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The Stark Reality

Alan Gordon — 2018-12-31T10:27:49-05:00

Every day I learn more about the Quichua communities and the dilemmas they are facing. These two photos represent two of those crisis.

In Capulispungo, on Saturday, the pastor and deacons were meeting to discuss plans for the church for the new year. They were talking about ordaining two pastors, building a new platform for the sanctuary, and a discipleship program for the church leaders. But the reality is that many church members are moving to the cities, and church membership is declining. They need economic projects that will keep them in their community.

Sunday we visited Cachisagua for a wedding. A young couple took their marriage vows to begin a new life together. All looks well. The reality? Many Quichua youth finish high school, marry, and move to the city. Neither he nor she have a more than a high school education. Neither will earn more than minimum wage the rest of their lives. The youth need to get a good education BEFORE they marry. I continually encourage those who are still single to strive for a college degree before marrying.

Merry Christmas!

Alan Gordon — 2018-12-25T14:20:27-05:00

A Time for Everything

Alan Gordon — 2018-12-17T18:16:41-05:00

And this was a time for house cleaning! I cleaned out my file cabinet. Lots of old papers that aren't relevant anymore, plus papers that I scanned onto my computer into the digital age.

A young couple we are discipling visited us this weekend just to help us clean out a couple of storerooms. A time for cleaning and a time for discipleship. A time for everything.

Weekend in Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2018-12-10T17:24:32-05:00

Someone will always ask the question: "What's a typical day for you?" They don't realize that "the typical day" doesn't exist. But I can answer what this weekend was like. Saturday we drove 1 hour to Capulispungo for the FLET bible study program, level 2. I met with 7 students from 9 til 1, going over six lessons on the book of Jeremiah. We broke for lunch from 1 to 2 pm, and met for another 2 hours to finish the lessons. Then we drove 1 hour back to Riobamba to rest.
Sunday we returned to Capulispungo, along with two passengers Walter and David who live in Riobamba but return to Capulispungo every weekend. I had 6 students for FLET level 1. Our class is only one hour, as they meet every week. We finished at 11 am, and I helped Faby set up her class for the children at 11:30, played my accordion for a couple of songs, and then started a movie on Joseph for them to watch. As they watched the movie, I met with Neicer, a young boy, who's in FLET level 2, but can't meet any more on Saturdays with the group, because the high school is holding work days every Saturday. So I agreed to meet with him on Sunday during the church service. Faby and I finished about the same time at 1:30 pm. Then we all went up to the second floor to catch the end of the service for the music specials. The kids sang the song they practiced, led by Faby, and accompanied by my accordion. Then the church invited us for lunch in their dining room. We finished around three, and returned to Riobamba.
Is that a typical day? Maybe a typical weekend.

The Real Situation

Alan Gordon — 2018-12-03T18:09:02-05:00

This weekend we visited both communities, Sablog and Cachisagua, to continue with the FLET bible study. In both, the study was cancelled. In Sablog, because they need to renew their commitment to the study, and in Cachisagua, because they had travelled to Quito the night before for a vigil, and they were all dead tired.
But I'm learning that the informal times can be just as profitable as the formal times. Even thought we didn't have "class," I've learned to spend time developing conversations.
And I learned something very important that I didn't realize before. During the week, few men stay in the community. Most of them spend Monday through Friday working in the city, and come home on weekends. They are thoroughly connected to the city, although they would prefer to spend most of their time in the countryside. On our way back to Riobamba I confirmed this with two other communities. In Herrerías, they all congregate on Sunday for church, and then return to the city to work. We picked up a woman returning to Riobamba from her community Pungul. She still has land and animals there, but lives and works in Riobamba. Where would she prefer to be? In her community.
What is the future of the communities and their churches? I don't know. But we continue to go where God leads.

Thanksgiving with family

Alan Gordon — 2018-11-27T00:17:08-05:00

We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Thanksgiving dinner at my brother's home in Northern Virginia.

Celebrating my birthday along with my niece AJ.

Enjoying time with next generation (nieces and nephews).

AJ and Abby got lots of practice speaking Spanish with Aunt Faby.

The snowstorm surprised everyone! We hadn't seen it snow in years!

We spoke to a class at Fourth Presbyterian Church.

The four Gordon brothers playing Siamese Chess at Thanksgiving. (A Gordon tradition.)

We were able to spend lots of time with our mom.

God is good and He is faithful! Lam 3:23 1 Cor 1:9

Report of August Trip

Alan Gordon — 2018-11-21T08:46:19-05:00

Thanks to Mark Moran for this writeup of the trip they made from Fourth Pres to Ecuador in August. We look forward to another trip next year!

In USA with family

Alan Gordon — 2018-11-15T19:22:58-05:00

Always a joy to visit family in Washington DC. Staying with my brother Norman in Germantown, MD, and visiting my mom with my cousin Sandra.
Haven't seen it snow for years!

First Music

Alan Gordon — 2018-11-05T21:58:47-05:00

We only enter a community that invites us. Do they invite us to teach the Bible? Actually it hasn't worked that way. In every case we have been invited first to teach some music. Then after a few music workshops, (and participating in some worship services), they say they want to train their leaders. That's when we begin the Bible courses. Saturday, we continued in Cachisagua. They are about to finish book #2 of FLET. But it all began with Ruben (at right in photo) because we hit it off with the accordion. Actually, he taught me how to play their music on the accordion. Sunday, we visited a community near Cachisagua called Herrerias. We have been visiting them often to participate in their worship services, yet, again, it all began with music. Here we are teaching guitar to some of the youth, but at the same time, we are encouraging them to begin the Bible FLET program.

Where do the potatoes go?

Alan Gordon — 2018-10-29T20:13:52-05:00

We made a 4 hour trip to Guayaquil to see the other end of our project "Nucanchik." We followed Luis and Juan Carlos to a few of the places where they are marketing the produce from the Chimborazo Province. Some are pastors who not only have churches in this poor section of Guayaquil, but who are also developing other projects such as a feeding center for children. We learned later that we had traversed one of the more dangerous parts of the city, but God is protecting Luis and others and using them in this ministry.

Ecuadorian Survival Quiz

Alan Gordon — 2018-10-22T09:41:24-05:00

I made up this quiz based on this week's frustrating experience:

You’ve registered your pickup every year for the past 25 years. Thirty years ago it was modified from single cabin to double cabin. Last year they passed a law that any vehicle that has been modified cannot pass inspection without a “certificate of authorization.”

Which is the best option:

a. Trash your pickup.
b. Spend days going from office to office trying to find someone who can tell you where to get a “certificate of authorization.”
c. Bribe an inspector to pass your truck.
d. Go for inspection to another city where they don’t care/know what the law says.

Your answer?

I'll need an answer within a couple of weeks.

Bible Study and Potatoes

Alan Gordon — 2018-10-15T21:07:16-05:00

So how do we make the connection between bible study and potatoes? Does the time in the Word of God make a difference in how Luis Ortiz sows, reaps, and sells potatoes? To me, the two worlds seem miles apart. Yet they shouldn't be. A bible study developed with a Western worldview, and a brother in Christ who lives in the Andes Mountains manually producing potatoes and selling them in the market for the going price. I think Jesus' teaching was more in line with Luis' worldview. I would like very much to break out of the Western worldview and be able to see our world as Luis sees it.

New math

Alan Gordon — 2018-10-08T12:31:46-05:00

I am reminded of this formula which was proposed when I was in seminary: 1 + 1 = 3.

Forget about your math for a moment, and think about how we study something. Scientific analysis tells us to first take it apart and study the parts. Then science assumes that after putting it back together, we will understand how it works. That may work with a watch or computer source code, but it doesn’t work with people. You may know every person in a group, but as a group their behavior is totally different. You cannot predict group behavior based on individual personalities. The whole is different from the sum of the parts. It goes beyond the sum of the parts. Thus 1 + 1 = 3.

I find many bible studies use the same process. In order to understand the bible passage, we take the passage apart, verse by verse, and assume that in studying the parts, we will understand the whole. But I think we miss the beauty of the forrest by trying to study the trees. And in a bible passage we may miss the impact of the message by getting lost in the verses.

Who taught me this? The Quichua Indians did as we worked our way through the bible study book. Their confusion in answering some of the questions makes me more aware that their worldview is very different from the western worldview. This Saturday in the community of Sablog, I was consciously aware that the bible study was forcing us to dissect the Lord’s prayer into pieces. Why do we do that? Are we not missing the beauty of the prayer itself? Do we have to tear it into pieces in order for it to make sense? Who ever divided a poem into sections and put a title over each one? Is not the beauty of a poem in reading it out loud and enjoying its colors?

What would happen if we read entire bible passages in order to enjoy their beauty and absorb their messages without having to rip them apart into three point sermons? (Watch out! It could change our theology! We might begin to understand God in a new way.)

New Member in the Family

Alan Gordon — 2018-10-01T08:53:53-05:00

We are thoroughly enjoying the latest addition to our family. Her name is "Bellita." Three months old and growing. Faby enjoys her company.

God's Timing

Alan Gordon — 2018-09-24T15:26:17-05:00

Sunday we finished the workshop we began six weeks ago on health in Sablog. I explained physical and spiritual health, and Faby expounded on "marriage health." I appreciated the pastor re-explaining the material in Quichua. Although everyone speaks Spanish, the older folks understand better when they hear it in Quichua. We've been visiting this community for several years, and a few members are studying in the FLET bible program. We would like to begin a socio-economic project here, but we have to wait for God's timing.

Who's right?

Alan Gordon — 2018-09-17T11:50:46-05:00

So we're going over the answers to the questions in the FLET bible study, when suddenly, everyone gives the same answer to one of the questions, and my answer is completely different! Do I tell them they're "wrong?" No! Rather, I change MY answer. Why? Because if all of them understand the question in a particular way, then their answer corresponds to their way of thinking. And the beauty is that all of us recognize this difference. Saturday we began a wonderful discussion of the Quichua worldview versus the Western worldview. "Began" is the right word, because we couldn't even yet identify the two worldviews. But they are very conscious that Western theology doesn't fit their worldview. They feel huge differences. We ended up talking about some of their traditions. Not practiced by Christians, but still held by some folk. One is the tradition of "cleansing the house" after someone has died, so that the spirit of the dead will not return to the house. The question arose, "Even if we Christians are not affected by spirits, how do we help a non-Christian who believes in spirits?" I couldn't find an answer to that in our systematic theology. They are the ones most suited to answering that question. My task is to give them the tools to do so.

Thoughts about "Worldview"

Alan Gordon — 2018-09-10T08:18:25-05:00

"Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.” Numbers 22:6

Today we laugh at curses and blessings by a god. Because science has taught us to rely on knowledge and technology, and to ignore the spiritual world.
Thus education has replaced the church.

Salt of the Earth

Alan Gordon — 2018-09-03T20:11:58-05:00

One of the lessons in the FLET program describes how to prepare a biblical message. Saturday in Sablog, with three eager students, we went over the process and came up with the following from Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth.”

EXPLAIN THE BIBLE PASSAGE:
Fishermen, like Peter, would use salt to preserve fish, so that it wouldn’t spoil.

GIVE EXAMPLES IN DAILY LIFE:
In the mountains, what do we do to preserve potatoes, so that they won’t spoil? Keep them dry and fresh. What do we do to preserve milk? Boil it or make it into cheese. What about lima beans? Keep them fresh and dry.

APPLY THE PASSAGE TO OUR LIVES:
What do we do to preserve our youth to keep them from spoiling?
How is the church serving in the community to keep it from going bad?
It’s going to take a while to answer those questions.

Can you prove it?

Alan Gordon — 2018-08-27T19:12:30-05:00

Can you prove the existence of God? NO!
Can you prove the law of gravity? NO!
But we understand that gravity moves objects.
And we understand that God moves people.
That's why we serve in Ecuador among the Quichua.
(For more details of "the proof" see my father's article written in 1997: "Scientific Facts and Religious Beliefs" )

Real Progress!

Alan Gordon — 2018-08-20T17:37:19-05:00

One way to measure progress among the students is to give an exam to "see how much they've learned." Ten students in Capulispungo took an exam for the second book of level two in the FLET bible course. And they did fairly well. All of them passed to the third book. This is one type of "progress." But I was pleased to see something else going on. During the lunch break, I went outside to find them in a group discussing the question: "When did human philosophy start?" Since this unit is on Genesis, they had the idea of "beginnings." The book doesn't discuss "human philosophy," but they were developing original questions. For me, this is progress. They can come up with new ideas. Then they began to mull over the idea of God and man wrestling together (Jacob and the angel), and the man winning! Wow! A man "beat" God. I'm not so concerned about their answers at this point, but I admire that they are formulating their own questions. Now THAT is progress!

Get involved!

Alan Gordon — 2018-08-14T10:46:06-05:00

We enjoyed the visit from Fourth Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. of Melody Istrati, Matilde Palmer, Caitlyn Muteru, John Moran, and Mark Moran. We visited three Quichua communities: Capulispungo, Cachisagua, and Sablog, leading workshops on physical and spiritual health, and participating in a special program for children. They enjoyed getting involved with the people. An unforgettable experience!

IN CAPULISPUNGO:

IN CACHISAGUA:

IN SABLOG:

A special service at a Quichua church in Riobamba:

A little of everything.

