http://www.alangordon.org/index.htmlHot News!enen2022-12-31T15:09:17-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 3 Jan 2022 16:18:30 -0500Blog 20222022-12-31T15:09:17-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f213bbac8dbbab73901796ca28d5d7a8-51.html#unique-entry-id-51http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f213bbac8dbbab73901796ca28d5d7a8-51.html#unique-entry-id-51

The year 2022

My highlight was developing a course on Introduction to the Bible.
It began when an Indigenous Church in Quito asked me, with a two day notice, to teach a course on an overview of the Bible. I’ve had the idea for decades in my head. This was an opportunity to put it all together.
I would call the result my thesis of the Bible: God creating, redeeming, and ruling His people. I didn’t write it all out, instead, in my style, created a 67 page PowerPoint. This is now my material for our Bible studies.

This year marks a turning point in our ministry and our lives: Faby’s health. After several specialists, exams, emergencies, medicines, etc the best treatment so far for headaches is a good cup of coffee at night. Still, after a few trial trips, we made the decision that Faby can no longer make the trips to Riobamba and to the Quichua communities in the mountains. So we are planning to use our home in Quito (El-Tingo) for new ministry. We still keep in touch with several Quichua pastors.

God surprised us, and out of the blue sent us a couple with a five year old to live with us and help us around the house with cooking, cleaning, gardening, etc. We met them at a nearby church, and soon became friends. We learned that they had lost their jobs in the Pandemic and were surviving doing odd jobs now and then. So we invited them to live with us in the first floor apartment. The arrangement is a blessing to both families.

We have now vacated our apartment in Riobamba, and have begun Bible studies in our home. We begin a new year looking forward to God’s direction. May He surprise us!

Prov 16:9
Psalm 37:4
]]>Blog 20222022-12-19T19:59:37-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a06e1b0d2d2e4226b49f2f1b8d930493-50.html#unique-entry-id-50http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a06e1b0d2d2e4226b49f2f1b8d930493-50.html#unique-entry-id-50

One advantage of no longer traveling is that we'll be at home for this Christmas. We haven't decorated our house for Christmas for over a decade, but we found all the necessary elements without going out. Our backyard holds cypress trees, so all we had to do was cut a few branches to make a tree. Then we dug out a few dusty boxes a Christmas ornaments. Lo and behold, we now have a Christmas tree!


]]>Blog 20222022-12-15T10:02:11-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f864ac2cf7d69b81ddfdbb10e091f33f-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f864ac2cf7d69b81ddfdbb10e091f33f-49.html#unique-entry-id-49

Wednesday night Bible study at our home in El-Tingo. I'm trying to "read the group" and see what kind of Bible study will work best. Hernan has been a Christian for years, but his wife Nataly for only a few. Luis and Sonia have been with us before in Bible studies and conferences, but they're only here in Ecuador for a few months before returning to the US where their children reside and where they're seeking citizenship. Jorge lives with us and is a young Christian. We'll take it one week at a time.
]]>Blog 20222022-12-08T20:34:21-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/8cfbb709a6e01ab640cedf096628389c-48.html#unique-entry-id-48http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/8cfbb709a6e01ab640cedf096628389c-48.html#unique-entry-id-48

We finally made the big move: bringing all our furniture from our apartment in Riobamba to our house in Quito. I made the 3-hour trip with Jorge, who lives with us, in a rented truck (comes with driver). Thankfully we had seven others to help us load the furniture. The apartment lies on the fifth floor. No elevator. In one hour we had everything loaded, and headed back for Quito.



This is our living room set in Riobamba …



… which is now installed at our home in El-Tingo, in it's original site. We are planning to have bible studies here, Lord willing.



]]>Blog 20222022-12-01T21:05:18-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/7f686139045b2ab423ade05467b96739-47.html#unique-entry-id-47http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/7f686139045b2ab423ade05467b96739-47.html#unique-entry-id-47

I keep wondering if we'll continue to have a ministry with the Quichua now that we're not able to visit their communities. God gave me a surprise on Monday. Just down the road from us a Quichua woman runs a small business of fruit and vegetables. Wherever I see a woman wearing the dress only those in Chimborazo use, I have to ask where they're from. She told me, "From Riobamba." I know enough that they're not really from Riobamba. So I pressed the question: "Where are you from?" She replied, "From Guamote." Again, I know that she's not from Guamote, a 45 minute drive South of Riobamba, but from some nearby community. I repeated the question: "Where exactly are you from?" "From Sablog." Sablog is a collection of communities on the mountain behind Guamote. I've been there, so I asked, "From Santa Rosa, San Isidro, San Francisco, or another of the nine communities of Sablog." Now I had her attention. She responded, "From San Isidro." I've been to San Isidro many times and know the pastor there, Luis Ortiz. We connected. Now we have a good relationship and stop by often. Our ministry to the Quichua continues.

]]>Blog 20222022-11-23T21:02:25-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/25b38480583399e096eee8f421b38f5e-46.html#unique-entry-id-46http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/25b38480583399e096eee8f421b38f5e-46.html#unique-entry-id-46

In 2002, my cousin Sandra, and her husband Bill, invited me to Thanksgiving in Tehachapi (paying for the plane ticket). Tuesday I arrived at Norman’s house and he told me we had Wednesday to hang out. Why don’t I visit Fuller Seminary? I met a professor who told me about Ethnomusicology and I ended up applying to Fuller. Once at Fuller we attended an Hispanic church. There I met Miguel Endara, an Ecuadorian who taught at a seminary here in Ecuador near our home. He invited me to help him teach bioethics at the seminary. The seminary recruited me for others courses, and then the director sent me to their seminary in Riobamba where most of the students were Quichua. Teaching there I received invitations to visit their communities and teach bible. Thus we spent the next 12 years in the Andes mountains with the Quichua. Thanks to their invitation.

