November 2021
Paper folding
24/11/21 11:10
The Pandemic changed just about everything we do. It hampered our visits to the Quichua communities. We tried using ZOOM, but the adults haven't been able to adapt to this tool. On the contrary, since the kids had to continue their schooling over internet, they have adapted quite well. In fact, as a result of the Pandemic, we (both kids and I) have developed a bible class over ZOOM, And we have persevered for almost a year now! They are learning bible and I am learning teaching techniques. The best method for me has been paper folding. It keeps the kids active and interacting while I reinforce the lesson. This is the latest project. The first set of numbers present the gospel, and the second set illustrates what Christ accomplished on the cross. I continue to pray for wisdom to communicate God's kingdom to these kids.
Another way to disciple
16/11/21 18:43
Danilo calls me for help with his English class. We get together on Zoom and spend an hour on his lesson. Then we begin to talk about other things. I share my challenges with teaching kids, and he asks me when I’m going to visit his church to observe their kid’s program. I ask about his weekend business which is a small restaurant. He’s thinking about taking out a loan for his business. So I ask him how he does his accounting. Does he take out a salary? No. Just his mom and the helper. How much do you save? So much. How can you pay off a loan, if the monthly payment is greater than your savings? Good question. I have another one for you: Do you put aside a sum for helping others? A business in the kingdom of God is not just for you and your family. We work also to help others. (Efes 4:28b) Ok, got it.
All part of making disciples.
Discipleship at home
12/11/21 17:43
Want to make disciples? Share your home!
José and his family came to Quito for some medical exams. (They live in Riobamba and José is the pastor of the church in Shobol Llinllin.) We invited them to stay in our home for a couple of days. We cooked together, sang together, played games, cleaned the kitchen, and talked about our lives. The more people we host, the more I am convinced that most effective discipleship is played out in the home. There people witness how you live, work, and play together. Bible study is necessary, but in the home, people see how it is lived out day to day. Discipleship is most effective in the home.
The Congregation
01/11/21 21:22
They wanted a General Assembly. I didn’t. After fixing all the security problems in the apartment building, there wasn’t anything more to decide. All was done. But they still clamored for a meeting to see who was going to be around the five day holiday weekend. I decided to call each and everyone and take a survey. The result? Most people were going to stay around town. So why have the meeting? Nobody offered their apartment, so the vice-president and I decided to meet over ZOOM. Then the treasurer offered her place. In the end, we held the meeting, and to my surprise, it produced good results. Everyone came! We made some significant minor decisions, and the full attendance demonstrated that we are becoming a community. Or should I say “congregation?” Maybe there’s not that much difference.