Alan Gordon — 2018-08-07T20:38:13-05:00

On Sunday, we were the godparents of the newlyweds. Pati was a student of mine in the seminary "Semila."

And we escaped from the wedding to drive to Cachisagua to rehearse with the kids and adults for our program next Sunday.

Saturday, I held a very productive meeting for FLET in Sablog, even though I only had three students. We reviewed some basic techniques for bible study, and since I could give them personal attention, they learned fast. Wonderful to have such eager students!

Never know what kind of photo you can take while driving. This one came out pretty well.

Change your plans!

Alan Gordon — 2018-07-30T20:13:07-05:00

We arrive Sunday 9:30am at Cachisagua. We have prepared a couple of days for our meetings: 9am - 11am planning for the VBS program two weeks away; 11am - 1pm scheduled monthly meeting for the FLET bible study. As soon as we arrived the pastor, Ruben, tells us, “We can’t have the meetings. First of all, a member of the community passed away this morning at 5am and we have to help with the funeral. Plus, two church members are celebrating their high school graduations, at different homes!”

How would you react? If I had just arrived from the US, I would have flipped. But after working in the community for many years now, my reaction was, “Fine. What do you want us to do?” Mentally, I cancelled all our plans, and joined in the action. First we visited the home of Mayra, one of the high school graduates, and helped set up chairs and install the sound system. Beside the house, some women were cooking up lunch.

After about half an hour, the program started. A pastor from somewhere moderated with a natural, casual manner. First an opening prayer, and then some singing. He had a great voice. Rare in these parts. Of course, the international speaker, (Ha!), me, gets asked to give the message. Since we had attended another graduation in Capulispungo a week before, I just gave the same message.

The second half of the program contained words from the family, friends, pastor, plus special music from anyone who wanted to participate. Then folks formed a line to congratulate Mayra. In this culture, when you “congratulate” someone, it is with a gift or some money. Finally, the graduate shared her thoughts and thanks. We held a special prayer for her, and ended around 12:30pm. Abundant food followed as usual and always in these events.

At 1:00 we left for another house, where Luis was celebrating his graduation. They had already finished the program and were handing out the food. I wasn't very excited about repeating lunch, but many of the others, who had attended Mayra’s celebration, were already there enjoying a second lunch.

After all, we did hold our planning program at 2:30pm in the church. (The FLET meeting was obviously postponed for another date.) We are helping them learn how to plan and execute a program for children, which included singing, games, puppets, and drama. The VBS date is in two weeks. We’ll see how they do, but what’s important is how they are eager to learn.

I’m learning to be flexible, and not get bent out of shape when things don’t happen as planned. Trust God, and let Him do His work in His time.

(We left for home at 5pm. They still were planning to attend the funeral that night. Wow!)

Family Reunion

Alan Gordon — 2018-07-23T19:07:01-05:00

We celebrated a wonderful family reunion in our home in El Tingo with food and games!

Playing uno.

"Cross four"

Modern day "charades" with an iphone.

"Spoons"

And of course "Ping-pong" round robin style.

Understanding questions

Alan Gordon — 2018-07-16T21:37:42-05:00

I left a couple of reference books on the table. When I returned to the classroom, they were looking up a map, in one of the books, to see where Noah's ark had come to rest. I consider that success! When students begin to investigate on their own. We've been together four years now in Capulispungo. They are now in the FLET program at the second level. We had a good class! We are now able to discuss issues and draw conclusions together. One student, Manuel Lema, is always asking questions. I like that. When we first started, no one would ask anything. Now we spend most of the class time working on questions. We went over Genesis 1-11. My challenge is not to explain, but to get them to understand. Again, success! They understood that Genesis 1-11 was not written to explain everything and answer all our questions, but it was written to answer very specific questions at the time. Questions like: "Where did we come from?" "Why is there evil in the world?" "Why are there so many different languages?" "How did the human race survive the flood?" etc.

And to finish off the day, after talking about Noah, the flood, and God's promise, we witnessed a full rainbow in the afternoon!

"Zapatero a tus zapatos"

Alan Gordon — 2018-07-09T12:10:11-05:00

So what's a good translation for "Zapatero a tus zapatos?" We use the phrase often in Spanish. The literal translations is "A shoemaker should make shoes." A dynamic translation might be "Stick to what you know."

Last year, for my father's funeral, I spent some time with my brother Dubside, for whom I credit the following. He's spent a good deal of time with the Greenland folk, a very different culture, learning and teaching kayak rolling. As far as teaching in another culture he shared three points: 1) Are you an expert in the field? 2) Do you understand their context? and 3) Are they asking you for help?

I find those points very relevant to our work with the Quichua. Number one, we are discovering that you should stick to what you know. "Zapatero a tus zapatos." Faby and I have lots of experience and knowledge in teaching the Bible and working with churches. So that's what we do. We enjoy it and do it well. In the photos we are: 1) teaching the Bible FLET program in Sablog; 2) preparing Sunday school teachers in Cachisagua; and 3) again working with FLET in Cachisagua.

Do we understand their context? That's a continual process, but I think we have made great progress. Each time we hold a class or workshop, we are not only the teachers, but students as well, continually learning from them: how they think, how they live, what are their real needs.

As for the third point, we only go where we are invited. Thankfully, we have more invitations than we can handle. But still, we don't just visit a community because we want to go there. We wait until a friend or contact invites us to come and help them.

After years spent in the communities, we are discovering another of their needs: sources of income. The majority are looking for work in the cities, because small agriculture is no longer profitable. To stay in their communities, they need to produce and sell in a completely different way. Sadly, this is not our forte. "Zapateros a tus zapatos." But Luis Moya, who is part of our Foundation, works in this area. So we are looking to him to help in this area. We could use more like him.

Usually we interpret and apply "The harvest is plentiful" to winning souls for Christ. In our case I apply it to the great need the Quichuas have for learning how to survive in a new world. There is much to do to help them. We could use more help.

Experiencing Ecuador

Alan Gordon — 2018-07-02T08:42:39-05:00

Our two nieces, Abby and Liza, travelled with us their second week here, and enjoyed the beauty of Ecuador: good food, lizards at the beach, and butterflies in Mindo. We ended the week with a youth retreat in Ambato, held in a local park.

Nieces in Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2018-06-25T08:41:29-05:00

Abby and Liza, our nieces, came for a two week visit, and spent their first weekend in a youth retreat in Capulispungo.

Doing theology in Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2018-06-18T23:05:26-05:00

Manuel asked the question, "Where was the cloud in the desert?" That started a discussion about God and clouds. I formulated new questions: "Can God represent himself as a cloud?" "Where in the bible did God reveal himself in a cloud?" That led to a discussion about God controlling natural phenomena. What I admired the most was that the best questions came from the student with the least formal education. My theory is that the best persons for doing indigenous theology are those least influenced by western theology. Then we discussed their worldview: "Do they see God controlling their crops, from sowing to reaping?" Of course they gave a positive answer. Then I asked, "Do your worship services (your liturgy) reflect your rural, agricultural life?" The answer was negative. The rest we left for a future discussion, but the seed was planted. Some day they need to develop a theology that fits their worldview.

Question for thought: as Faby leads a Sunday school class for children, what worldview will they develop as they grow up in a changing and migrating world?

Starting a new project

Alan Gordon — 2018-06-11T20:45:18-05:00

We've learned over the years that churches want workshops and conferences, but that these don't give lasting results. So we've opted to work on developing projects. These are harder to start, because the church has to understand that a project involves commitment to a series of workshops, to homework, to faithful attendance, and to putting what they learn into practice in the church. So this Sunday Faby talked with the teachers of the Sunday school about training them over a period of time. Ten people attended, but at the end when we asked how many would commit themselves to the project, only six said, "yes." But that's a good start. Our plan is to visit Cachisagua once a month. Alan leads the bible program FLET, and at the same time Faby will work with teachers. God is teaching us as well as teaching them.

More than FLET

Alan Gordon — 2018-06-04T13:52:52-05:00

Again, there were only five students on Saturday for the FLET bible program. But I discovered something more. Beside the church, in a small brick “house” (if you can call it that), I have often heard machinery at work. So on this visit, I decided to investigate.

I found a woman and a young man running a large, industrial loom. Pretty impressive! Who would imagine something like that in the rural mountains! (I didn’t take a picture out of respect, since I had never met them before, and they didn’t know me.) The woman then showed me three more machines! Wow!

After our bible study, I returned to meet the woman’s husband, and we talked a while about his industry. Over the years he has developed this business of buying thread and weaving fabric on his machines. He explained to me the process of weaving the fabric, then cleaning off the lint, then ironing and folding it.

As we talked, three of them, he and his wife and daughter, were feeding the cloth into a very simple iron press. He hopes to save enough money to buy a more modern press for ironing the cloth. He would like to buy more modern looms, but the cost is way beyond his possibilities. (Who or what bank would lend him twenty thousand?)

But I learned something that shocked me. I asked him, “So are you preparing your heirs for when they take over this great business?” He answered, “Only one son, helping me here, is interested in making and selling fabric. The other two prefer to carry sacks of potatoes at the market.” I grieved. Two sons with no desire to improve their lives. At least one wants to stay out of poverty.

I remember Ephesians 4:23 - “to be made new in the attitude of your minds.” The change begins there, whether it’s weaving fabric or studying the bible. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We all need a Christ-given vision for our lives.

Infant Dedication

Alan Gordon — 2018-05-28T20:32:45-05:00

We were privileged this Sunday to participate in the dedication of Luis' infant. Luis coordinates the FLET program in Sablog. He married about a year ago, and about a month ago asked me to dedicate his son to the Lord. His church in "San Isidro de Sablog" doesn't have a pastor. Luis is pretty much filling the role, but the church needed a pastor for the dedication. For me it's the first time I've dedicated an infant, but what a joy to do so! I was also surprised when they asked me to sign the official church register. Wow! They really make it official. Plus the celebration with choirs and, of course, a meal afterwards. Luis also does most of the teaching in the church. Lord willing, in the near future, he will be their pastor.

30 students in Capulispungo!

Alan Gordon — 2018-05-21T08:48:55-05:00

We now have 11 students on Saturday in Capulispungo for level 2 of FLET. This is the group that graduated last October and wants to continue their studies. We thank God that this group has finally been able to pull together again.
Since level 1 meets on Sunday, we stayed overnight in the church, and met with 19 students who are beginning their studies in this program.
God has been faithful and we continue to pray that the students will persevere through the program.

Level 2

Level 1

"CAPANVI" is born!

Alan Gordon — 2018-05-14T12:23:32-05:00

Saturday held a major event for the seven men from Capulispungo who are receiving training from our Foundation. They signed the papers to start their own company! This is their first practical step toward their goal. The next is to begin marketing. We are just as excited as they are!

("CAPANVI" stands for "Bread of Life Company" or in Spanish "Compañía Pan de Vida")

And the training workshops continue. Right afterwards, they met in our office to discuss an organizational chart for their new company and the responsibilities of each position.

To reach Cachisagua

Alan Gordon — 2018-05-07T16:26:49-05:00

The road to Cachisagua winds through the Andes mountains. (The community is on the furthest mountain on the left.)

The community lies right on the mountain side. Can you follow the winding road?

What seems like a few homes is really a whole community.

And here is where we hold our bible program "FLET." Fifteen students who work on their lessons at home and come to review.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)

In the Andes Mountains

Alan Gordon — 2018-05-07T16:20:56-05:00

This is where we go: into the heart of the Andes Mountains.

Looking across the way, the church is someone among the hills and sparse trees.

The church brings the community together.

And here is where the diligent study the Word of God. (Only a few, but the faithful.)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)

Men's Retreat

Alan Gordon — 2018-05-01T12:24:30-05:00

What a great change of pace for me! The church we've been involved in during past years invited me to a men's retreat. I led the music and shared about faithfulness in marriage. But the whole weekend was an adventure! The rain on Saturday caused landslides that prevented us from reaching our destination in Mera. We made it to Baños, and found a line of unmoving traffic. God reminded me of a retreat center in Baños. I investigated and they had room for us for that night. So half our retreat we celebrated in Baños, and the next day the road was cleared to make it to our planned retreat center in Mera. It felt good to be with other men and share together conferences, meals, jokes, and sports. They have a great ministry!

You've given us hope!

Alan Gordon — 2018-04-25T14:53:31-05:00

"Can you help us with our churches?" That's the question we always begin with, because the indigenous, rural churches are decreasing in number. The members are migrating to the cities looking for jobs. We met in Gabriel's home in Ambato, on our way to Quito. Gabriel is the brother of a student I taught in a seminary course four years ago in Guayaquil. He and his father, the pastor, are looking for help. We discussed typical church problems: lack of attendance, people are eager to begin something but soon lose interest, youth are looking for something else. But when we began to share our vision of helping the church prosper, not only spiritually, but also economically, the conversation changed tone. Once Gabriel grasped the vision of working together in a church-sponsored economic project, his reaction sums it all up in two statements: 1) "You've given us hope!" and 2) "We've always wanted a complete gospel that include both the spiritual and the physical."
We trust in God to complete the process that has just begun. First we need to "socialize" the idea by meeting with everyone interested to talk about their needs and our proposal. Afterwards we begin the process of planning and training. This is new for us too, but we are trusting God to lead us every step of the way. Proverbs 3:5-6.

