January 2026
Still connected
26/01/26 12:03
So far and yet so near. We don't visit the communities anymore, but we're still connected. This family is originally from "Cachisagua." Jefferson (on the right) lived (until he recently got married) with his aunt ( on the left) and his uncle and cousin. (Jefferson's wife is on his right.) They all live near us in Quito. Jefferson is still connected to the youth in "Cachisagua" (four hour drive from here) and he came to see if we can set up a retreat in our house for the youth sometime in March. It took a bit of dialogue and discussion to determine their need and a theme for the retreat, but we decided to dwell on "vocation." How to serve the Lord with one's life. I've known Jefferson for many years and now I'm impressed by his spiritual maturity. His goal for this retreat is to inject the youth with eagerness to know and serve the Lord. God grant us wisdom!
Hospitality
24/01/26 19:19
This week I witnessed some fruit of our labors. Pastor Gregory called me from his community "Pull Grande" which is behind "Capulispungo" where I spent many years teaching the Bible to pastors. One of those was Gregory. He called me Sunday for help. He's losing his hearing. Could i set up a doctor's appointment with a specialist? I agreed. Part of the deal was making the appointment. The other part was picking him up on the south side of Quito, taking him to lunch and then to the doctor's office, bringing him to our home, and putting him up for the night with his grandson. Two other grandchildren joined us for lunch, the doctor's appointment, and then some time together at our house. On top of that, our car broke down when we arrived at the restaurant. I was glad to see him and catch up on some news in their communities. In the end, he needs hearing aids, or he'll keep losing his hearing.
Serving and praying
24/01/26 18:49
But in the end, they didn't listen. Marcelo offered a better product, but they didn't even consider it! My opinion is that they still don't trust us. So they went with their contact. This morning, Orlando sent out a message on Whatspp, "The technician is coming in one hour. We need some folks to be there when he comes." I was the first and the last. Ten hours of sticking around and helping. A couple of others came and went, but I was the main contact, especially since he installed the DVR (digital video recorder) in our house. Serving the community, and still praying for the fruit. I did build a couple of friendships with two on our street, so the time was well invested.
Not now, later.
15/01/26 09:18
Months ago, thieves dismantled a car right on our street. The neighbors reacted, "We need to install cameras and an alarm to prevent this from happening again!" God wants us to be generous and to serve, so the very next day I installed a camera and a siren, both controlled by internet through anyone's cellphone. I let the neighborhood know, but no one paid attention or wanted to use the technology. I was stumped, but let it go. Although I did let them know that Marcelo, who lives with us, installs security systems and we even sent out a proposal. No reaction. After months of begging neighbors to contribute a fee, the neighborhood has funds and yesterday a technician came for an inspection. I was the first to meet him on the street and listen to his proposal. Marcelo came with me. Then a few more neighbors showed up. With tact, we listened to all the technical details. The neighbors said, "Ok, we'll let you know." He left. Then I gathered the few and said, " Marcelo can do it for less." Good timing. They listened now, when they didn't listen before. The complexity of community service. God's timing. God's way.
Hospitality
06/01/26 11:33
"Practice hospitality" Romans 12:13 We built our new house with this in mind. We have five different areas for hospitality: living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, and bedroom. Yes, even the bedroom has sofa and chairs! When Faby is feeling well and we have few visitors, we eat together in the kitchen. When Faby isn't feeling well and stays in bed, we can even have a cup of tea in the bedroom, as we did after the Tuesday night Bible study.
