Pioneer School

I have to share this bit of news with you. 14 years ago when we first arrived in the country we had the privilege to preach in a small village about two hours from Cuenca called Jima. We spent the entire day preaching and at the time there were no witnesses or congregation in the area. One family (the Morocho family) with 11 children was studying and had invited us to stay after the study and eat lunch. During the study the older girls left to kill a chicken for lunch. This was strange at the time since we usually buy our meat in the grocery store. However, the lunch they prepared was literally one of the most delicious we have ever tasted. We had been walking all day, up mountains, on dirt paths and when we arrived to their home we were happy to be seated around a kitchen table with the entire family. We appreciated their hospitality so much especially since we were so tired. Remember, also that our Spanish at the time was extremely limited.

Now to the point of my story...one of the daughters that we studied with that day, Baltazara, is in our Pioneer School and she reports that the majority of the family is either baptized or studying. What a joy!

Pioneer School

Well it finally happened. Mark and I have been invited to attend Pioneer School a second time. We are so excited! The school starts next Monday right after our District Convention so we will certainly be on a spiritual high for a few weeks! At first I was a bit apprehensive that my bosses wouldn't allow me the time off to attend since I spent 6 weeks in the States. But, they have been extremely supportive and understanding. They told me no problem since it appeared to be so important to me to attend. I really appreciate their flexibility with this and grateful to Jehovah for giving us this wonderful opportunity.

Hopefully I will have some good experiences to share.

Tremor

Woke up this morning with the building shaking. A 6.9 earthquake near Ambato was felt in Cuenca. I must say we were a bit shook up and left the building as soon as the shaking stopped. No damage but was disconcerting.

ENGLISH CONVENTION IN GUAYAQUIL

Every year the Ecuadorian Branch organizes an English District Convention in Guayaquil. It is a blessing for those of us serving in a foreign field to hear the program in our native language. It is like a mini international convention in that there are so many brothers and sisters from other countries that attend. For example there were brothers from Canada, Mexico, England, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, U.S., Austria, Peru, Japan, Korea, China, Sweden, just to name a few.

A moment that really impacted me was during one of the talks the brother asked to see a show of hands of how many in the audience were serving in some sort of full-time service...the majority raised their hands. It was wonderful.

For any of you that want to serve where the need is great and are planning to visit Ecuador, I suggest you try to attend this unique convention. It is always the last weekend in July. You won't regret it.

Nice Surprise

Next door to my work is a small office supply store that my bosses send me to from time to time to make copies. I have also used it to have my Bible Teach book and new song book ring bound. In my visits to the store I have gotten to know the owner, a nice lady, and we have had short conversations.

Thursday I was sent once again to make some copies and when I entered the store the owner is sitting there having a bible study with two sisters. I was so delighted to see them and, of course, the sisters greeted me and we talked a bit. When the lady got up and excused herself to the sister in order to make my copies, she said "you are a Witness, too? I'm going to be one soon." She told me that she used to be opposed, but when I brought my books in to be bound, she was curious and read some of them and decided to listen the next time the witnesses came around. She is loving what she is learning and and can't wait to learn more. I was so excited!

Even though it was a crazy, busy day at work, that brief moment just made my day!

It's Good to be Back in the Swing of Things

Today was my first day back in the preaching here in Ecuador. I must say it was a pleasant reminder of why we are here. Since I was a little sad to return because I miss my daughter so much, I have been a bit down. But as always, Jehovah gives us what we need.

Met the group this at 8:30 a.m. and started in the ministry immediately. In just one hour placed everything in my bookbag and the magazines and book of the sister that accompanied me. With the book started a study with a very interested gentleman and made arrangements to return on Friday. Also had a door step study with a young girl. Once again, Jehovah lovingly reminded me what I need to be doing. Just wish everyone could have this much fun.

Back in Cuenca

After 6 weeks away visiting my daughter in the beautiful state of Colorado, I am back in Cuenca. The weather is very pleasant and cool which is refreshing after being in the summer heat.

The visit was the best and Aimee and I had a lot of fun catching up and doing mother-daughter stuff. But, it was time to get back to business.

One nice experience that I want to share although it is not mine but was told by a brother where we stayed in Guayaquil on the trip back to Ecuador. His name is Luis and he told us that he was preaching and a householder said "it bothers me that you people think you have the only right religion. Can you prove to me that yours is the right one?" Luis answered by asking "I'm new here, do you know any Jehovah's Witnesses that live in this neighborhood?" He answered, "yes one lives up the hill there and another down the hill here." Luis said, "lets go see them." And they did. When they arrived to the first house, Luis knocked on the door, a brother he didn't know answered. Luis said, "Hi brother, I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses preaching in your neighborhood." Immediately, the brother warmly invited them into the house. They visited for a few minutes and left. Then they went to the next one and the exact same thing occurred. Luis then asked the incredulous man, "do you know any Catholics around here?" "Yes, we are all Catholics." he said. Luis said, "okay let's try the same thing and go to the house of a Catholic you don't know. They did and not surprising they didn't get the same reception. They knocked at a door and a man answered. The householder said "hi, I'm your neighbor and I'm Catholic." The man replied "so?" The householder immediately saw the difference, accepted a bible study and became our brother.

I thought this was a cool experience. I hope you enjoy it.