Flet begins again in Capulispungo!

Alan Gordon — 2018-04-23T20:29:04-05:00

We graduated 12 students last October in Level 1 of the FLET bible program. It's taken a while, but waiting for God's timing, the church began Sunday another round of level 1 with 15 new students! They are eager to begin. So we handed out the books, and during this first session, explained how the course works and let them do lesson 1A in class. Actually, the younger students have the advantage because they are in high school, while the older folks didn't even finish high school, and what they did study was years ago. But old and young here are side by side, and we pray God's blessing on them for the next two years as they study the life of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew.

Their first "retreat."

Alan Gordon — 2018-04-16T20:38:56-05:00

Danilo is the youth leader in this community called "Shobol Llinllin." He and a few others had attended a youth retreat we led in Cachisagua back in October. They wanted us to lead a similar youth retreat in their church. (Just Sunday.) They had never done a youth retreat in their church. Over the years I've learned not to try to do everything oneself. So we met with the youth leaders three times before the retreat to plan, and we were impressed! Danilo has a great team. They promoted the retreat, took care of the food, started and ended the meetings. We led the games, some music, and the workshops. The theme was "The three most important decisions in your life." Sixty-two youth attended. Half from other communities. We hope to do more with Danilo and his team. Lord willing.

Hanging Out

Alan Gordon — 2018-04-09T17:19:47-05:00

This weekend we visited Capulispungo on Saturday and Cachisagua on Sunday. I'm learning that often you get more accomplished during the informal times than during the formal meetings.

While Faby is working with the church deacons at Capulispungo, I had a great talk with the pastor. He was outside peeling potatoes for lunch. We discussed a bunch of issues, and made some future plans together.

Then Sunday we attended a wedding in Cachisagua. They wanted me to play the Wedding March, but I played it more often waiting for the couple to show up than for the actual wedding. Santiago spent some time sitting on the back of the car playing my accordion too.

Other than playing the accordion and leading a few songs, we just hung out with the rest during the wedding.

Two different groups

Alan Gordon — 2018-04-02T12:17:35-05:00

FLET - SABLOG

When I first arrived, only two men showed up. They were a bit reserved about the group: "This group is dwindling in number. Is there another group we can join?" In Capulispungo, the FLET group went through the same process: many sign up and begin, the group dwindles in number, but the few remain faithful. In time, others see that the group perseveres and continues, and then they want to become part of it." So we continued and had a great discussion. In two more sessions, they will finish the first book.

FLET - CACHISAGUA

This group is the opposite of Sablog: twelve students faithfully meeting, but not so faithfully completing the lessons. They were supposed to have completed up to lesson 8, but they were only on lesson 5. Yet the same principle applies: continue to be faithful. We enjoy the group, because they work well together, and hold a group spirit. Eph 4:2-3

Four in one

Alan Gordon — 2018-03-25T19:40:15-05:00

Four meetings in one weekend! Sometimes I think we need to slow down, but the satisfaction of being in the Lord's work keeps us going.

Friday, we met in our apartment with the youth leaders from "Shobol Llin Llin." They want us to lead a day retreat, and I wanted to have them participate in the planning and execution.

Saturday, we returned to "Pachancho" where we are teaching them music, which includes voice, rhythm, guitar, piano, and sound. Since their culture and their music is so different from ours, I struggle to figure out how best to teach them what they want to know. But I enjoy being a student as well as the teacher and continuing to learn from them.

That same Saturday afternoon, Luis was in the office with those from "Capulispungo" who are participating in the project "Nucanchik." I dropped in to see how they're doing and continue to learn about them and their way of thinking. They are discussing with a lawyer who works with us how to legally form an organization or business. We delight to see how they are understanding what's involved in the process.

Today, Sunday was a first visit to a new community: "Herrerias." We participated in the worship service with music and preaching. They want workshops on music, but we'll have to agree on a plan. We'll see.

God's leading

Alan Gordon — 2018-03-19T20:48:46-05:00

I wanted to visit the church youth group in preparation for a retreat we are planning with them for April. We were impressed with a group of 25 youth, practicing for a Sunday presentation with military discipline. After an hour and a half of rehearsal, they ended and we spoke for a while with the youth leaders. A man interrupted our meeting to say, "The leaders of the church would like to speak with you." We had no idea what they wanted. The church leaders were meeting at the same time as the youth, and they wanted to know who we were. The pastor already knew us, but no one else did. Luis and I shared with them our ministry with the Foundation. In the end, Luis took a good half hour to explain to them our project "Nucanchik." Another half hour of question followed. They are very interested in the project! This is how God is leading us in many communities. We start with bible, music, or youth and end up discussing a community, economic project. Prov. 16:3

All in a day's work

Alan Gordon — 2018-03-11T19:12:00-05:00

Sunday, Cachisagua. We are reviewing lessons 1-4 of FLET, and they are getting used to what it takes to make the habit of studying every day and keeping up with the lessons.

After the regular session, Luis told them about our project "Nuchanchik." They were VERY interested!

On the way back, we dropped in for a quick visit in a nearby community, just to say Hi! and coordinate our visit in two weeks. As we left, someone went back into their house and came out with a live chicken for us to take home! Very generous of them! They asked me, "Do you know how to peel a chicken?" (Did they really expect me to answer that?)

As far as birds go, on the way back through the mountains, a falcon perched nearby for a photo, but he flew away before my camera could get a good focus.

And the sun was at just the right angle for a good shot of Chimborazo. All in a day's work.

Life in the Community

Alan Gordon — 2018-03-04T15:52:58-05:00

We arrived Saturday to organize the Bible Program FLET for the church. As soon as we arrived the men took off to help the pastor with his cow that was giving birth. We waited two hours for them to return. When they did the cow had died. All their efforts to extract the calf were in vain. We ate the lunch that the women provided, and then they returned to butcher the cow and use the meat. So much for the meeting. That's life in the community!

Learning their reality

Alan Gordon — 2018-02-26T17:07:40-05:00

Saturday, Sablog community, FLET program: I asked this young boy if his father was coming to review with us lesson #5. His answer: "My father went to Quito to work." This is typical in many communities. They still live in their community homes, but migrate to the cities to look for temporary work, usually in construction.

On Sunday, we visited a new community called "Pachancho." The pastor has invited me to help them with music. I enjoy music and want to see the communities revive their folklore style, but the electronic piano and amplification are dominating their singing. I also see this as an opportunity to better understand how they think and learn, and adjust my teaching accordingly. This session I didn't use anything written, nor did I use the proyector. We played and practiced together, as I tried different combinations of instruments (two pianos and a guitar), and techniques. I learned a lot, and I think we made pretty good progress as to what works best for them.

The drive to Pachancho always offers beautiful views as we drive by Chimborazo.

Two Beginnings

Alan Gordon — 2018-02-18T20:29:25-05:00

The first beginning was our training session for the project "Nuchanchik" held in Capulispungo. Luis gave a great workshop to fourteen eager to learn Quichuas. He expounded on three aspects of a leader: priorities, sacrifice, and influence. They are eager to continue the next session in two weeks.

The other beginning was the wedding of a young couple. I have only performed two wedding before in my life, but this couple had come to us for counseling and so we had the privilege of presiding the ceremony. We pray and plan to continue our relationship with them in a discipleship process.

Teaching in Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2018-02-14T22:34:36-05:00

The church at Capulispungo is pretty well organized with its new Board of Deacons. They invited us to participate in their workshops during Carnival. We taught morning and afternoon both Monday and Tuesday. In the Quichua communities, Carnival is when the migrants return to visit their communities. So the church organizes special conferences for them. The new Board of Deacons was elected at the beginning of the year, and they are eager to include us in their plans for the coming two years. May God continue to guide and direct His work!

Patience in the process

Alan Gordon — 2018-02-05T12:44:25-05:00

It all starts with a visit to the community where we sit down and talk. In this case in a small neighborhood called, "San José de Barba," about a two hour drive north of Riobamba. Our friend José lives there. Most are small farmers with the same problem as in other communities: they are subject to low prices when they take their products to market. The goal is to unite resources, form a legal entity, and work together. So our Foundation offers them training to help them form their organization, and design a project. This first stage is just conversations, but we wait on the Lord and on them to agree to start the formal training.

Different stages of projects

Alan Gordon — 2018-01-29T13:02:49-05:00

CAPULISPUNGO - PROJECT "NUCANCHIK"

We have been talking with a group from Capulispungo for some time about training them how to start and run their own organization. This Saturday we signed a agreement in our office to start the process. The plan is meet every other Saturday for one year.

CACHISAGUA - PROJECT "FLET"

We have begun the two year bible study program in Cachisagua, and have 13 students in the process! They will meet every week, and we will visit them once a month.

FACUNDO VELA - PROJECT "NUCANCHIK"

We are in the initial stages of setting up a project in Facundo Vela, which is a small community 3 hours from Riobamba. We met with the pastor of the church on Monday, but not in his home town. We met with him in Ambato, only an hour away. He comes here every Monday to sell his produce. So our meeting took place right on the sidewalk!

Getting started

Alan Gordon — 2018-01-22T06:18:30-05:00

Even though we officially "started" FLET last week in Sablog, I still needed to go again this week to help them get organized. The same in Cachisagua (below). We are seeing the need to give training in how to organize an event, a program, or an organization.

We visited a new community "Pachancho." The pastor wants to form and train a folklore music group, which consists of guitars, charangos, and drum with no amplification. So we made a visit to evaluate the potential and possibilities. They have a great interest, but we still need to see a few of them who will dedicate the time on their own to learn to play an instrument.

Starting FLET

Alan Gordon — 2018-01-15T18:08:33-05:00

Praise God! A new community wants to begin the bible program "FLET" in their congregation! Actually the community ("Sablog") is not new to us. We gave a few workshops there three years ago, but we lost contact with them. They sought us out! Saturday we held a meeting to register the new students. Next Saturday we begin.

We were privileged to witness a beautiful rainbow as we left Sablog!

The next day, Sunday, the leaders from Cachisagua came to our apartment in Riobamba to make the final details to start FLET in their church as well.

Since I starting visiting Cachisagua a few years ago to give music workshops, we had to hold a small jam session after discussing FLET.

Discussing Projects

Alan Gordon — 2018-01-08T09:08:28-05:00

Saturday we visited Capulispungo with a good friend Patricio Vega to discuss with the church members possible projects.

After a brief meeting to get to know one another, we headed out to survey the town.

The town recently inaugurated a new water tank, but, to our surprise, not everyone has free access to the water.

That became a topic of much discussion. (And we still don't understand the reason.)

We hiked down to the stream that has plenty of water, but no pumping system to get it to the fields.

The lack of crops is not just a water problem, but also a problem of community coordination and of marketing.

Saturday, January 27th, Patricio and his wife will return with us to Capulispungo to continue discussing the problem and possible solutions.

Commit your plans to the Lord

Alan Gordon — 2018-01-02T14:42:43-05:00

We now live in Riobamba, but still have our house in El Tingo in Quito. Our first plan is to sell the house, so last week we had ceramic tile installed in the garage, dining room, and bedroom in the front house. Two weeks before we gave the front of the house a new coat of paint. We still want to fix a few things before putting the house up for sale. But also, a couple we know in El Tingo would like to rent the front house. We leave it in God's hands and in His timing. He knows best!

Elections at Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2017-12-25T19:29:46-05:00

Saturday in Capulispungo the church meet to prepare for elections on Sunday. Luis and I led a couple of workshops on leadership and service. Faby with Elizabeth and Pati directed a short Christmas program for the children. Every two years the church elects a new board of Deacons who work with the pastor in planning and coordinating the church activities. Much of our future participation depends on the new group that will be elected on Sunday. We pray for God's leading and direction for the church at Capulispungo. Romans 15:30

Learning about strawberries

Alan Gordon — 2017-12-18T14:56:51-05:00

A friend took us to her "garden." We learned a lot about Strawberries. I was surprised at the original investment. You have to clear the land, build the dirt mounds, install an irrigational system, cover the rows with plastic, and plant the seedlings. Once the plants begin to grow you have to spray, and prune regularly. I didn't think the investment was worth it, until I learned that you can harvest 20 bushels twice a week for a year and a half! Okay, now that adds up to some profit! I have a lot to learn about agriculture.

Before and after

Alan Gordon — 2017-12-11T15:47:20-05:00

At Capulispungo, I shared during the service about my father's life and testimony, and received condolencenses from the whole congregation.

But we were really there to talk to them about starting a project. You actually get a lot done before the service, talking with key people.

And then after the service holding a meeting to talk about details. We still hope to help them sell their products at a better price, but it's taking a while for them to get organized.