God works in wonderful ways and uses his children for his purposes.
]]>Blog 20222022-11-18T10:05:24-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/331824d5063ece4fa47b8c761e1874ba-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/331824d5063ece4fa47b8c761e1874ba-45.html#unique-entry-id-45

“A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.” John 3:27

We are in a transition period. Faby can no longer make the trips to the Quichua communities in the mountains, so we are vacating our mission apartment base in Riobamba. So now what?

I want to be active. I can think of many possibilities and needs. But I have to wait for God’s timing. Many families from the Quichua community of Capulispungo have migrated here to Quito. El-Tingo, where we have always lived for the past 35 years, is an indigenous community. Now I better understand how such communities function. We are visiting two nearby churches to see if we fit in.

Faby’s health has greatly improved, with occasional headaches that caffeine seems to work best to take it away.

Still waiting for God’s direction and timing.
]]>Blog 20222022-11-11T10:00:56-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/73d86b781f4c25f444c06da172c295be-44.html#unique-entry-id-44http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/73d86b781f4c25f444c06da172c295be-44.html#unique-entry-id-44

“What does the world expect from the church?”
A seminary student here in Ecuador asked me that question in a survey. As I thought about it, in the Ecuadorian context, my response was: “Nothing.” The church is not an agent of change here in Ecuador. In my opinion, people expect change from the government, not from the church.
I’ve been reading about the history of the church. During the middle ages, the church was powerful and influential, for better or for worse. The popes and emperors challenged each other for authority. Today, the government controls the schools, the hospitals, and social welfare. The church’s role is spiritual. But are we making changes in the society? Or are we focused just on our internal programs? I fear the later.
And I pray for change, beginning with me.
]]>Blog 20222022-11-04T14:45:53-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/2d9d6835eb8a6cce2244ce265e19fc1a-42.html#unique-entry-id-42http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/2d9d6835eb8a6cce2244ce265e19fc1a-42.html#unique-entry-id-42

So what do you tell an Ecuadorian who has decided to migrate illegally to the US? Can you convince him not to go?
“It’s illegal. You’re committing a crime.” That doesn’t seem to register because “if my family and friends did it, then it’s okay for me to migrate as well.”
“It’s dangerous and risky.” They think it’s worth the risk. They’ll take their chances.

I just talked to a father, whose two children are migrating illegally to the US. One is already in Guatemala with his family, and the other is about to take his family on the risky and illegal journey. His own response to me was, “What can I do? I can’t find jobs for them, nor can I support them. So I can’t tell them ‘don’t go’”

I ask, “Where do you get thousands of dollars to pay the “coyotes” who take you to the US? If you can find $10,000 to $20,000 dollars for the trip, why can’t you start a small business here in Ecuador?” My guess is that the illusion of earning money in the US outweighs the debts they incur here in Ecuador.

So the final answer is, “I hope you arrive safely.”

That’s our reality in Ecuador.
]]>Blog 20222022-10-26T09:41:36-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/7b99c81bbc1eb3bf5d8f1ff9c2ae9325-41.html#unique-entry-id-41http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/7b99c81bbc1eb3bf5d8f1ff9c2ae9325-41.html#unique-entry-id-41

I have known Valeria and her parents since she was 6 years old. She's now thirty and with a call to be a medical missionary in Africa. She visited Uganda in 2013 for six weeks and confirmed her call to serve the Lord. Since then she has continued to pursue her medical studies (and theological too). She just received her medical certificate in the US and needs a few more years to obtain her specialization in Family Medicine. I told her years ago to get all the medical training she could before going to the field and she has taken the advice. May God continue to prepare her for serving others in Africa.

]]>Blog 20222022-10-19T09:14:13-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/4070f0d11fdf8f82d8ec55b80e472995-40.html#unique-entry-id-40http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/4070f0d11fdf8f82d8ec55b80e472995-40.html#unique-entry-id-40

We've had some really good days as far as Faby's health is concerned. Drinking coffee at night, and no headaches during the day. We continue to pray for complete healing and God's direction.
]]>Blog 20222022-10-10T19:38:58-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/606693a812a5cd11f8212ff452f5e26e-39.html#unique-entry-id-39http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/606693a812a5cd11f8212ff452f5e26e-39.html#unique-entry-id-39

Abel, the pastor from Capulispungo who lives in Quito, visited us yesterday with his family to see how Faby is doing with her health. Our coffee recipe seems to prevent her headaches most of the time. We are still in a healing process. Abel pastors a church of the migrants in Quito from Capulispungo, but it's not easy to pastor migrants who live scattered all over Quito and don't have cars for transportation. The idea is to help your fellow migrants, but the city changes the social dynamic that knit the folks when they lived together in the mountain community. So the church is struggling not just for existence but also for identity. There are no easy solutions. I admire Abel for his persistence amid many obstacles, including his own financial stability. Both he and his wife work to make ends meet. Often their children are at home alone. And yet Abel and Jessica heed the call to the ministry. May God bless them both!
]]>Blog 20222022-10-03T15:39:04-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/9f09b49bd32b0dcb670c6037101ddbac-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/9f09b49bd32b0dcb670c6037101ddbac-38.html#unique-entry-id-38

