child. They had to take her to the hospital during the corona virus crisis, but both mom and baby are okay. The dad told me that their first child had died SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) so they are a bit worried about their second child, but we leave everything in God's hands because He is good.
The third surprise created grief. A young girl whom we have discipled some since she was single, called and told us she had a miscarriage. It took her toll on her both physically and emotionally. We grieve with them in their loss, and trust the Lord in His wisdom.
Pray for the next generation.

Everything New

2020-05-19T15:09:24-05:00

"I am making everything new." Rev 21:5

I'm using the verse out of context, but that does describe the present situation: Big changes!
I've lost track of how many weeks we've been under quarantine, but we're definitely into a new way of doing things. I'm amazed at how much communication is going on despite the fact that everyone stays home. I'm now part of a bible study in Latacunga. I'm helping a student in Riobamba with English classes. And I talk by phone regularly with contacts in the communities. We're more in contact than we were before! Hard to get used to just talking by phone and video, but that's the new reality, and it's going to be around for a while.

Zooming In

2020-05-12T13:28:50-05:00

Little by little we are seeing what our new "normality" is going to be. Many are already using ZOOM but I wasn't up to date yet. So I got my full doze on Sunday, Mother's Day, with four ZOOM meetings! - 10:30 am church service (Church Plant in Quito); 1:30 pm another church service with me giving the message (Quichua Church in Quito from Capulispungo); 4:00 pm family meeting (USA) to wish Mom Happy Mother's Day; 7:00 pm devotional with three families in Quito. Then last night I met via ZOOM with a Quichua student from Capulispungo who is studying at the University in Riobamba, helping him with his English class. So this is our new "normality." Better get used to it.

For Mother's Day, we "sent" Mom flowers from our garden, by showing her the bouquet via ZOOM. Not quite the same as home delivery, but it will have to do for now.

Meditation Genesis 23

2020-05-05T15:12:06-05:00

Genesis 23: Abraham buys a burial site in Canaan.
Genesis 24: Abraham sends his servant to get a wife for Isaac from Ur of the Chaldeans.

I have switched my "Interpretation Lens:"

My old lens:
I would look for biblical principles in a passage. This was my traditional way of reading the bible: I never paid much attention to chapter 23, and in chapter 24 I would look for biblical principles on how to choose a wife. But why all the detail in chapter 23? (as well as chapter 24)

My new lens:
Understand the story. Forget about "biblical principles" and look at what's happening. Lots of detail means the story has great significance.

Abraham was a migrant. He came from Ur of the Chaldeans. In Canaan, he was a foreigner.
Buying a cave for a burial site means he’s establishing roots in Canaan. The idea of remaining where your ancestors are buried. He's obeying God's command to go to a new country and stay there. Yet…
Getting a wife for his son from his home country and relatives means he wants to keep his family tradition and values.

We work with the Quichua who are migrating to the cities. They are torn between lands and values. They move to the city and begin to establish roots, but, for the first couple of generations, they remain connected to their rural communities. They return every year during Carnival for a big family (and community) reunion, and many return there for their marriage ceremony. (I haven't seen yet if they return to be buried in their community cemeteries, but it wouldn't surprise me.)

The Gordon family has migrated from Scotland to New England, then to DC and Brasil, and yet the cemetery in Hazardville gives us a place and a way to connect with our ancestors. Although they have passed on, they are still a part of us and we a part of them. Soon, we too will pass on and leave our legacies to the next generation.

Hebrews 12:1 "since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"

Photos of Gordon Generations

Week #7

2020-04-29T11:31:26-05:00

Seventh week of quarantine! The routine continues: Faby at work in the garden to make the yard beautiful for future retreats; Alan studying calculus to help Quichua students in Riobamba. (And our dog, Bellita, keeping an eye on everything.)

Like Father, like son?

2020-04-20T13:47:29-05:00

Sixth week of quarantine! Faby is busy at work in the garden. What am I doing? I decided to begin studying calculus online. My Father was a mathematical genius. I just compared my homework with a paper I found in his office. Whoah! I'm a LONG way from getting anywhere near my father's math genius. But the inspiration continues to motivate me.
Actually another motivation is that some of the Quichua youth are studying at the university level in Riobamba and their hardest subject is Calculus. Hopefully I will be able to help them some.

Patience

2020-04-13T18:30:35-05:00

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7

We are now in the fifth week of quarantine. What is going to happen next? I don't know. But I do know that God is at work. We spend a lot of time these days in the garden. This verse in James reminds us of plants and agriculture. Nothing happens fast. You have to wait for the plant to grow. God has His timing. Faby patiently works in the garden. Now, after patient labor, we are seeing some of the fruit: tomatoes and a purple flower. A farmer learns patience. So we too, during this crisis, must learn patience. God is at work.

I can still remember this poem my mother taught me when I was young:

If a string is in a knot,
Patience can untie it.
Patience can do many things—
Have you ever tried it?
If it were sold at any shop
I should like to buy it.
But you and I must find our own—
Nothing can supply it.