Honoring ancestors

Alan Gordon — 2017-12-06T14:38:17-05:00

One of the questions that arose during seminary was how to honor your ancestors. Some cultures pray to them, others worship them, others look to them for wisdom. Now that my father has gone to be with the Lord, the question has become very real for me. I found my answer in two perspectives: 1) remembering my father's life; and 2) following his example. To remember his life, I started a web page: www.garydgordon.com and hope to compile memories of my own, and well as memories of others. Plus photos,etc. To follow his example, I continue to read many of his writings to learn more about his thinking, and I continue to remember the times when we lived together at Oak Manor and how his service and words impacted my life. His will be a hard act to follow. Hebrews 12:1

The Reason for the Foundation

Alan Gordon — 2017-11-28T10:36:21-05:00

I finally witnessed it with my own eyes. Luis and I visited the local market near Capulispungo where the farmers, like Angel and Rosa, sell their products. I had always heard that they don't sell well, and I wanted to understand the problem firsthand. Luis and I asked at the market how much a sack of potatoes was selling for. The answer was, "Twelve dollars." We didn't expect to see anyone we knew, but in a few minutes we had a divine appointment with Angel and Rosa from Capulispungo. We found them selling three sacks of potatoes. Angel wasn't sure of the going price. We talked for a while and left them with their potatoes. A while later I met them again in the market and asked, "How much did you sell your potatoes for?" He answered, "Five dollars a sack." I couldn't believe that they sold them for five dollars, when, twenty feet away, they were selling for twelve. For now, I assume they just accept it as "that's the way it is." But it doesn't have to be that way. That's why we started the Foundation: to educate the farmers on how to market their products. It's going to take a lot of work and time, but I just can't stand around, watch, and do nothing. James 2:14-17

Treasure in heaven and on earth

Alan Gordon — 2017-11-20T15:13:22-05:00

We have been in the US for three weeks now. We arrived the night my father passed away. He had lived a full life of service to the Lord and was greeted at the door with the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Master!"

We have invested our time here with my mom, being here with the family and giving her support. She seems to be doing very well. We have helped clear out my father's office space: a total of 110 boxes of papers had to be checked, sorted, and recycled, as well as 35 boxes of books.

We found lots of treasures! Here is my sister, Carol, and my mom, enjoying the calendar where my parents recorded the day of her birth in 1967.

We continue

Alan Gordon — 2017-11-12T22:01:40-05:00

We continue as heirs of his example until we meet again in the Lord´s presence.

Gary Donald Gordon

Alan Gordon — 2017-11-07T06:00:44-05:00

May 28, 1928 - October 29, 2017

"Well done! Good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master."

Gary D. Gordon

Alan Gordon — 2017-10-30T04:10:00-05:00

Ten days ago my father had a heart problem: his mitral valve ripped. In the hospital his health rapidly declined and last night he went to be with the Lord. He left us a legacy of a life dedicated to serving the Lord in many ways. We'll see him again soon in heaven. (This photo was taken the day before he entered the hospital.)

Eleven graduate in Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2017-10-23T18:14:20-05:00

They were all smiles on Sunday, finally reaching their goal after two years of studies! We celebrated during the service with people coming from different communities to accompany their graduate. The National president of the FLET bible program drove four hours from Quito to participate in the ceremony which lasted three hours with speeches, music, and messages. The Quichua know how to celebrate!
Now we begin the planning process of deciding when to start level two of the FLET program. Looks like they will make the final decision and plans during their annual congregational meeting in December. We pray and wait. Psalm 27:13-14

Quichuas in Quito

Alan Gordon — 2017-10-16T18:23:04-05:00

We visited a Quichua church in Quito on Sunday. One tradition that isn't going to die out with the immigrants is the women's choir. Every church has one. And they perform in uniforms. The pastors, Geovany and Sandy, were students in a music program I taught several years ago. At that time they were single. I rejoice to see how God has brought them together and they are now serving the Lord, leading a church. The original purpose of our visit was to begin training teachers for the children, and to see what facilities they have. I slipped out of the service during the message and found the class was held outside, at night, with only chairs and no tables or materials. We hope to be able to coordinate some workshops with them in the future.

Quichua Festivals

Alan Gordon — 2017-10-09T17:52:38-05:00

A Quichua Community will hold every year or so a BIG festival. They rent a circus tent (no joke) and hold something like a tent meeting for a whole weekend. Evenings are filled with music and chorus competitions. During the day invited preachers teach seminars. Here in Cachisagua, where we have been working for around four years, they asked us to lead the youth for Saturday and Sunday. We took on the challenge, partly for the youth, and partly to maintain good relations with the community. (We are hoping to start a bible program, FLET, with them.) We prepared games, songs, and bible studies, which were well received. Actually we barely visited the main tent and its activities. I had requested the church building for our youth program. These festivals are a big deal for each community. They invited other communities from all over the country, and host around 1000 people!

Lose to Win

Alan Gordon — 2017-10-02T07:44:58-05:00

Sunday, I gave a message on the whole book of Philippians in the church in Quito where the young migrants from Capulispungo come together. I like to use pictures rather than bullet points, as the pictures communicate much better. The message: You have to lose in order to win. In chapter 3 of Philippians, Paul purposely lost all his Pharisee background in order to know Christ. And he ended up with a group of disciples. In chapter 2, Jesus gave up his heavenly position and identity, lost his life on the cross, and gained a family, the church, as well as his renewed glory in heaven. In chapter 1, Paul gave up his liberty, and was put in chains. As a result, he gained access to Rome, taught many more disciples, and wrote half of the new testament. The way of the cross is to lose your life in order to gain it.

Let them do it their way

Alan Gordon — 2017-09-25T16:04:23-05:00

We know what the problem is: they need a new Board of Deacons. They acknowledge that it needs to be changed. So why wait until December? Why not hold elections early? That was our question this Sunday as we attended the church service in Capulispungo. They had agreed to hold a general Assembly and give us an opportunity to speak to them. At the end of the service, they handed us the microphone and said, "It's all yours." (Ironic statement of the day.) We made a bunch of suggestions and comments, but in the end, they will hold elections as planned in December. We are still part of the process and very welcome in the church, but they have their way of doing things, and it's best to work with them in their way.

Projects

Alan Gordon — 2017-09-18T14:51:52-05:00

Friday, we made our second trip to an indigenous community in Cotopaxi (called "Shalala") that owns a great tourist spot next to a volcanic creator, but they haven't the know-how to run it. The president, (left in photo), has asked us to give them the training they need to manage the project. We visited. Luis talked with several of the members, and obtained a good idea of what is needed. The next step is to sit down with the leaders, plan the next steps, and make a formal agreement.

Saturday in Capulispungo, the students took their final exam. All of them passed! The graduation is set for October 22nd. And the question remains: "What's next?" They want to continue on to level 2, but there's a problem. The church Board of Deacons has fallen apart, and thus the church can't make a decision yet until they elect a new Board of Deacons in December. So we will wait on them until then.

Sunday, in Cachisagua, we attended the church service in the afternoon. The objective was to see how many people have signed up for the FLET Bible program. But, of course, if you attend the service, you end up leading the singing, plus giving the message. After the service, we discussed the bible program. Eight persons have signed up. Each received their material. With book in hand, other members could see exactly what the bible course was all about. So now we give the church members more time to sign up.

The Truth will set you Free.

Alan Gordon — 2017-09-11T23:32:54-05:00

Most people are used to a Foundation giving out money. We have to tell folks that our Foundation doesn't finance projects. We train people so they can manage on their own. Our philosophy is: "Give me a fish and I eat for a day; teach me to fish and I eat for lifetime." But it takes time for people to understand us. Friday a pastor visited us with a debt problem. One way of helping him would be to pay off his loan and have him pay us back without interest. But that doesn't teach him how to manage loans. Rather Luis did a financial analysis of his situation, and discovered that he had taken out a loan at 22% interest, when he could have taken out a loan at 7% interest. The first loan will kill him. He will never be able to pay it off. But by using another loan, he has the means to get out of debt. We give them the knowledge they need so they can solve their problems. That's the philosophy of our Foundation "Truth and Liberty." "The truth will set you free," John 8:32.

What's next?

Alan Gordon — 2017-09-05T13:35:41-05:00

This was our final class in Capulispungo in the two-year Bible Program "Flet." In two weeks they take the final exam. The graduation is planned for October 22nd. So what's next? That's the question I've been asking them for the past four months. They all agree that they should begin teaching others in the church, but the church is struggling with some internal organizational issues. Every two years they elect a new group of deacons who become the church board of directors. They are elected in a general assembly in December, but often the elections are rushed and the elect are not the ideal persons for the task. Pray for the church in Capulispungo that they will elect their deacons this coming year in an intelligent and God-inspired way, so that they can plan programs for the church.

God makes the calls

Alan Gordon — 2017-08-29T10:16:30-05:00

We had made plans with Luis to visit the Savings Cooperative in Capulispungo on Saturday. Luis helps them with the accounting, and we want to give them more training. But Saturday morning Luis awoke with kidney stones and we spent the whole day at the hospital. We hope the stone will pass on its own. Needless to say we cancelled the meeting in Capulispungo.

We had planned to stay in Riobamba, but all weekend the alarm in our house was going off, three or four times a day. When it activates, it also rings my cell phone. So Sunday we made the trip back to Quito to see what was happening with our home alarm.

But before we left Sunday for Quito, we met with young couple for marriage counseling. Not your typical counseling for marriage since they're already living together, but they want to straightened their lives out before God. We have begun the process.

Since we were in Quito on Monday, I decided to take on the yearly task of pruning the cypress trees in our back yard. It turned out to be much more work than I expected, but I enjoyed taking on the challenge. I worked for about 10 hours, finishing the final pruning on Tuesday, with blisters on my hands, swollen wrists, sore legs and arms, but satisfied that the job is done. The alarm technician came Monday afternoon, and all we had to do was change the battery.

Tuesday afternoon we headed back to Riobamba, arriving at 7:30pm. We hadn't been in our apartment yet five minutes when the doorbell rang. The couple had returned for their second session of marriage counseling. Whoops! We had forgotten the appointment, but God had brought us back just in time! He makes the calls.

Their first exam

Alan Gordon — 2017-08-21T19:54:53-05:00

They were a bit nervous, but the exams for the FLET bible course are pretty straightforward. We dropped in this Sunday on the church in Quito that consists mostly of immigrants from Capulispungo. They had finished the first book of six, and every book is followed by an exam. I was the proctor, and graded the exams on the spot. I had thought they had already purchased book #2, but it turned out they wanted to make sure they passed the exam before buying the next book.

The Church Service

Taking the exam. They need more tables.

Will you be our godfathers?

Alan Gordon — 2017-08-14T17:42:47-05:00

Edgar called me one morning at 6am. "Will you be our godfathers in our wedding?" "When?," I asked. "Next Saturday." Edgar had been one of my students a while back. His request surprised me, and we felt obliged to accept, not knowing exactly what we were getting into. He lives in a small town between the Highlands and the Flatlands of Ecuador. It took us six and a half hours to reach the town of "Moraspungo." Once there, we realized his real request was to help him organize the wedding ceremony, which was fairly simple and straightforward. Another pastor, who drove from Quito, conducted the ceremony. We hope to stay in touch.

Finishing one and trying to start another

Alan Gordon — 2017-08-07T19:53:32-05:00

Saturday in Capulispungo. These are the faithful few who have hung in there for the whole program of two years. This is almost our last study together. One more to go; then the graduation ceremony in October. I'm sure the celebration will be a big deal as was the wedding on Sunday in Cachisagua.

Sunday in Cachisagua. The real purpose for the visit was to see how many church members have signed up for the FLET bible program. But we had set up our visit on the same day as the wedding of Ruben's daughter. So we attending the whole celebration in order to briefly chat afterwards about the bible program.

The to-be-wed couple ready to enter the church.

The wedding ceremony.

The church was packed. For a wedding, everyone is invited from communities far and near!

And of course we had our participation. The accordion always makes a big hit!

The couple after the wedding with friends.

In this crowd, I found the people I needed to talk to. They still want to inscribe more students for the bible program, so we decided to wait a little longer before starting.

Moving along by God's grace

Alan Gordon — 2017-07-31T09:21:55-05:00

Another wonderful weekend!

The Friday night Bible study in Riobamba broke a new record of 22 participants! From what we can tell, the folks are eager to study the Bible. Most are new Christians. We are trying the method of inductive bible study where they discover biblical truth for themselves rather than us "teaching them."

After driving to Quito on Saturday, we were invited Sunday to a "high school graduation." When a Quichua graduates, they like to celebrate. So the whole church visited the graduate's home for a worship service and celebration. These are the folk who have migrated to Quito from Capulispungo. Normally I visit the church to see how they're progressing with the bible program "FLET."

After the home service, we went to the church to review lesson #9 with the students.

On the side, I finally made a descent photo of our Foundation's office. God has provided and continues to guide us in this new ministry.

Inauguration of our Office

Alan Gordon — 2017-07-24T18:25:27-05:00

God has blessed us with an office for our Foundation in Riobamba on the third floor of this building. There are no "for sale" signs, but God led us directly to the building when Faby made a new friend one day. The owners are Christians and gave us a huge discount. This Saturday we invited friends interested in our ministry to celebrate with us what God has done. Many came from Quito, a three hour drive just for the program. We rejoice in what God has done and what He continues to do!

We'll see what happens.

Alan Gordon — 2017-07-16T21:07:45-05:00

This is me in Santa Julia on Saturday going over the material in book #1 of FLET. We had 28 students! Everything looks good, and the students participated actively in the workshop. Originally, we proposed sponsoring the project and taking care of all the details, charging a fee for our services. The leader visited us on Thursday and told us he would like to take charge of the project. After the workshop, I talked with the pastor who didn't know what had happened on Thursday. We called in the leader and discussed the issue. In the end, we (as a Foundation) left the project in their hands. All I will do is give one workshop a month to go over the material. The rest depends on them. The pastor, the leader, and a church deacon continued to talk after I left. We'll see what happens.