We suspended Faby's medicine. It took away the headaches, but she was hallucinating in the mornings. So that ends experiments with anti-depressants. But God is good! Would you believe she started drinking one cup of coffee at night, and the next day she has no headaches? We've been seeing good results with coffee for one week now. Incredible! After all those doctors, medicines, experiments, and trials, coffee does the trick! God intervened because we had never thought of it, but Faby's sister just moved closer to us and we spend three evenings together drinking coffee, (just after we suspended the medicine). I noticed Faby's headaches disappeared. Then we double-checked by not taking coffee, and the next day the headaches reappeared. So for now Faby is a coffee drinker. Praying this solution will work.
]]>Blog 20222022-09-25T10:03:27-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f6b208ce0e7ca8f3573bc8efd6fbd1a1-37.html#unique-entry-id-37http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f6b208ce0e7ca8f3573bc8efd6fbd1a1-37.html#unique-entry-id-37

They surprised us with a visit, all the way from "Shobol Llinllin," a 3-hour drive to our house! The church heard about Faby's health condition and send a delegation to encourage her. We have worked with this Quichua church for many years and have developed some good friendships. We are sad that we have cancelled our work in Chimborazo until we see how Faby's health improves, and we miss our trips to the communities, but this time they came to visit us. We had a wonderful time of sharing, and were blessed by their visit.

Faby's new medicine is preventing all her headaches, which is the good news. The hard part are the secondary effects: sleepiness, and some mental confusion. The doctors say the side effects disappear after a few weeks. But how hard for Faby to endure those first few weeks. We are only into a week and a half so far. We continue to look to the Lord for strength, patience, and wisdom.
]]>Blog 20222022-09-18T18:29:53-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/00dbeaa960e6e64e761b5400f9884f28-36.html#unique-entry-id-36http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/00dbeaa960e6e64e761b5400f9884f28-36.html#unique-entry-id-36

This is our fifth attempt at using an anti-depressant for Faby’s headaches. And this time we’re having success! For two days Faby headaches have disappeared with the new medicine. We continue to trust the Lord for His hand on Faby’s health. Looking forward to a new future. Prov. 3:5-6
]]>Blog 20222022-09-09T08:16:32-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f503f7a2909e1cc2e26a2b70dea02dc9-35.html#unique-entry-id-35http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f503f7a2909e1cc2e26a2b70dea02dc9-35.html#unique-entry-id-35

Monday, we went to the emergency room of another clinic. Faby's headaches continue. The ER doctor recommended an internal medicine doctor. Sounded good. We got an appointment that same night. The doctor gave the same diagnosis as both neurologists we have seen: "Tension Headaches," and prescribed an anti-depressant. Again! This is the fourth anti-depressant prescription. Wednesday night we began the treatment, and Thursday Faby awoke with dizziness. She then spent a miserable day with secondary effects of the medicine. Our decision: no more anti-depressants. Her headaches continue. The best remedy I now have is sleep. The headaches continue, but at least she can sleep them off. Not the ideal. We continue to pray for guidance and wisdom.
]]>Blog 20222022-09-02T11:52:59-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/93bfbad052c2ca378c2e28c19da392aa-34.html#unique-entry-id-34http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/93bfbad052c2ca378c2e28c19da392aa-34.html#unique-entry-id-34

"Struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Cor. 4:8 I took a chain saw to this tree and left it a lonely trunk. But it came back and sprouted again. God never abandons us, although times may be tough. We never lose hope. Because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5

Twice we’ve tried to put Faby on an anti-depressant, but both gave strong, undesirable side effects. So we tried to stabilize her with a healthy life-style: sleep well, eat well, and exercise. We were doing okay, but had to take her into the emergency room twice this week for headaches and anxiety. Today, we began another anti-depressant. Praying that this one will have only desirable effects. Not an easy choice for me. Anti-depressants are life-time medicines. God is faithful, good, and merciful!

]]>Blog 20222022-08-25T19:04:46-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/3df16904decf097318a441ac3cec41d2-33.html#unique-entry-id-33http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/3df16904decf097318a441ac3cec41d2-33.html#unique-entry-id-33

We have been long-time friends with HIram and Janeth, who are from El Salvador. They work with the Church of God as mission facilitators in several countries. We have made many trips together to the Quichua communities, but now, since we can't travel, we can at least host them. They will stay with us for three days as they attend a nearby conference of COMIBAM (Cooperation of Mission Agencies in America). Then they will head off on Sunday to visit other churches and communities in Ecuador, before heading back to El Salvador. They expect to visit again in November. ]]>Blog 20222022-08-18T07:47:27-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/d0a02dc7e008c2c1ce4c46700192ecbd-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/d0a02dc7e008c2c1ce4c46700192ecbd-32.html#unique-entry-id-32
We met them in church: George and Wilma. Nice couple with a five-year old. Our friendship grew quickly over two months. Since they lost their jobs during the Pandemic and now have only occasional work, we invited them to live with us and move into the first floor of our home. We help them with the rent, and they help us with cooking and yard work. Nice combination, especially for Faby as her health slowly improves.]]>Blog 20222022-08-11T12:28:34-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/c6219796fa54b1e7b37e827ebe86b54e-31.html#unique-entry-id-31http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/c6219796fa54b1e7b37e827ebe86b54e-31.html#unique-entry-id-31

Even though Faby’s health is limiting our visits, our home is open to everyone. Sunday, Abel, the pastor from Capulispungo who pastors the migrants in Quito, called: “Can we come for a visit?” “Sure!” I expected their family of five, but they came with another family, whom we know well, of four. The more the merrier! Put more water in the soup! I made some rice to eat with fried eggs. (The PBJ of Ecuador.) Suddenly I received another call: “Can we come and visit now?” “Sure!” The more the merrier. They are a family of only three, but came with another visitor. (They also brought a fried chicken.)