Mission Stories

2020-04-05T19:03:07-05:00

This marks the third week at home due to the coronavirus crisis. Lots of time for gardening, yard work, sorting out my office. I found a couple of cassettes with great talks about missions. Here are the links:

Paul B. Long: "Pilar"
The story of an evangelistic meeting in a small, rural Brazilian town.

Gary D. Gordon: "What World Missions Means to Me." Oct 4th, 1987
A testimony of growing up in Brasil with his parents who were founding a hospital.

Norman G. Gordon: "I Give You What I Have." Jan 24th, 1988
A sermon comparing the story in Acts 3 to his experience in Thailand.

Friends

2020-03-30T14:45:42-05:00

One of my favorite photos. Having worked with the Quichua for 10 years now, we are entering a new phase. At first we did conferences, and workshops. Now I am learning ever more that the most effective influence you have on another person is the time you spend together, doing whatever. The key is the relationship and the level of confidence you have in each other. The last two weeks we have spent at home, locked in due to the coronavirus crisis. But our Quichua friends keep calling us and sending us messages. Why? We have strong relationships, built over the years. One friend called me because he wanted news. In the rural mountains his internet connection is poor. He knows he can call our phone. Hang up. And we will call him back. Today a pastor sent us a recorded message on Whatsapp, and asked us to send a short video, with a bible message to encourage his church. Wow! Have to get used to this technology. Not my style, but I'll have to accommodate. "All things to all men." 1 Cor 9:22

Wait for the Lord

2020-03-23T11:22:45-05:00

I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14

To limit the spread of the coronavirus, the Ecuadorian government has told everyone to stay home. It has also imposed a 7pm to 5am curfew, and limited using private cars to every other day. All businesses are closed except hospitals and groceries. So we've spent the whole week at home in El-Tingo. No one knows for how long. Wait for the Lord. He is good!

Be still

2020-03-16T18:43:19-05:00

"Be still, and know that I am God."

This picture reminds of the older folk who have gone through a whole lifetime and have learned to be patient.

We are still absorbing the impact of the coronavirus crisis. Saturday, Faby and I just went for a drive and ended up at the tourist train station to take a shot with the llama. Then we went inside the tourist house and made friends with the owner's wife, just sitting and chatting. Sort of a foreshadow of the government's advice soon to come: "Stay home." That afternoon, the children's club at the church in Riobamba had a predictable low turnout. We just sang a few songs, played two games, gave out a snack and sent them back home. Then Sunday I received the call from Alicia, our niece, studying in Quito, who just learned she had to go back to the US within 24 hours. So Monday we drove to Quito to take her to the airport and say goodbye. Now we're hanging out at our home in El-Tingo, and understanding what God wants us to do: be still.

Graduation Flet Level 2

2020-03-09T15:02:37-05:00

I finally learned where my most faithful student comes from. I couldn't even find the road to his community on Google Maps! From his community, called "Yuyaute Alto," he either walks or finds a ride into town, seven kilometers away. From there he has to catch a bus on the Pan American Highway twenty minutes to another town called, "Guamote." From there he has to find a pickup truck to take him 15 minutes up the mountain to "Capulispungo" where we hold the Bible Study "Flet" every month. He rarely misses a class, because he really wants to learn. He's older than I am, never finished half of high school, and I can barely understand him when he speaks his second language Spanish. But he, along with eight others, finished level 2 of the Bible Study "Flet!"

This time, "Capulispungo" didn't want to do a graduation like we did for level 1. So what do you do? Just hand them his diploma? Not in this context! You have to do some kind of formal presentation. So I committed to visit his church on Sunday, and present him with his diploma during the church service in the presence of the congregation and the two pastors. I played it up as much as I could, and I could see everyone was satisfied. We slipped out of the service a little early, because the fog on the mountain was closing in, and this was the first time I had driven on these roads. But Manuel, the student, insisted we visit his house "for coffee," which consisted of hot chicken soup and juice, followed by guinea pig and potatoes. We drove down the mountain in the dark and in the fog, but we picked up a woman who was returning to town and she made sure we didn't miss the road.

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Full Recovery

2020-03-02T13:02:23-05:00

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Since my hernia operation, we've been in Quito for five weeks! I began to wonder about our contacts and ministry in Riobamba. When, out of the blue, a phone call from Alejandro Mullo: "I need help to organize the youth and the Sunday school in our church." That call well summarizes how we've operated for the past few years. We never planned to do this and that. We simply received one request after another. And the ministry continues. We wait on God and He continues to give us direction. We plan to return to Riobamba this week and visit our contacts, beginning with Alejandro.

(Our dog, "Bellita," goes with us wherever we go.)

Flet Level 1 Graduation

2020-02-24T21:12:11-05:00

The church in Quito, made up of migrants from Capulispungo, held graduation Sunday for eight of their members. They finished the first level of the bible course FLET, the same course I've been supervising in Capulispungo for the past four years. The national director of FLET came for the celebration. We know each one of these members. They've been in our home, and we've counseled every one at one time or another. We pray for their spiritual progress as well as their economic and domestic advances. All part of the discipleship process.