On Sunday, I visited Cachisagua to see if they had recruited a group to register for the FLET program. When I arrived, no one was at the church. So I visited a nearby home and found Laura, whom I have had as a student in Riobamba, who took me across the valley to the other community where my friends were visiting another church. In the photo, Cachisagua is on the hill in the background. I had to wait for the service to finish, and then we drove back across the valley and back up to Cachisagua. In the end, they still haven't recruited folks for the program, but are in the process. We'll see what happens.

Conversations in Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2017-07-10T10:29:09-05:00

It's hard to wait. Especially when you have to wait for others to make a decision. But in the Quichua communities, they prefer to make decisions as a group. Therefore it takes time to discuss the issues, understand all that's involved, and come to a conclusion and commitment. They call this "socialization" of the decision. Yet, as a Foundation, we have decided that this is best way to do things: let them make the decision, and take on the project as their own. Our role is to help where we can, especially in training and education. The project needs to be theirs, not ours, if we want to see permanent results.

Never know what to expect

Alan Gordon — 2017-07-03T08:19:11-05:00

We called Ruben in Cachisagua to see if they wanted to start the FLET bible program in their church. He said, "Come this Sunday because there will be four other pastors here too!" I thought we would be going to the church to present the program to four pastors. I have learned here in Ecuador to expect anything, so we went ready for everything. Still, to my surprise, we found the whole church celebrating the inauguration of their men's choir. The Quichua really celebrate BIG! We arrived just as the service was beginning. I lost count of how many other choirs participated in the event. After the message, the men's choir was "sworn-in" and anointed with oil. Then they could present their two well-rehearsed songs. I have also learned that often more is accomplished in the informal moments than in the actual program. Sure enough, after all the celebration and food, some of the church members starting asking about FLET. They really do want to study the bible. So we decided to have them fill out the forms to see who is really interested, and then meet in two weeks to work out the details. That's how it works in the Quichua communities.

The men's choir.

The congregation and guests.

Men's choir performing.

Informal times outside the service.

They feed everybody.

Even the young help.

Almost looks like a pizza.

The group that met afterward to discuss FLET.

They make the decisions.

Alan Gordon — 2017-06-26T02:13:30-05:00

In Capulispungo, David, pictured here with his mother and me, is secretary of the church. Sunday was a "General Assembly Meeting" with the purpose of reorganizing the church. We had met with Antonio, the pastor, several times previous to help him plan the meeting. His proposal is to change the leadership structure of the church. Usually the church elects seven deacons every two years. These seven are the church "leaders." The system hasn't worked very well, so the pastor is proposing that he choose his own "team." The meeting lasted about three hours, and the whole time they spoke Quichua. I could almost keep track of the general theme they were discussing. Faby, Luis Moya and I attended. I was constantly reminded that we were in a different culture. What we expected to happen, and how they ran the meeting were two different worlds. In the end, the congregation agreed that the pastor should continue, and that they needed to redo their bylaws, and seek more member participation. The pastor is counting on us to help him in this process over the next six months.

Saturday, the group studying in the "FLET" bible program took their fifth exam. One more to go over the next three months to finish the course. As in the General Assembly, I would like them to make a decision on how and when they want to continue on to level two, but they have a different way of making decisions, and I have to wait.

"Flet" in Quito

Alan Gordon — 2017-06-19T11:29:42-05:00

We try to spend most of our time in Riobamba, but when we're in Quito, I try to check in on the church made up of immigrants from Capulispungo. They started the bible program "Flet" four weeks ago. So this Sunday I dropped in to see how they're doing, and I was impressed! They have a group of eleven students in the program. Their tutor, Abel, is doing a great job of encouraging them and tracking their work. We spent an encouraging two hours reviewing what they have learned so far, and answering questions. After the meeting, Abel and I talked about church growth strategy. The congregation is a mixture of Quichua immigrants plus children of the immigrants who are growing up in the city. He wants the services to include both Quichua music and contemporary music. They also need a musician or two to accompany the singing. We may plan a music workshop in the near future.

(Previous blog on topic)

Making decisions

Alan Gordon — 2017-06-12T07:46:16-05:00

We had a full weekend. Friday night we participated in a Bible study. Lisbet is the owner of the building where we have our office, and every week the employees gather for a short meeting. We are helping with the leadership, but waiting to see what shape the group will take.

Saturday in Capulispungo we continued with FLET. They have finished book #5, and have one more to go. We have graduation planned for October 21st. I keep reminding them that they need to decide what they want to do afterwards. They have expressed a desire to continue on with level 2, but it takes them time to discuss the idea and decide as a group. We leave it in their hands and God's.

Likewise in Cachisagua, we gave our final workshop on music. God gave us a beautiful day, so we held the workshop outdoors. Later we sat down to discuss future plans. We are encouraging them to begin the Bible Study Program "Flet." But again, they have to discuss it among themselves, and, as is their custom, make a decision as a group. Again we leave it in their hands and God's, and wait on Him.

How to start a bible program

Alan Gordon — 2017-06-05T18:47:51-05:00

The Quichuas love to celebrate with lots of ceremony. Saturday we drove to Guamote for the inauguration ceremony at a small local church to begin the bible program "FLET." The central office in Quito had called us to participate, because they were not able to attend. When they asked me to "inaugurate" the program I wasn't sure what to do. You're supposed to "cut the ribbon." So I made a small speech and cut the ribbon slowly for the photos. They seemed to be happy with that. Various speeches followed, plus I gave a message, and Faby led some singing. Finally, after about two hours or more, they ended the program by handing out the study books. This course "FLET" is quite popular among the Quichua and seems to be meeting their needs for theological education. May God bless the program.

R&R - Thanks to Dallas Bay Church

Alan Gordon — 2017-05-31T09:37:38-05:00

At first we didn't believe it was true: 4 days and three nights in a five-star hotel at no cost whatsoever! But Dallas Day Church in cooperation with Christian Hotel Network has a ministry to missionaries to give them a time of rest and renewal. So we enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Guayaquil at the Wyndham Hotel with 140 other missionaries. Most of the day was spent just relaxing, and we enjoyed food and fellowship, plus an evening meeting with everyone. Many thanks to all who made this retreat possible! Hebrews 6:10

Working and waiting...

Alan Gordon — 2017-05-23T14:09:10-05:00

Saturday we head out to visit a community. The roads wind through the Andes mountains.

At first they look empty, but indigenous communities lie everywhere!

We reach the church at Santa Julia…

And talk with a small congregation about the possibility of starting a bible program.

Many are interested, but not everyone interested was there.

Segundo is our indigenous contact person. He promotes the program and rounds up the people for our meetings.

Sunday, we drove 30 minutes beyond Santa Julia to another community called "Chinihuaco."

Again, Segundo is our contact person, who put us in contact with Pastor Fidel.

His congregation is small, but also eager to start a bible program.

Monday, we travelled with Luis to another community that wants help to start an economic project that will help them sell their products at a better price.

We continue to talk with communities, present our Foundation, offer our services, and wait on the Lord for the communities to organize themselves and begin a project with us. Patience. Patience. Psalm 27:14

As they say, "Change is here to stay!"

Alan Gordon — 2017-05-15T21:35:19-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the changes going on, but that's life. Sunday, the church in which we have participated for a few years, held it's last service in it's rented local. They have decided to move the services to the pastor's home because of lack of consistent attendance. Here we are celebrating mother's day.
On the other hand, the small church in Quito, which is an extension of Capulispungo, began a two-year bible program. (I forgot to take a photo.) We visited them at 1pm, after their service. I am finding that even though the study books clearly explain what they're supposed to do, they miss the point. So it helped to review the instructions.
And we continue to seek God's guidance as we change from Global Outreach to another organization. All in God's timing and God's plan.

A Big Step toward progress

Alan Gordon — 2017-05-08T10:44:34-05:00

We have been working in the community of Cachisagua for about one year training musicians for the church. We've come a long way and are finally seeing the fruit of youth being able to play an instrument. But this Sunday we made real progress. When we arrived, we found a group of about 40 children at the church. Usually they hold some type of Sunday school class for the children on Sunday morning. The worship service is held at 3 pm. So Faby took the children for a class, and I, with Alejandro, led a music workshop. But after both classes, we met with the church leaders to discuss the needs of the church. We wanted to make a more formal commitment and planning to really help the church. In an open forum, we listed the needs of the church, which were two: theological training for the church leaders, and preparation of Sunday school teachers. As I had expected, music was not the priority need for the church. This same cycle occurred in Capulispungo. I started there with music workshops, but we eventually changed over to theological education. So now in Cachisagua, we are in the same process. Next month we meet to plan the programs for theological education and preparation of teachers.

New Bible Program "FLET"

Alan Gordon — 2017-05-01T20:11:21-05:00

Sunday we inaugurated a new bible program of "FLET" in Quito. I'm really not interested in investing time in Quito, when there is so much greater need in the rural communities. But this church consists of members from Capulispungo! They have migrated to the Quito, looking for work, and have started their own church. The national director of the "FLET" program was kind enough to accompany us for the service, gave a great message, and prayed for the students. My prayer continues to be that one day they will return to Capulispungo, because there will be economic progress there.

Busy Weekend - Making Contacts

Alan Gordon — 2017-04-24T10:49:23-05:00

We spent the whole weekend visiting communities and churches that invited us to share what we do. These are our initial contacts. We get to know one another, and then let them discuss their needs, and call us later if they are interested.

Sunday, Manuel invited us to his church in Columbe to see if they wanted to start a Bible program.

On Saturday, Alberto, in the middle, and Segundo, on the right, invited us to the community "Pachamama Chico" to present our Foundation to them. Over a hundred were in the community meeting to discuss water issues, etc. We make a quick presentation and left.

But just down the road, on our way back, Segundo wanted to stop in at the next community and visit some relatives. We found the church congregation having a workshop with the pastor. We talked outside for a few minutes, and then the pastor invited us to come in and give a Bible study! So we spent the next two hours with the congregation.

Friday night, a few members from Capulispungo came to our apartment to discuss an agricultural project. Luis, on the right, explained to them that the Foundation that was offering them loans for the project was probably a fake.

We had a beautiful day on Sunday, driving through the mountains, back from the community.

Contacts for new projects

Alan Gordon — 2017-04-19T22:40:45-05:00

The first stage of our projects as a Foundation is to talk with the people. In the Quichua mindset this is called "Socializing the idea." Here Luis is talking with a group of women about the best way to organize themselves into a small company. We are still waiting for them to catch the vision and tell us they are ready to start a project.

This following group in Quito wants to start a bible training program in this their church. Our Foundation is not interested in working in Quito, but these Quichua are from Capulispungo. They have migrated to the city. I drove three of them home that night. In the car I asked the question, "If there were jobs in Capulispungo would you return to the community?" There followed a brief silence which I interpreted as "Could there really be jobs in Capulispungo?" But their answer was clear, "Of course!" May God grant this to be some day a reality.

Back in Riobamba, we met with two church leaders from a community we have yet to visit. Fidel has met us a couple of times, and came asking us to visit his community and start a project, probably one of training church leaders.

Seeing progress

Alan Gordon — 2017-04-10T09:18:42-05:00

Little by little we are seeing progress. One has to be patient. It's like watching a plant grow. From one day to the next, one doesn't see any change, but come back a few weeks later and the growth is obvious. In Cachisagua, we have held music workshops for about six months. I didn't see much progress during that time, but finally now I can see that they are learning to play guitar and charango. This Sunday we even managed to put together a small group of three. They played and sang well! Of course, Alejandro is helping me teach them, and he is a great asset!

In Capulispungo, we continue with the bible program, and are beginning to plan the graduation! They also finished putting the ceiling in the church sanctuary.

Helping just enough.

Alan Gordon — 2017-04-03T11:00:29-05:00

How much should we do and how much should they do? Can be a very hard balance to maintain. Here in the church at Capulispungo, the congregation has raised the money to install a ceiling in the sanctuary. They didn't need any outside help. It took them a year to raise $1500 dollars for the project, but they did it. That's our philosophy in ministry: give them just what they need, so they can do it themselves.

I reflex on how they have built their church structure. When I first visited them in 2010, all they had was the first floor. Yet in a couple of years they had build the second floor themselves, since many are construction workers. But they couldn't raise enough money for the roof. Estimated cost was $5000. So we helped them with the funds for the roof. Once the roof was in place, they did the rest: plastering the walls and sealing the edges. They just needed to get past that one obstacle of putting on the roof.

Now that the church building is near completion, we have realized another obstacle blocking their path. This time it's not a physical obstacle, but an organizational one. They need to organize their legal papers, plus the internal structure of the church government. We want to help. This time it will not be with funds, but with administrative training in legal work and church government. We are working with the pastor to begin this phase.

Is it worth it?

Alan Gordon — 2017-03-27T15:30:16-05:00

I left our apartment at six in the morning on Saturday. I picked up Luis and José, and we headed out for Facundo Vela. Luis and I had never been there before. Chimborazo put on a great display that morning! But after an hour and a half of driving, we had to turn back and take another route, because a pickup coming back told us a land slide was blocking the road. Our first hour of the detour was paved, but then we spent two hours on a dirt road in rain and fog before we reached our destination of Facundo Vela. We had planned to arrive at ten o'clock for the meeting with those interested in a project, but we ended up reaching the church at twelve thirty! Luis wasn't thrilled that only three men showed up, and didn't expect much from the meeting. But after a few minutes, their enthusiasm changed his opinion. They are very interested in working with us. Sugar cane is their main crop, and brown sugar their principal product. They plan to get more people informed of our Foundation, and then give us a call. We drove the whole route back in rain and fog. I reached home at seven. Long, but rewarding day.