So about the same time, 1:30 pm, we received thirteen visitors: seven adults, one youth, and five kids. No problem. The more the merrier. The children spent their time in a small pool we have. Filled with hot water, they played until it was time to leave. (Forget about eating.) We adults enjoyed the combined food, then played Chinese checkers and “Jenga.” Good to see everyone and enjoy the fellowship.

We’ve been cleaning out our house. I gave Abel a whole set of inductive bible studies. He took them home, and after looking them over, realized he had a whole program for his church. Glad he can use them.

We continue to pray for Faby’s health. Improving, but not at 100% yet. We also hope to have another family move in with us and help us with cooking and gardening. All in God’s hands and timing.

]]>Blog 20222022-08-04T08:03:55-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/e83da803dc2282b5ab5d62d0c46ede1e-30.html#unique-entry-id-30http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/e83da803dc2282b5ab5d62d0c46ede1e-30.html#unique-entry-id-30

Let’s begin with Acts 16:31 - “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.” I have heard many people say that this is a promise: If you decide to believe, then eventually, everyone else in your family we also come to believe, one by one. Naturally, if you come from an individually oriented society, you will see this verse in that light.

But, if you come from a community oriented society, you may see this verse very differently. Paul and Silas are talking to the head of the household: the jailer. If the head of the household decides to believe, then naturally, everyone else will be part of that decision. The decision is a group decision, not an individual decision.

Our western theology says that salvation is an individual matter. The Quichua communities in Ecuador have traditionally functioned as units. It is natural and logical for the Quichuas to make group decisions. So why can’t salvation (believing in the Lord Jesus) be a group decision?

Theology is culturally bound. Not everyone agrees with that, but I find that when you are bicultural, you will agree. It’s very difficult to see your own “cultural lens” unless you have made the transition into another way of seeing things.

Western theology is based on propositions and logic: Who is God? Another way of doing theology could be based on the question: Who are we as the people of God? Rather than ask, “What do we believe about God?”; we could ask, “What is our identity in Christ?” (“Our” is plural.)

Doing theology. Not easy, but necessary.
]]>Blog 20222022-07-28T11:05:58-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/254d8f410726fa0e8fb005bda84131a0-29.html#unique-entry-id-29http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/254d8f410726fa0e8fb005bda84131a0-29.html#unique-entry-id-29

We decided to make a trip to Riobamba. Since Faby’s medicine seems to be working, we needed to see how she would travel. Plus we hadn’t been to our apartment for three months and needed to check on things there. On our arrival Faby announced, to no surprise, that this was her last trip. She doesn’t travel well. So Thursday I bought some cardboard boxes and began to pack the apartment.

Friday we visited a family I have known from the first class I taught at the seminary in Riobamba in 2010. Alejandro is an excellent musician and we enjoy playing together whenever we get the opportunity. He has a son and three daughters. The first daughter married early and the second followed suit. I have always encouraged the youth to get a university degree, but marriage takes priority. The last time I saw the youngest, Genesis, she wanted to study at the university. Now she is entering her third year, and somewhere along the way she also completed a diploma in theology. How time flies, and what a joy to see at least one concentrate on studies before getting married.

Saturday, three youth from the seminary church came over to help us pack dishes, pots, and pans. But the surprise came Saturday night: fever! We had planned to visit a couple of churches on Sunday, but visited a doctor instead. He highly recommended a test for the Covid virus.

Monday, the three youth returned just to help load the boxes into our car. (We live on the fifth floor.) Faby wasn’t feeling very well. The boxes were loaded within minutes, and I proceeded to take Faby to a local clinic. The doctor said she could just take the medicine and stay home, but Faby wanted to stay at the clinic. An exam confirmed we had Covid. After a 24-hour stay she was doing well. I picked her up and we drove directly back home to Quito.

Good to be back home, but we’re going to have to quarantine for the next 10 days at least. We had to call a doctor today, Thursday, because we had so many prescriptions from three different doctors that I got frustrated with the medicine. He got us straightened out.

So we’re still absorbing the decision to leave our apartment in Riobamba.
One day at a time. Matthew 6:33-34

]]>Blog 20222022-07-18T13:08:05-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/55adee904c013583ffb8ac4a603d5fa6-28.html#unique-entry-id-28http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/55adee904c013583ffb8ac4a603d5fa6-28.html#unique-entry-id-28

The Quichuas have been leaving the countryside and moving to the cities for many years now. Many dream of going to the United States for “a better future.” I know many here in Quito who have left the community “Capulispungo” where I have worked for the past ten years. Whether it’s the US or Quito, what does a migrant face in a new setting?

Today I talked with both the pastor Antonio of Capulispungo and his disciple Abel who pastors the migrants from Capulispungo here in Quito. The church in Quito is falling apart from lack of interest and commitment.