Retreat in El Tingo

2020-02-17T21:43:51-05:00

The youth group in Riobamba came to our house in El-Tingo for an overnighter. This is same group we are helping to start a Sunday school program in their church. During the retreat we didn't concentrate on the project, but on getting to know each other better. This included bible studies, meals, sports, and sharing. Even though I am still recovering from my operation, we are able to share our home and use it for ministry. All part of the disciple making process. Mat. 28:19-20

Being Patient

2020-02-11T15:51:42-05:00

"See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains." James 5:7

Since my hernia operation, I've had to take things much slower until I reach full recovery. In the meantime, I can't drive; I can't do hard work; and I rest a lot. I have to be patient. But I'm learning that moving slower is not necessarily less productive. I've had time to some planning. We've received many visitors that we normally don't have time for. And other things just fall in place because it's God's timing and not mine. Faby works hard in the garden, but you can't rush the growth of a plant. It takes it's good ol' time, but the flower comes sooner or later. I'm still trying to see God at work every day and in everything. He has his perfect timing. We have to be patient, and when the time arrives "redeem it." (Eph 5:16)

Working hard to rest

2020-02-03T11:58:46-05:00

Monday, I was ready for the operation. Psyched-up for the anestesia needle in the spine. Bilateral hernia in the groin. Praise God, all went well and I was dispatched in a little over 24 hours. But I wasn't ready for the recuperation. "You should not drive for the next two weeks at least!" O…k…a…y. That was a surprise. Had to cancel several engagements in Chimborazo, and get psyched-up for rest. So now we're at home in El-Tingo taking it easy. Lots of time to rest, think, and pray. (The photo is the view from my desk at home.)

Leading a Church Retreat

2020-01-27T10:54:07-05:00

The church in "Quislag Chico" has an extension in Sangolqui just 10 minutes from our home in Quito. These are members who have migrated to the city looking for work. They wanted to hold a half-day retreat at our house. Our response has always been: "You're' welcome to come!" When asked if we could help with the music and teaching, we knew what to expect. We led the music, Alan taught on the Christian home, and Faby taught on evangelism. We also took turns taking care of the kids. In other words, we led the whole retreat. Not unusual. This is common in many churches: they hold many weekly activities, but have no general plan or goals in mind. In "Shobol Llin Llin," we have reached this discussion with the leaders, and I gave them a six month plan to consider, that deals with reviewing the gospel. The goal is to help them plan specific objectives for their church. It's all a process.

The Dynamics of Ministry

2020-01-20T20:51:29-05:00

Saturday we drove to "Shobol Llin Llin" for Faby to work with the single moms, but they didn't show up. At the same time we learned of a delicate situation at one of the homes. Two of the church leaders showed up at the time. We all went to visit the home, but Faby was the one most indicated for the counseling. So I sat in the car, which now doubles as my "mobile office," with the two church leaders. The conversation led to the need to create a plan for the church. I gave a few suggestions, and then we found ourselves the next day in a planning meeting with all seven of the church leaders. They have all the activities planned, but no purpose or direction. I committed myself to develop a six month plan for their church, which aims at studying the Gospel, with a plan for three sermons a week, five bible readings a week, and twelve verses to memorize.

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New Methods in Flet level 3

2020-01-12T08:20:17-05:00

Saturday we began the Third Level of the FLET bible program. I'm going slow because this level requires a whole different system of study. Up to now the books were designed as "figure out the right answer." But level 3 asks for your own answer. I had to explain it slowly and demonstrate it, but they caught on quickly: "Hey guys, now you have to think and reason. We're not looking for the correct answer. We're looking for your answer. I want to hear your opinion and reasoning." We had some really good discussion. I'm pushing for them to "do theology." From my point of view, Western theology is done from within a scientific framework. I hope I can help them do theology from within their "nature" framework. Since they live and work in the mountains and countryside, I assume that makes up much of their worldview. I want them to see God and the Bible from their worldview, not from the Western worldview.

(Previous blog click here.)

In the bottom photo, I confirmed what I discovered in my dissertation: Quichua are more interested in their identity than in "theology." I took a thesis from 1948 that was a census of all the Indians in Ecuador. Their communities and populations are listed in the census. Without urging them to look, they spent time looking up their communities and reading about themselves. I had the same experience in El Tingo where we live in Quito. They were more interested in their history than in why they celebrate festivals.

Reaping what you sow

2020-01-06T20:43:20-05:00

Maria Flor called me Friday, "Don't tell Faby, but Saturday at 8 am we're going to surprise her with a birthday breakfast!" Faby has been working with these single moms for several months, often reproving them. But Saturday she reaped a harvest of gratitude. They truly appreciate all Faby is doing for them, and they wanted to demonstrate their thankfulness. So I tried hard to keep it a secret, but since they arrived an hour late, I almost had to break the silence. Faby was surprised and delighted. Nice birthday surprise! Although the menu was not the most common one.

(Previous blog click here.)