The Foundation Begins!

Alan Gordon — 2017-03-20T08:03:11-05:00

Saturday we began our first meetings with three different communities near Salcedo in the province of Cotopaxi. These initial meetings were with community leaders. Luis explained the need to organize themselves first, then we proceed with training, and finally we begin the project. All of them are very interested. We pray for wisdom and guidance as we begin this process with them.

We heard you have a Bible Institute.

Alan Gordon — 2017-03-13T09:40:24-05:00

We have held bible classes in Capulispungo for four years now. First, a two year traditional seminary program, and then another two years using a structured inductive study of the life of Jesus. Word has travelled that Capulispungo has a bible institute. Did it take that long for the word to get out? I don't think so. I believe it takes that long for other communities to be convinced that the bible institute is for real. I've heard that other bible institutes have begun, but not lasted for long. So the key is perseverance. We don't have a spectacular bible institute, just one group of believers who want to study the bible and meet every month in a classroom with one professor or coordinator. But I think we have a good start. We continue to pray for direction in the next step: do we create more classes in Capulispungo or branch out to create extensions in other communities?

He teaches better than me!

Alan Gordon — 2017-03-06T10:45:00-05:00

If someone can do the job better than you, let him do it! Wow! Alejandro Mullo has accompanied me a couple of times to Cachisagua for music workshops, but this time he stole the show! I began the workshop my style. We covered a few bible verses, and began practicing the song we had been learning. Then Alejandro asked me quietly, "Can I lead the singing?" I let him take over, and saw that he knows how to teach his own people. He had them singing, parading, repeating the song over and over, etc. When I returned (the church leaders asked me to attend an emergency session right then) they were learning scales on the guitar. Praise God, he gave us an excellent teacher! Then I realized that this is what we´re looking for as a Foundation: teachers. We can´t do all the work. We´re going to have to broaden our team. Alejandro is first on the list.

We now have a Foundation! 501(c)3

Alan Gordon — 2017-02-23T15:53:07-05:00

We have been working and praying towards starting our own 501(c)3 organization here in Ecuador! Praise the Lord that after seven months of work, the Ecuadorian government approved on January 31st our new organization called, "Truth and Liberty" Foundation. Our main objective is to work with the Quichua communities in both theological education and social/economic development. This also changes our status with Global Outreach International (GOI). We will be partnering with GOI, no longer as missionaries, but as an NGO in Ecuador. This implies lots of changes, but we are excited that the "Truth and Liberty" Foundation will be a great asset to our ministry here in Ecuador. Pray with us as we make this transition.

Qualified to teach others

Alan Gordon — 2017-02-13T07:40:29-05:00

CAPULISPUNGO. We continue with our bible program. Next month they take the exam for book four. We have two more books to study to complete the course in another six months. I continue to impress upon them that their studies are not just for personal edification. They need to teach others. Their church wants to start a Bible Institute, but, I add, if they want an institute, they need to be the professors. We can´t continue to import professors from the city. So they´re getting used to idea. A big problem they have is that they think that professors from outside are always better than their own. We need to train them well to change that mentality. It will take time, but God is faithful!

Practice before theory

Alan Gordon — 2017-02-06T09:08:26-05:00

So what's the best way to teach music? In Cachisagua they want to learn to play guitar and charango, but my monthly visits are not enough. They really should have weekly classes with a private teacher. We have agreed to teach not only instruments, but also music theory and theology of worship. This time I tried a different technique. I needed to see how they were progressing with guitar and charango, but I started with the sound system. As we put together the speakers, cables and mikes, I illustrated many of the points of singing, playing, and coordinating with the sound technician. I did this, because I realized that their high motivation is to put together a musical group. So I began there. I have decided that instead of waiting for them to be able to play instruments and explain biblical principles of worship, we're going to put together the group first, and then work on technique and theology. I'm still learning, and constantly praying for God's wisdom.

Being part of a team

Alan Gordon — 2017-01-29T22:23:48-05:00

At the request of Faby's niece, Peggy, we put together a circus for her preschoolers. Another of Faby's nieces, Pati, performs regularly as a clown for children, but this was the first time her whole family participated. I, also, did a couple of clown improvisations at a few Quichua communities during Christmas, but this time I really enjoyed being part of a team. Because of the difficult logistics in getting us together, we planned the whole program the night before, putting together our ideas, and running through a sketchy rehearsal. What I really enjoyed was that everyone added something, and everyone used their special abilities. Pati held the show together, but everyone added their semi-improvised part and enthusiasm. We actually pulled together a circus performance for the kids! Wow! Now that's teamwork!

Watch a summary video here:

Maybe it's better to wait?

Alan Gordon — 2017-01-22T11:06:58-05:00

It's hard to wait for something to you expect to happen. Personally, we have two major projects in the works, but I have to wait for people outside my sphere of influence to make a decision in order to begin those projects. We've been waiting for months! Then God reminded me of this cartoon which I managed to dig up deep in my archives. His timing is far superior than mine! Psalm 27:13-14

Teaching how to teach

Alan Gordon — 2017-01-17T09:05:34-05:00

This past week I taught "Teaching Methods" at the Semila seminary in Riobamba. I set the objective for the class: "Learn how to teach without using a monologue." The biggest challenge was for me to practice what I preach and not talk straight for more than 5 minutes without any interaction or class dynamics. On Thursday we led the seminary chapel. The "message" lasted 60 minutes, but no one "preached." We read Judges 17 and then directed a contest on questions between the men and women, followed by another contest of retelling the story as a group. Then one student led an inductive bible study. We concluded with reading related bible verses, and then a short drama. Since it was our first try, we still have much to improve. The rest of the seminary students enjoyed the change, especially the dynamics. But the real test consisted in asking the seminary students afterwards what they thought. Most responded that they really enjoyed the "message." But when we asked them what it was that we were trying to teach, several answered, "I don't remember." We need to work on that one. :) (Our main point, based on Judges 17, was that it's very easy for one to create their own religion without really knowing God.)

Retreat en Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2017-01-09T15:10:13-05:00

Believe it or not, this was the first retreat the church has ever done! They wanted to have an extended time together mostly with the leaders. We met and planned with the pastor beforehand. Saturday Faby and I would talk about marriage. All the leaders had to come with their spouses. Then Sunday, our friend Luis Moya and I would talk about the church organization: Ecuadorian laws and the church´s own bylaws. The pastor recruited the youth to do the cooking! In all, the retreat was a big success, so much that they want to do it again. Although the youth want to do a retreat first (and have adults cook for them!).
On Saturday, Faby and I combined our talks with ice-breakers. One of these was to tied the couples together and have them figure out how to separate themselves. We all had a good laugh.
On Sunday, Luis revealed to the congregation that their bylaws allowed them to be much more than a church! They are legally authorized not only to be a church, but also to work with the community in health, education, and economic projects. That was a real eye-opener that's going to take a while to digest!

Discipleship

Alan Gordon — 2016-12-26T21:42:41-05:00

As we close the year 2016, God is reminding me what discipleship really is: to work through others. The discipleship process is to train someone else to take your place. That implies letting them do as much of the work as possible right from the beginning.

The last two weekends we have sponsored Christmas programs for several Quichua communities. Our method has been to work through local church leaders. These are some of them:

Segundo not only set up the Christmas programs in three communities (Santa Julia, Santa Lucia, and Gulag Huaico), but he has also set up a bible program for us to teach in the same communities..

Ruben is not the pastor of Cachisagua, but he`s the pastor´s right hand man. He´s a wonderful musician and put together a children´s choir for the Christmas program.

Marco, in Capulispungo, continues to work with the children. We need to find time to train him in the children´s ministry.

In Capulispungo, Faby has won the confidence of some of the women. They have a lot of potential in the church.

And not just with the Quichua. Here, a friend of ours from Quito is giving out bags of candy in the Quichua community. Jhonny found sponsors for the candy bags and made a 4 hour drive to join us. He´s growing slowly in the Lord, and we pray for time to disciple him.

Continue to pray with us for wisdom on how to reproduce Christ in these disciples.

Christmas in the Communities

Alan Gordon — 2016-12-19T21:03:27-05:00

This weekend we shared a Christmas program with the day care center at the Semila seminary on Friday, then in Santa Julia on Saturday, and in Cachisagua on Sunday. I usually get recruited to dress as a clown and ride my unicycle. So I tried to present the gospel with colored balloons. (Click here to see the video.) We showed a movie as well, and then handed out small bags of candy.

Progress in Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2016-12-12T11:03:53-05:00

Every month we visit Capulispungo for a programmed Bible study. The church wants to form a bible institute. They have the building, but not the teachers. So I am praying and striving to train them as teachers. Praise God we are making progress! Since we only meet once a month, they complete three to four lessons for each meeting. This course comes with a teacher's guide. I have copied the guide for each lesson, and delegated lessons to various students. How wonderful to see this Saturday that I didn't have to "teach" the class. All the students have studied the lessons, and they're absorbing the material. The students who lead each lesson tend just to summarize the material and talk themselves, but this Saturday they are learning to stimulate discussion. Thus I am switching from being the teacher, to being the facilitator. And I love hearing how they see the Bible stories. For example, I have always seen "The Transfiguration" as a moment when Jesus is confirming his deity to his disciples. But the students discussed how Jesus went up a remote mountain to renew his strength for his pending suffering in Jerusalem. Also, I have always seen the appearing of Moses and Elijah as representing the Law and the Prophets, but one student commented that their appearance with Jesus confirmed the resurrection. I'm fascinated to learn different perspectives from people outside the Western worldview. The teacher is always a student.

(We also did a Christmas program for the children:)

Summary of our work

Alan Gordon — 2016-12-04T16:50:07-05:00

This week we´d like to share the video we made to share on our trip to the States. (Click on photo.)

Nothing like family - part 2!

Alan Gordon — 2016-11-28T19:24:48-05:00

You just can't beat being with your real family! God has allowed us to spent Thanksgiving in Wash DC with parents, brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, cousins, children of cousins (some whom I had never yet met!), plus two of our supporting churches. God is good! We have had a wonderful time renewing relationships and our souls! Praise the Lord that Faby felt well enough to make the trip!

Nothing like family!

Alan Gordon — 2016-11-21T17:10:55-05:00

This is the week to see family! Even before we travel to see my parents for Thanksgiving, we've had some celebrations here in Ecuador. First with a spiritual family who came to visit us: Sandy and Giovany with their newborn son Alan, then with Faby's family on Sunday. Looking forward to seeing my whole family on Thursday.

Just another test?

Alan Gordon — 2016-11-13T19:11:45-05:00

That's what the photo looks like: just another exam in Capulispungo. But they are now halfway through the 2-year course! We have a joke among the students by slightly changing the bible verse Matthew 24:13. Rather than say "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved," we say "But he who stands firm to the end will graduate!" And this is holding true. A few of the bright youth have found other interests and are dropping out. Yet we have two elderly men, who barely have a junior high education, and they are diligently completing the lessons, and "hanging in there." Looks like they are going to graduate. There's something to say for maturity.

Don't call us; we'll call you.

Alan Gordon — 2016-11-07T09:25:30-05:00

Segundo, above, came to us to let us know that he had 15 students lined up in his community who want to study FLET (a bible program we're using in Capulispungo). The photo below shows the community far in the background at 12,000 feet above sea level.

We inaugurated this program Saturday. The students are eager to learn. I offer to visit them only once a month, but they have decided to meet every Sunday to review together their progress with the bible study.

That was Saturday. Sunday, in Cachisagua, another community, while I was teaching music and liturgy, Faby was teaching the children. She has a natural gift for working with children and women. When we finished, the community asked Faby, on our visit next month, to teach a class for the women.

The need for training and teaching in the communities is great. We could use more help.

Quichua Leaders

Alan Gordon — 2016-10-30T20:38:19-05:00

The goal is to train others to replace you in the ministry. At Capulispungo, I've been leading the bible study and, little by little, encouraging the members to learn to lead the study. But I´m discovering something new. We usually look for the person who is most able to teach the material, and usually those are the youth who have more education. But in the Quichua culture, they look up to the elderly, even though they may not have much formal education nor academic ability. That explains why many Quichua churches have an elderly pastor, who really doesn't do much, and a younger leader who coordinates everything that goes on in the church, even though he's not the pastor. In Capulispungo, I have some very able youth, who could lead the bible study, but they're not yet highly respected by the others for their age. Then there are some elderly folk, who can barely answer the questions, but, because of their age, hold more respect from the others. May God grant us the wisdom to train leaders.

Women's Retreat

Alan Gordon — 2016-10-23T16:03:04-05:00

This week Faby helped with a woman's retreat organized by the Semila seminary in Riobamba. She just gave one talk on "The Armor of God" in Ephesians 6, but we also participated in the worship services, and some games in the park. It's always a challenge to teach the Quichua since their worldview is different from ours, but we enjoy the fellowship and learning from each other.