I don’t know all the reasons for the situation in the church, but I do know the migrants face many problems. First of all, they have relocated to a new situation. They have to find housing, a job, and new friends. They don’t live anymore near their original neighbors. So they struggle for a new identity. Second, their children quickly adapt to their new environment, while their parents try to maintain their previous lifestyle and customs. This creates a lot of stress on the children. Third, they realize that their move to the city didn’t solve all their financial problems. Their expenses have greatly increased. (In the country, they didn’t pay rent or transportation, or have to buy all their food.) Many fall into debt, thinking that with a loan they can start a business. The business fails and the debt remains. Fourth, they don’t have more than a high school education if even that. So they’re going to work at minimum wage most of their lives.

The pastor Antonio has invited us to speak to the youth in “Capulispungo” at the end of August. I know that most of them, if not all, will migrate either to the city or to the US. Subsistence agriculture in the community holds no future for anyone. Personally, I think the best solution is to help the youth get a college education, which is still complicated. We tried to help some indigenous college students in Riobamba, but they face two problems. One, they need to pay room and board, which most of their parents can’t afford. Second, they need tutors. When you have a question about your classwork, to whom do you go?

I’ve kept in touch with one student, Danilo, who lives close enough to Riobamba that he can commute from home. He’s had to pay tutors to get through some classes. The first two tries to pass Calculus failed, but he persisted and passed the third time around. I often help him with English.

What’s the future of the Quichua youth? Good question. I just try to walk along side them and go through the process together.
]]>Blog 20222022-07-11T13:00:37-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f652f0531c0f95fd66235aa83f05ed57-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f652f0531c0f95fd66235aa83f05ed57-27.html#unique-entry-id-27

For those who have been reading the last three blogs, Faby’s health has been our major concern for some time now. We appreciate all those who have been praying with us for wisdom and healing. Thursday I consulted with a doctor in Riobamba whom we have been visiting for a few years. We concluded that Faby could take a certain medicine daily to help stabilize her. We started Friday and so far Faby hasn’t had headaches or anxiety or blood pressure problems! She’s still getting used to the medicine, but the results are good. Praise God for His goodness!
]]>Blog 20222022-07-02T22:18:52-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/2a5d305ba6ddcf7239f42651c03f47ca-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/2a5d305ba6ddcf7239f42651c03f47ca-26.html#unique-entry-id-26

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” (Reinhold Niebuhr)

I’ve thought of adding a line to that prayer: “and wisdom to discern the timing.” Because some things you can’t change now, but you may be able to later.

We continue to deal with Faby’s health, but are learning to “handle it for now.” Still headaches and anxiety, but with lifestyle and medicine, manageable.

Some thoughts from Scripture:

“I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.” 2 Tim 4:20
God doesn’t always heal when we want him to.

“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” 1 Tim 5:23
Timothy had health problems, and Paul recommends some dietary changes. Prayer?

“Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14
Assuming oil was the medicine of the day, here we see a combination of prayer and medicine. Use both?
]]>Blog 20222022-06-25T18:37:05-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/bbcb5ae34254e31ad00ffccaa3df128f-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/bbcb5ae34254e31ad00ffccaa3df128f-25.html#unique-entry-id-25

The doctor had prescribed the medicine Amitriptilina for Faby. We tried it for two days, but the side effects were too much for Faby. As they say in Spanish, "The medicine is worse than the illness." The doctor told us it would take two weeks for the medicine to take effect, but he didn't mention any side effects. So we're trying other remedies, including natural teas, sleep, and relaxing in the park. We take it one day at a time. Yesterday was tough. Faby had a headaches all day long. Thankfully she got a good night's rest and today we had a good day with no headaches or high blood pressure. We thank God for the good days and continue to pray for wisdom and healing.

]]>Blog 20222022-06-18T17:16:59-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f96227e0c8ab0c10353614d30ecb74f0-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/f96227e0c8ab0c10353614d30ecb74f0-24.html#unique-entry-id-24

For several years now we have been dealing with some health issues for Faby. It started with high blood pressure and visiting several cardiologists. Their conclusion was that Faby’s condition was variable/labile blood pressure. This combined with severe headaches, anxiety, and dizziness. We couldn’t find the right medicine or combination that would control her condition. My best solution for every crisis was a sedative.

As a result, Faby doesn’t travel well, and we have severely limited our trips to Riobamba and the Quichua communities.

Finally, a good friend told us, “Go to the best hospital in Quito and find a specialist.” Good advice. This week we went to a highly respected neurologist. He had Faby get a MRI scan of her head, and thankfully she has no tumors or lesions. The doctor prescribed a medicine for anxiety, explaining that, in Faby’s case, her headaches are caused by tension and stress. So we’re trying the new medicine and praying for God’s healing.
]]>Blog 20222022-06-10T18:52:44-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a8f97a58e539edaf479c01ce7dc3cd90-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a8f97a58e539edaf479c01ce7dc3cd90-23.html#unique-entry-id-23

Wednesday, pastor Antonio from Capulispungo and his disciple Abel, who pastors in Quito, paid us a visit in El-Tingo. Antonio gave me my first invitation to the Quichua communities over 10 years ago, and, ironically, I met him here at our house. He showed up one night with a mutual friend because they didn't have any place to stay overnight at the end of a conference nearby. Abel pastors some of the immigrants from Capulispungo who live in Quito. They came to pray for Faby's health. We've been battling labile blood pressure, headaches, and anxiety for some time now, and this has limited our visits to the communities. We continue to pray for Faby, and really appreciated a visit from our good friends who are now pretty much family. ]]>Blog 20222022-06-03T20:27:55-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/065f07c39adef793df13019b81d99219-22.html#unique-entry-id-22http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/065f07c39adef793df13019b81d99219-22.html#unique-entry-id-22

Over the years I've gained a reputation for doing legal paperwork, specifically for incorporating a church. Vinicio was a student of mine at the seminary in Riobamba, and is now the head deacon of his church in Latacunga. We've had many a conversation about incorporating his church, but he's always run into difficulties. Finally, we seem to be making progress. I convinced him and another deacon (who's a lawyer) to form a small corporation FOR the church, rather than try to form a corporation with THE WHOLE church. Santiago, the other deacon, understood what I was suggesting and endorsed the idea. The next day I sent them a rough draft of the bylaws. Once they review them and make any changes, we can move to the next step of signing the paperwork and sending it to the government. Lord willing, we won't have any difficulties.
]]>Blog 20222022-05-27T14:35:33-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/841e5de44ad007015efa4b888525c8b4-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/841e5de44ad007015efa4b888525c8b4-21.html#unique-entry-id-21

Plans never seem to go as I would expect, but that's life in rural Ecuador. Last Thursday with the teachers, we had talked about beginning classes with the story of Abraham when he had to sacrifice his son. When I asked this Thursday how the classes went, Dani told me he had given an introduction to the Bible, beginning with the Creation. Not what I had planned, but I appreciate his initiative and respect his decisions. After all, he's on site and knows the folks better than I do. I asked Jenny, the children's teacher, how the class went. She responded, "I only had one child show up." Actually, it's fun to be flexible. I'm not so concerned that we follow a set plan or not. The goal is to teach the adults and the children. As long as they eventually learn, we're good. ]]>Blog 20222022-05-20T09:00:47-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/d76b601f94d01f5c33f9c93f47527876-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/d76b601f94d01f5c33f9c93f47527876-20.html#unique-entry-id-20

Now, every Thursday night, I'm meeting with Danilo and two girls who are going to teach the adults, youth, and children at the church in the community of San Francisco, near Riobamba. After teaching children on Zoom for one year, now I have the challenge of teaching teachers. Lord willing, we're going to study an overview of the bible. The real challenge is to learn what their gifts are and what the class dynamic is going to be like. This Sunday they will hold the first class, and next Thursday we will have an evaluation time and then plan for the next week. ]]>Blog 20222022-05-09T12:05:55-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/b1011786acf7c32f233a9441201a20c7-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/b1011786acf7c32f233a9441201a20c7-19.html#unique-entry-id-19

Back in 2014, I had begun Bible classes with the folks at Capulispungo. We decided to act out some of the Old Testament stories. Here in their old sanctuary, the whole church participated in "David and Goliath," (as well as a couple of other skits). Recently one of the members, now living in Quito, pulled up the video from where I had placed it on YouTube and shared it on the church's Whatsapp. (He's the one in the green skirt.) Brings back many memories. At the time I couldn't understand any of the Quichua, but now I can catch a few words and phrases.

To see the video click: here
]]>Blog 20222022-05-02T11:13:06-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/d44eabda5f6ea9b8f0ee24002f5a6451-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/d44eabda5f6ea9b8f0ee24002f5a6451-18.html#unique-entry-id-18

Danilo (a youth leader in "Shobol Llinllin") is in charge of the Christian Education program in this country church in "San Francisco." He invited us to attend the Sunday service and give the message so we could meet the members and work with Danilo in developing a program designed for them. For the message I used some visuals which work well in these country churches. Afterwards we met with the leaders to discuss a new schedule for the classes. Danilo and I are going to work together on Wednesday nights via Zoom to develop teaching materials. We pray for wisdom.


]]>Blog 20222022-04-25T15:50:24-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/abac840dc3f2b6039e3bcc87c8591153-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/abac840dc3f2b6039e3bcc87c8591153-17.html#unique-entry-id-17

So, thankfully, we're back on the road. Sunday, in Cachisagua, Ruben was ordained as pastor. Actually he's been functioning as pastor for many years, but didn't have the title. The Quichuas make it a BIG celebration. They rent a circle tent, invite everyone they can think of, hold the ceremony with all the bells and flowers, and then feed everyone! Quite an event! We hope and pray to continue to support Ruben in his ministry as pastor.

]]>Blog 20222022-04-20T11:18:51-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/459f6a805a1587c60ac6b5992aebfb3c-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/459f6a805a1587c60ac6b5992aebfb3c-15.html#unique-entry-id-15

Seems like the past weeks have demanded maintenance. First the car needed a change of injectors, coils and spark plugs. Then I had to get my driver's license renewed. Plus our health insurance raised our premiums 30%, and I began the process of finding a more suitable coverage. Now we're looking for a family doctor who can keep us in shape and who knows all of our health problems. Feels like we had to stop our ministry travels for a short time and do some maintenance. ]]>Blog 20222022-04-11T18:30:09-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a615a5359713cafa09da6bda69325097-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a615a5359713cafa09da6bda69325097-14.html#unique-entry-id-14

We hosted the Sunday school teachers from "Shobol Llinllin" this weekend. This was their first "retreat" as a group. We had thought they wanted workshops on teaching methods, but we soon realized that what they needed was orientation and counseling. Not only with this group, but with other churches, I'm finding that the real problem is not the teacher's preparation, but educating the pastors to understand the importance and priority of working with the children. One of this group's complaints was that the Sunday school program is last on the list of priorities in the church. Sad, but true, in many churches we know.