Persevering in missions

Alan Gordon — 2016-10-16T14:57:03-05:00

Valeria went to Uganda three years ago with Global Outreach to Lake Victoria, where she spent six weeks on the islands. (click here for the summary.) Has she lost her missionary vision? Praise God she's more committed than ever to returning to Africa! She had to finish her studies, do a year internship, and now, as a fully graduated doctor, she's doing her one year of required rural, medical service in Ecuador. This week she came to visit us and we talked about possible plans for the future. She's still looking for a mission agency, and different options in Africa. But we praise God that her vision for missions has not waned. Pray for Valeria for clear direction for next year.

New Programs

Alan Gordon — 2016-10-10T08:23:15-05:00

I am trying to structure our visits to the communities. Here in Cachisagua, I have been teaching them guitar and charango, but this time I committed them to six workshops where they will learn to play an instrument, to explain the biblical basis for worship, to connect and run a simple sound system, and how to form chords on the piano. I hope this will give them more motivation and give me better results.

On Saturday, we inaugurated a bible study program for another community called "Santa Lucia" way up in the mountains! Some folks from the Capulispungo bible program accompanied us.

I have 14 students committed to the program with three more on the way. Since this is a new group, we have to start slowly, giving them time to get used to doing their homework and committing themselves to meet every 2 weeks.

Part of the Family

Alan Gordon — 2016-10-03T06:22:43-05:00

Our monthly visits to Capulispungo continue. The Bible Institute now has pastors from three other communities. Faby leads a women's bible study at the same time, and the women are opening up to her warm personality. We feel at home here, like we're part of the family, and we share in their victories and struggles. The pastor keeps the church pointed toward accomplishing goals, even though the constant migration of the youth to the cities weakens the church structure. Even this Saturday, three students were absent because they were visiting sick family members in Quito. God is faithful and He continues to do His work, in us and through us. Phil 1:6

Praying for Missionaries

Alan Gordon — 2016-09-26T20:48:48-05:00

Pastor Guillermo Vasconez (far left with his wife) invited us to his church in Ambato on Sunday to promote the missionary vision of the Semila Seminary. In the center of the photo stand Janeth and Hiram Rivera. Hiram is directing the seminary, but also came from El Salvador to Ecuador to start a missionary training program. Guillermo is also one of the founders of the Semila Seminary. We three couple have an important role in both Semila and in the missions program. We are still talking and planning. We need much prayer as we discuss plans, logistics, recruiting, finances, etc. Proverbs 16:3

Three in one

Alan Gordon — 2016-09-19T17:55:22-05:00

Three workshops in one week! And all very different. Wednesday in "Baños" we led a group of coordinators who work with World Vision in a workshop about the leader as a servant. I tried some new methods, such as cards and balloons to emphasize teamwork and review the main points. Friday Faby led a small group of Sunday school teachers at the Semila seminary. Incredibly she presented the gospel to them, and they received Christ! One of them shared that she had never understood that the Christian life consisted of a personal relationship with God. Sunday we were in Guayaquil to share with a group that wants to start a new church. They had asked me to share the biblical basis for worship and liturgy. I´m a bit radical, but they welcomed my ideas. We continue to share where God leads and train leaders in the church.

Working with Semila

Alan Gordon — 2016-09-12T09:27:03-05:00

They made me secretary of the International Board of the Semila Seminary in Riobamba. So I was part of the annual board meeting this past week, where we heard reports from each department, plus elected a new Executive Committee with a new Chairman and Treasurer. Semila has an interim president for this year (Hiram Rivera and his wife Janeth). The projection is to continue to grow in student number, continue working in the communities, and add a missions program.

Here we are with the new President of Semila and his wife.

Saturday was the graduation ceremony.

This is the semila team.

Progress in Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2016-09-05T15:26:54-05:00

We have finally reached the point where the students are becoming the teachers! Actually I should say "leaders" because in this course the idea is to discuss the material, not "teach" it, since all of the students have prepared the study. So our first volunteers taught rather than discuss, but we´ve made a good start. Now we need to work on developing a discussion.

Faby has become well accepted by the women at Capulispungo. So much so, that when we attended a wedding there this Sunday just to run the sound system, before I realized it, the women had Faby dressed in their traditional clothes and had made her part of the bridal court!

Praise the Lord! we are making progress!

"Alan Jr."

Alan Gordon — 2016-08-28T20:42:40-05:00

They actually named their newborn after me! Hard to believe, but true. Alan Leandro Toabanda Yungan was born last Monday, August 22nd to Geovany and Sandy. They had asked me to dedicate their child (see blog on July 3rd), but I didn't expect them to use my name. Today the church held a special service for the purpose of dedicating their newborn. So we are now the godfathers of Alan. May he grow up to know the Lord and serve Him!

So what´s a "Minga?"

Alan Gordon — 2016-08-23T21:46:37-05:00

The Quichua use this word "Minga" for what we would call a "workday." Everyone comes and joins in the work. The church at Capulispungo collects a special offering every six months for improving the church building. They have literally built this structure with their own hands. We made a visit today to Capulispungo, because we knew they were spending the whole week in a "Minga." Their goals are to put a railing on the church stairs, plaster the remaining two outer walls, and paint the front. They are well on their way to reaching that goal. We made a quick visit, but I was able to do my share by fixing the electrical installations in the women´s bathroom.
The church is doing well. The discipleship program with us continues. Next week they have a wedding. Yet they are still plagued by migration: church members moving to the city for jobs. We hope in the future to minimize this by helping them start small businesses in the community. Little by little with God´s help.

Helpers

Alan Gordon — 2016-08-15T09:15:22-05:00

Alejandro (standing beside Faby in the photo) was a student in the first class I taught at the Semila Seminary in Riobamba back in 2010. You might say that almost out of nowhere he called me and wanted to accompany us in some of our trips. Alejandro is an excellent musician, so I took him with us to Cachisagua for a music workshop. Turns out he is also an excellent teacher! So I've started to use him for the workshops. He understand the Quichua mentality much better than I (obviously because he is a Quichua), and he also speaks Quichua, which helps quite a bit.
Needless to say, Faby is always at my side. The church in Cachisagua holds Sunday school for the children at the same time as the music workshop. The children's teacher wanted to learn guitar, so she said to Faby, ¨Could you take over the children`s class?¨ Faby wasn`t prepared, but she accepted the challenge. When I went to take the photo, she was telling the kids the story of Joseph. They were all attentively listening. She has the gift of storytelling.

Forming a ministry team

Alan Gordon — 2016-08-08T20:35:34-05:00

Luis is the administrator at the Semila Seminary. He is an economist and has a heart for helping the Quichua communities. Faby and I are working primarily to train church leaders, but Luis has the gift and ability to help them form small businesses. This will help to prevent the Quichua youth from migrating to the cities. God has brought us together under the vision to develop the Quichua communities.
Last Sunday, we invited him and his family for an outing. His second son, Mateo, has longed to ride a horse. A week earlier, Faby and I had stumbled upon some hot water springs where a man will let you ride his horses. Luis doesn´t have a car yet, so we provided the transportation. Mateo got his wish!
May God allow us to work together as a ministry team.

Praying for Capulispungo

Alan Gordon — 2016-08-01T18:23:25-05:00

Saturday the students in Capulispungo took the exam for book #2. This group of 12 has hung together for the past 3 years. We have been visiting Capulispungo now for 6 years. After the exam I showed some photos from years back, and we meditated together on all God has done. The church continues to be an example for other communities of how the church can work together in theological education and in church development. They continue to improve their church building, and to develop their church programs.
Back in El Tingo, Quito we cleaned out our front house and took some of the furniture to Capulispungo. Two of the shelves are for their kitchen, since they don´t have anywhere to store their dishes and pots. The other shelf is for the pastor´s office. The smaller piece is for a room that the church is allowing us to prepare as a small apartment where we can sleep. We haven´t slept there yet, because of the cold temperatures, but are planning to make some accommodations to solve that.

Last service in El Tingo.

Alan Gordon — 2016-07-24T14:29:29-05:00

The church that has been using our back yard for worship services has found another place in Quito to meet. Since most of the members live in Quito, they have been finding our place to be a bit far to travel each Sunday. So the church has been searching for a closer site in Quito. They found an excellent place. So today was their last service at our house. We have enjoyed having them. When we are in Quito we will continue to congregate with them.

(The flowers are from Faby´s garden.)

Preparing for the Exam

Alan Gordon — 2016-07-18T19:13:37-05:00

The students in Capulispungo take an exam after studying every book, which includes 10 lessons. This Saturday I was preparing them for the exam by reviewing all of the material. It´s interesting to see what themes come out the most. Here are three of them:
1) How did Jesus do discipleship? He sure didn´t hold weekly bible studies with his students. In Matthew 4, when Jesus went throughout Galilee preaching, teaching, and healing, his disciples went along as well. Discipleship was 24/7. That´s what Jesus meant when he said, "Follow me."
2) What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? The image I use is not that of filling a glass to full with water, but rather that of letting God control "the steering wheel of my life." Being filled with the Spirit is not just during a worship service, but during daily living in everything I do.
3) What does it mean that "God is just?" It means that in order to forgive us, someone had to pay the penalty. The class turned deadly silent when I shared this. I assume they had never heard the gospel in that light. Jesus was the only acceptable sacrifice to pay for our sins.
We continue to learn together, and that learning never ceases.

Teaching theology through music

Alan Gordon — 2016-07-11T18:27:53-05:00

I keep trying and praying to use music to teach the bible. This Sunday in the music workshop in a community called Cachisagua, we finally were able to make an attempt at composing a new song based on a Bible parable: The Hidden Treasure (Mt 13:44). First we studied the passage. Then we made an outline, and finally put together the verses, using a known melody. The result: (not bad in just one hour)

Escuchen todos les va a gustar
(Listen everyone, you´re going to like this)

Una historia que vamos a cantar
(A story we are going to tell)

Había un hombre que estaba en el campo
(There was a man in the field)

Trabajando un tesoro encontró
(While working found a treasure)

Al encontrar lo escondió
(When he found it, he hid it)

Y muy contento regresó
(And very happy returned)

Fue a su casa pensando qué hacer
(He went home and thought about what to do)

Y decidió comprar el terreno
(And decided to buy the land)

Al preguntar el dueño respondió
(When he asked, the owner answered)

Te va a costar todo lo que tienes
(It will cost you all you have)

Al regresar todo lo vendió
(He returned and sold everything)

Y lo compró y se hizo rico
(And bought the land and became rich)

Por eso hermano piénsalo bien
(Therefore brother, think wisely)

Que Dios quiere todo, todo para El
(God wants everything, everything for Him)

Si tú le das todo nada perderás
(If you give him everything, you won´t lose anything)

Tú estás ganando mucho mucho más
(You will gain much much more)

The results of "teaching"

Alan Gordon — 2016-07-05T11:59:49-05:00

Four years ago, I taught a music program for worship leaders at the Nazarene Seminary. Geovany and Sandy, the couple at the back of the photo, were both single students in the program. The objective was to teach them how to plan and lead worship services, but, you never know, the result was that the two got married! (We did attend their wedding.) Now four years later, they make us a visit to ask me to dedicate their first child, who hasn't arrived yet, and is due in 4 to 6 weeks.
You realize that teaching is not just giving lectures, but living out your life in front of the students. Seems to me they learn more from the latter than from the former. 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a "You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord"

Benign!!!

Alan Gordon — 2016-06-27T12:15:56-05:00

We praise God that the 5cm tumor removed from Faby's right thyroid gland was benign. We are at home in El Tingo, Quito and taking a couple of weeks to rest and recover (both of us). The surgeon gave his OK on Friday, and tomorrow we meet with the Endocrinologist to see which medicines she will need to take now that she doesn't have a thyroid gland. God is good and we praise Him for His faithfulness!

The Surgery

Alan Gordon — 2016-06-20T09:30:28-05:00

God´s ways are perfect! We never knew that Faby had a tumor on her right thyroid. In April she had a "carcinoma" removed from her right upper lip. In preparation for that out-patient operation, the doctor wanted an EKG. We were in Riobamba and looking for a doctor who could do the EKG. We ended up walking into a hospital and asking if any doctor there could do the exam. This doctor was not only a cardiologist, but specialized in internal medicine. Faby not only received an EKG, but a full medical checkup. He noticed the slight lump in Faby's neck, and suggested we had better check it out. That started a series of doctor's visits in Quito, plus medical exams including advanced scans, which revealed a growth on her right thyroid of about 3.5 cm. The operation this past Thursday removed a tumor of 5cm! If it hadn't been for that doctor in Riobamba we would never have known. God sent us to the right person at the right time. That first checkup was on April 22nd. Her out-patient operation on her right lip was April 27th. Her thyroid operation was June 16th. We spent five days at the hospital where I first worked in Ecuador as a nutritionist back in 1986. The surgeon was a committed Christian. Faby's operation was not an easy one, but God had his hand in everything. Even the surgeon gave thanks to God that Faby could speak after the operation. (There's always a risk in removing the thyroid gland that the nerves to the vocal chords may be affected.) We are in God's hands. Faby will still need checkups and controls, but if God still has use for us here in Ecuador, we will continue to serve Him with the Quichuas. He is faithful! 1 Cor 1:9

The Challenge

Alan Gordon — 2016-06-13T20:08:31-05:00

The pastor Antonio of Capulispungo has taken me to a new community where he wants to disciple the leaders of the church. So we´re putting together a six month program for them. The challenge is to take all our bible knowledge and theology and pack it into a very simple program that folks can easily understand and put in to practice. The plan is for me to teach bible for the first half of the morning, and Antonio to teach church administration for the second half. I used a very simple folder to begin with a Bible survey. Antonio was using a program developed in Europe for church multiplication. I am well aware that foreign material, although translated into Spanish, doesn´t usually "fit" into the Quichua mindset. We discussed this a bit on the way to the church. Antonio showed me the first page of his material which used the word "passion." He shared that he knew what the material wanted to communicate, but knew also that "passion" was not the right word. "Commitment" or "perseverance" communicates the idea better in the Quichua language.
Teaching the Quichua is always a challenge, but I love it! First of all, they speak Quichua, and Sunday morning, they spoke Quichua, except when talking to me. So I have to guess at what they´re saying. It´s language learning all over again. But their music keeps me connected. I have finally learned to play their music, their way, their style. So when I take the accordion and begin to play their music, they eagerly ask me to play with them. We must have played a good twenty minutes before everyone arrived, and once they did, we played it all again to "start the program." God has put me where I can use all my gifts and bless others.
(Saturday both Faby and I were in Capulispungo. Faby has a great ministry going with the women there!)