]]>Blog 20222022-04-03T22:40:09-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/c317f4bfc8b2840d52ab8320630a677e-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/c317f4bfc8b2840d52ab8320630a677e-13.html#unique-entry-id-13

This photo gives a summary of the course I taught every Wednesday afternoon for the past three months. (The whole course in Spanish is at www.iglesiasecuador.com ) My focus was The People of God and the Kingdom of God with an emphasis on "Identity." The idea of identity seemed to "cilck" with the students. One of the conclusions of my Ph.D. dissertation was that the indigenous folk need a theology of identity rather than our theology of doctrine. I am still working with that conclusion. Yet at the end of the course, the students asked me, "Do you have the book about the history of how the gospel first came to the indigenous people in Ecuador?" (I did.) So I'm working with the question of "Who are we as the people of God?" rather than our usual emphasis of "What do we believe?"
]]>Blog 20222022-03-28T21:55:54-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a968ccc2309e801b3a01b069c909cae8-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a968ccc2309e801b3a01b069c909cae8-12.html#unique-entry-id-12

From the same church where I"ve been teaching classes on Wednesday came the youth group for a weekend retreat. They held Bible studies and played games. Sunday morning they swam in the hot water pools here in El Tingo. To my surprise, three of the youth learned how to swim for the first time! Wow! I learned an important lesson as well. We heard at least three or four comments about us: "You're an ideal example of a happy marriage." Which confirms one of my thesis: What the church most needs today is examples of godly couples and stable homes. May God help us all!


]]>Blog 20222022-03-21T13:38:52-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/c2e2895fc7c1b7f7e94dcee23516cad4-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/c2e2895fc7c1b7f7e94dcee23516cad4-11.html#unique-entry-id-11

Sunday we visited the church where the children I teach on Saturday nights attend. The pastor said they had prepared a classroom for the kids, but it turned out to be a dark corner in the back of the neighbor's house. Not very suitable for a classroom. So we held the class outdoors, just behind the sanctuary wall. After the service we held a short meeting with the congregation to recruit teachers. Thankfully, three women volunteered. Now begins the process of helping the church organize Sunday bible classes for the kids. They still have a long way to go. Praying for wisdom.

]]>Blog 20222022-03-14T13:11:42-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/4001278b5323f19f376dd91bb2cf0b79-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/4001278b5323f19f376dd91bb2cf0b79-10.html#unique-entry-id-10

Sunday we returned to "Lirio" where we have offered to help with the children's program, particularly in training teachers. Not easy, because the couple who usually teach the children were absent. The pastor had asked us to give the message and recruit some new teachers. Still not easy. Not many are willing. We need to spend more time in the church. We can't recruit teachers in just one visit.




Saturday, in Riobamba, we gave a workshop for couples at the pastor's request. We had a good group. After switching between Faby and me for a couple of hours, we received many questions at the end. This church is only two blocks from our apartment. Hopefully we'll get invited back. We need to get to know the members better.


]]>Blog 20222022-03-07T20:35:50-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/e9cbe44a850775a79c9b48d4c6ac3e92-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/e9cbe44a850775a79c9b48d4c6ac3e92-9.html#unique-entry-id-9

The Saturday night Bible class continues. I had seven students this Saturday. Their church in Quito is now meeting for services on Sunday, and I'm wondering how long I should continue these classes. The church is about to equip a classroom for the kids, but they need teachers. Plus the kids may be too used to me as their teacher. We've been together for a year now. So it's going to be a process to get the kids used to classes at the church on Sunday. I may have to keep going for a while yet.]]>Blog 20222022-02-28T20:12:37-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/19c30d6ace9dabc619bcf2b6966dec8e-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/19c30d6ace9dabc619bcf2b6966dec8e-8.html#unique-entry-id-8

I don't get a lot of pictures of myself, but we had a couple with us this week, and they took some photos.
The top photo is a candid shot at the same church in the previous blog. They called me in from the kids class to accompany the church choir with the guitar.
In the bottom photo I am teaching my Saturday bible class to four kids. We are folding paper into a picture frame. Then we drew Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey.


]]>Blog 20222022-02-21T19:16:02-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/7ffbf52a2cd960582e23e14a09210139-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/7ffbf52a2cd960582e23e14a09210139-7.html#unique-entry-id-7

"What about the children?" That's the question I now ask when we visit a church. This Sunday we visited a country church near Riobamba with some missionary friends, Hiram and Janet. The church building looked more like a shack, but functioned very well for the small congregation. Even so they had another shack for the children. That impressed me. When the children left the service for their class, I went with them. The teacher explained that they didn't have any material for the children's class. Yet I had seen some pencils and crayons in the first shack. When I asked for some paper, a little girl who lives next door, ran home and returned with several sheets. So I taught them how to fold the paper to make a picture frame, and they drew and painted the story of Zacchaeus. The teachers still need help in planning and preparing the classes, but I'm glad they've made it a priority to have a classroom for the kids.

]]>Blog 20222022-02-17T20:48:36-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/68d3aad6f7e8e91055be3c273948fffb-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/68d3aad6f7e8e91055be3c273948fffb-6.html#unique-entry-id-6

In our Bible class on Wednesday, we are studying the Exile of the Israelites. I am probing the question of "Identity." When the Israelites were captives in Babylonia, how did they maintain their identity? The 10 tribes of the North disappeared in Assyria, but the exiles from Judah survived their captivity. The best answer is that God promised to David a continual remnant, but on the human level, it was their interest in the Scriptures that preserved their identity. Since the students are all migrants from the rural areas to the city, we talked about their identity as Quichuas. Will they preserve their identity or become like the rest? Some of the women still wear the traditional dress, but not all. The men no longer use ponchos. The younger generation doesn't speak nor understand the Quichua language. Do they still consider themselves Quichua? In Quito, they live scattered in different neighborhoods, and have to travel more than half an hour to get to the church, yet they still make an effort to attend. Wouldn't it be easier to find a church closer to their homes? Or do you still identify with this Quichua church as Christians since you all come from the same rural area? I hope to discuss in a future class the question: "How do we identify ourselves as Christians? What gives us our identity?"


]]>Blog 20222022-02-07T13:11:09-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/cef02bd370eaa127f2a74aba162e4341-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/cef02bd370eaa127f2a74aba162e4341-5.html#unique-entry-id-5

In Riobamba, in our building of 18 apartments, I have been the president for the past two and a half years. Normally we have elections every year, but because of the Pandemic we held off. So we finally held our "annual" assembly to elect a new committee. The result? No volunteers. The old committee continues for another year. "To serve or be served?" I see being president and serving the rest as a ministry and witness. Jesus came to serve. We follow his example. The treasurer wanted someone to replace her. She really does most of the work, collecting the dues and paying the bills. But she's willing to serve for another year. May God bless this ministry!]]>Blog 20222022-02-05T13:02:04-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/8de8aa431e101bf6f0e2eb98d556e462-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/8de8aa431e101bf6f0e2eb98d556e462-4.html#unique-entry-id-4

The son of a friend heard about our trip to "Lirio" to help with the children's program. He runs an office supply business, and wanted to be part of our ministry. So he donated a white board, plus some water paints. We made the trip just to give Maritza and her husband the materials. They were encouraged not just with the gifts, but also with the visit. They don't get many visits up on the mountain tops. (The classroom is behind the church, beside the kitchen.)

]]>Blog 20222022-01-27T11:29:48-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/b4c7d324ec10ad0ce474cea7dd56d7ff-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/b4c7d324ec10ad0ce474cea7dd56d7ff-3.html#unique-entry-id-3

Yesterday was our third class. The challenge of teaching is to figure out what your students are capable of learning. I'm finding they're at different levels. One woman is surprising me with her answers. My first impression was that she would be the most difficult to teach. The opposite is true. Others participate, and others remain silent. I hope to increase the level of the class, but I'm not sure if all the students will respond. It may take a few classes yet to figure out the best methods. Prov 3:5-6

]]>Blog 20222022-01-16T20:35:07-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a7889d679a9161092647b72add288d66-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/a7889d679a9161092647b72add288d66-2.html#unique-entry-id-2

One month ago we visited the community "Lirio" to donate two tables for the children's classroom. We promised to return to help the teacher with new ideas. So this Saturday we made it back to meet with Maritza and her husband. Just to get a feel for her planning, I asked, "What are you planning to teach tomorrow to the kids?" Her answer: "I'm going to prepare the class this afternoon." As I thought, she didn't have a plan. So we worked together to form a six-month program. She does well with songs and bible verses, but she hadn't experience with games and crafts. Here in the photo, I gave her some ideas for universal crafts: paper folding that can be used to draw any lesson. She really appreciated the help. We hope to find some more teachers since she and her husband handle 30 kids in one classroom.


This photo shows the community "Lirio" as we are driving up mountains toward it. I added the arrow, because you can barely make it out on the mountain top.



Sunday, we visited another community "San Isidro" on another mountain top.The plan was just to stop in and observe their program for the kids. As usually happens, I had prepared a class for the kids, just in case, but they asked me to give the message. Turns out, they don't have a kids program for only 4 kids. So I used my kids lesson for the adults! We made a small book from one sheet of paper and wrote down the three promises God made to Abraham and their fulfillment. The adults loved it! And invited us back to do some more teaching.

]]>Blog 20222022-01-13T20:34:01-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/98ede6de0a5d1dd6972e8fb81b8f7678-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/98ede6de0a5d1dd6972e8fb81b8f7678-1.html#unique-entry-id-1

Monday, I received a call from Sergio (a former seminary student of mine, and his church used our house for a retreat back in December). Their church is starting a bible institute and they need a teacher for this Wednesday! "What's the subject?" "Intro to the Bible." I jumped in. After the class I learned they want me to teach every week for the next three months. What a privilege! And I thought our ministry was winding down with the Pandemic! "Trust in the Lord."

]]>Blog 20222022-01-03T16:18:58-05:00http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/0b87e242080457711750a502c48eab0d-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.alangordon.org/blog-5/files/0b87e242080457711750a502c48eab0d-0.html#unique-entry-id-0

We enter the third year of the Pandemic. Where will this year lead us? I don't know. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" Prov 3:5. In the past two years, we have lost all our regular activities with the communities. We gained a new ministry with the migrant kids from Capulispungo. We have received many groups in our home for services and retreats, but none on a regular basis. We have kept in touch by phone with most of the pastors. The New Year begins. We continue to trust in the Lord for His direction.]]>