New community: San Antonio de Encalado with Pastor Antonio (in photo)

Quichua music with the accordion.

Driving back down the mountain.

The group at Capulispungo continues.

Violin Creates a Stir!

Alan Gordon — 2016-06-06T20:34:51-05:00

Ruben, pictured below, is a student at the Semila seminary, but he´s also a great musician. We´ve been talking for a while about training some musicians at his church, and this Sunday was the second workshop. In the first, I exhorted them to obtain their own instruments, but didn't see much response. So I was surprised when we arrived and three guitars and a charango showed up with the crowd! They are eager to learn and we're off to a good start. My prayer is to compose songs with them that teach bible passages. The violin made a big impression. Laura, in the last photo, had wanted to learn violin, so I took one with me for her to try. She didn't put it down for 2 hours! It's just a start, but I hope she will purchase her own, and then I can get her started really learning. The violin, as well as the guitar, drum, and charango, is one of the traditional instruments among the Quichua. Maybe I should say "was" because the electronic keyboard is rapidly replacing them.

Health

Alan Gordon — 2016-05-31T15:07:43-05:00

We´ve spent these two weeks taking care of Faby´s health. For this past year we´ve been dealing with her variable blood pressure. A few weeks ago I took her to the clinic at 10:30pm with a BP of 170/90. They didn't give her any medication (at my insistence), and in one and a half hours her BP came down to 120/80. Six weeks ago she had a small vasocelular carcinoma removed from her upper right lip. In preparation for that operation a doctor discovered a nodule on her right thyroid. These past two weeks we're doing the initial testing on the nodule: blood work, eco, biopsy, and scan. Next Tuesday we see the specialist with all the results.

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3John2

Always an Adventure

Alan Gordon — 2016-05-23T09:28:41-05:00

The adventure begins by heading into the mountains, first on a paved road…

And then on a dirt road….

Up into the Andes mountains where you find a Quichua community on every hilltop.

But the real adventure begins with the workshop in a small church.

World Vision wanted us (at the Semila Seminary) to teach from a book about Servant Leadership, but these folks aren´t used to reading and digesting books. So I continue to experiment with concrete teaching methods.

From a sheet of paper, we folded it to make a picture frame. The assignment was to draw a picture of the person who had inspired you most. Then each person told who they had drawn and why. The point made was that we look for examples of Christians to follow, and this is more effective than many sermons and workshops.

The second point was to illustrate the different between a leader that gives orders and another who leads by being an example. I asked for six volunteers to build a tower with cards. With the first group, I merely told them what they had to do. The result: a flat stack of cards.

With the next group I first showed them how to stack the cards. Then I stepped back and watched them build. Setting an example is definitely more effective than a sermon!

Triple weekend

Alan Gordon — 2016-05-15T22:24:41-05:00

Saturday morning in Capulispungo. The women are responding well to Faby. She has a faithful group. They talked about John 10 and Jesus as the Shepherd. Since they have sheep, Faby asked them about caring for sheep, and she learned a lot about sheep! I spent my time with the men´s bible program. We have two new members, one being a pastor from another community.
Saturday afternoon, we visited a new community. Our contact, Luis, a seminary student, had invited us to talk with the youth, but he had forgotten that the church was going to celebrate Mother´s Day. So we ended up preaching and singing in the service. I´m used to it. You have to be ready for anything.
Sunday, we drove west to Cachisagua, to another contact from the seminary who´s an excellent musician. We hope to start a music program there. Time will tell. I keep praying for a community where we can train musicians.

Starting in New Communities

Alan Gordon — 2016-05-09T20:31:50-05:00

Everything we do is because the community has asked us for help. This weekend we made our first visits to two different communities. In both cases, we´ve been talking to the leaders for some time until finally arranging a date. The first visit is just to get to know each other. We give a short bible study, plus lead some singing. (The accordion is always a big hit!) Then we discuss plans for future visits. Saturday we visited "Santa Julia" at the invitation of one of the students of the Semila Seminary. The purpose was to begin the same program (FLET) that we are following in Capulispungo. We presented the material and the program, and will wait for them to discuss, organize, and let us know when they're ready. Sunday we visited "San Antonio de Encalado" at the invitation of Pastor Antonio from Capulispungo. They want a six month discipleship course with the objective of preparing a future pastor. (Two other churches had representatives present.) We plan to start once a month in June. We make plans and let God work out the details. Prov 19:21

Two Weeks after the Quake

Alan Gordon — 2016-05-01T05:04:53-05:00

Ecuador is really three countries in one: the Coastal Region, the Mountains, and the Jungle. The 7.8 Earthquake devastated entire towns on the Coast. We felt it shake the Mountains, but it didn't do any damage. In the Jungle, most people didn't even feel the effects. For me, the Earthquake could have been in another country. We had to watch the news to see what had happened.

Two weeks later, I have heard the testimony of several people who have gone to visit and help. Entire towns have been leveled. Many lost family and friends. The stench is overwhelming. Thousands are living in makeshift shelters. Max lives in our front house and went last week to Pedernales with a group in coordination with the Social State Department. They went only to offer counseling and spiritual help. They had hoped to do group therapy, but the only practical way was to visit tent by tent. The earthquake is not the only problem. Previous problems came to surface: family feuds, resentments, pregnant girls. All these add to the after effects of the earthquake.

The government has not allowed people to return to what's left of their properties. Daily aftershocks between 3 and 5 on the Richter Scale continue, and leaning buildings and walls could still fall. Police and soldiers patrol the towns. Many not only lost lives and structures, but afterwards thievery and ransacking abounded. People would return to salvage their belongings only to find that others had gotten there first. During the first week, trucks carrying aid to the earthquake victims were attacked on the highway.

The only practical way for us to help is to work with the local churches on the Coast. They live there. They know the people. They can tell us who really needs help, and who is just taking advantage of the situation. Yes, there are folks who are appearing to be poor and needy, just to receive all the aid they can, when there are others who really don't have anything. Sad, but true.

National and international aid abounds. The difficultly is the distribution. Does all the aid really reach the victims? Good question. I'm realizing more and more the effects of the new communication law here in Ecuador. The news is partial, because if any channel gives information that's in any way negative of the government, they could be processed and jailed unless they can "prove" the information is "correct." So you'll never see the full picture on the news. Sad, but true.

What can we do? One, pray that the government will be able to honestly and effective distribute aid and coordinate all the efforts. Two, when God places you in contact with a needy person, give them the help you can. Many will relocate to the cities. Others will stay and slowly rebuild their lives. The process will take a year or two. Everyone, sooner or later, will meet someone who needs help.

Yesterday after church, God sent us a family. They are NOT earthquake victims, but they need help. She's a divorced mom with no steady job and three daughters. She struggles to earn enough to pay a monthly rent. They spent the whole afternoon at our home. They have suffered physical and mental abuse from the father/husband. They also are going to need a year or two to rebuild their lives. They live near us. We can help them.

Passing the test

Alan Gordon — 2016-04-24T18:38:34-05:00

The group at Capulispungo took their first exam on book #1 of ¨Pastoral Theology.¨ Thirteen students have completed one lesson a week for the past ten weeks! I told them that their faithfulness and perseverance for the past three months has shown their commitment to learning. They have passed the test! The exam, for me, is really supplemental.

The women´s group that Faby is leading shows the same commitment. The women want to learn, and Faby has earned their respect and confidence.

God is working at the church at Capulispungo. Continue to pray for their progress!

Earthquake between workshops

Alan Gordon — 2016-04-18T20:07:05-05:00

This weekend we finished a full cycle of workshops, and continue to pray for the great need the Quichua have for training. In fact, two of the girls in the workshop for Sunday school teachers told us that although they have been teaching the children in their churches, this was the first workshop they had ever attended!

Saturday night we were resting up for the Sunday workshop when the earthquake hit. Our apartment in Riobamba on the fourth floor shook for what seemed like a long time. (Probably about 30-40 seconds, which is a long time for most quakes.) Thankfully our building has been recently constructed and holds to the earthquake building codes, but on the coast, near the epicenter, many buildings did not remain standing.

We went ahead with the workshop on Sunday, but it was a bit hard to concentrate after the shock the night before. We continue to pray for those affected by the quake, and also for the continuing training of the Quichua folk.

Week of Surprises

Alan Gordon — 2016-04-11T22:22:29-05:00

I taught English all week long in Semila. To my surprise I had 32 students! The class was so big and varied (some were level 1 and others level 2) I had to split it into three groups. So I ended up teaching three classes simultaneously. I also tried a new method. Rather than lecturing on grammar, I gave each student a short English composition to translate plus an English-Spanish dictionary. After their first try (with help and explanations along the way) they could translate fairly well. Then I gave them an English Hymn ¨Man of Sorrows¨ to translate. Most could translate the five verses within an hour, especially as a group helping one another. When I asked one student how this hymn compared with the songs the Quichua Salmists sing (The Salmists give concerts in the churches and evangelistic campaigns.), the response was, ¨This is not commercial music.¨ I hope they could see the difference between popular songs and hymns with deep theological content.

Classes ended Friday at noon. Faby and I went for an afternoon drive. On our way back to Riobamba we picked up an elderly lady. We quickly learned she was a Christian, but were surprised when she asked us if we would like to hear a short psalm. Faby guessed she was going to recite Psalm 23. But the lady, Fanny, said, ¨Psalm 119.¨ Right. I didn´t believe her. When she reached verse 20, I turned on the Bible in my iPod, and while driving, followed her from there to the end. She recited the whole Psalm, all 176 verses, group by group, even naming the Hebrew letter that titles each one. I have never met anyone like that!

Sunday, we taught another workshop for Sunday school teachers, this one sponsored by World Vision in coordination with Semila. They told us that 15 is an excellent turnout, but we had 40 students! God continues to surprise us.

Workers needed.

Alan Gordon — 2016-04-04T23:06:22-05:00

The Semila Seminary made an agreement with World Vision to train Sunday school teachers. So we made an hour trip to a community called ¨Cebadas¨ (which is a central location for many other communities) to hold the first of five workshops. We had a good turnout: 34 students of all ages from 14 to over 40! To our surprise, most of them have very little Bible knowledge! And these are the Sunday school teachers of the churches. No wonder the churches are so lacking in Christian Education. There´s a lot to do!

Last days in Ecuador

Alan Gordon — 2016-03-28T10:51:02-05:00

Laura, Ester, and Laurien are here for their last week in Ecuador. They spent most of their time in the Semila seminary in Riobamba, but for the last two weeks they are doing some touring. When they came to Quito, we had the privilege of hosting them for a few days and doing some touring with them. Thanks for coming gals! We enjoyed your visit!

On the Panecillo in Quito.

At the ¨Middle of the World¨

In the center of Quito on a street called ¨La Ronda

A Week of Workshops

Alan Gordon — 2016-03-19T16:27:01-05:00

Faby continues with her workshops for Sunday School teachers in Riobamba. This was the fourth workshop of five total.

I led a music workshop at a local church in Riobamba.

In Capulispungo, Faby had her third big turnout for a women´s workshop. This is a first in Capulispungo, because the Bible Institute has been mostly for the men.

In the Bible Institute we are diligently working with new material. With this program (FLET), they have weekly lessons to complete.

Planning for Interns

Alan Gordon — 2016-03-08T02:18:00-05:00

I took these three Ecuadorian youth to Capulispungo four years ago. Now at Semila we have three youth from Holland, and I was able to take them to visit Capulispungo. (Interesting that Valeria is in both photos.) At Semila, we continue to set up and plan for a more formal program for training youth for missions.

Working with the Semila Seminary

Alan Gordon — 2016-03-01T11:21:00-05:00

We are spending more time working at the Semila Seminary in Riobamba. Today we celebrated a staff lunch. We also have four volunteers (3 from Holland and 1 from the US) spending time at the seminary. Alan is working with Donata (the director's wife) in developing the missions discipleship program. Faby is working with Laura (the academics director) in training women for teaching children. We are enjoying being part of a team.