Weary, Wornout, but Willing...

The Ecuador mission teams from FBC Okeene and Watonga arrived in Quito Ecuador late Sunday evening weary, and worn out. Saturday evening the group arrived in Atlanta around 10 p.m., but did not arrive to the hotel until 12 a.m. Sunday afternoon the plane was scheduled to leave at 5:45 p.m. but was delayed until 8:30 p.m. due to mechanical issues and the lateness of the plane coming from its previous destination. Thus, we arrived at the hotel in Puembo, Ecuador at 2:30 a.m. Needless to say everyone was not starting Monday on a full tank. However, Monday morning came and everyone was willing to go into the community of Puembo, Ecuador and minister through dentistry, playing games, sharing a story or just giving a wondeful smile to those encountered. We began the morning by sharing a wonderful breakfast meal before walking over to the area where the dentistry ministry would take place. Once there it was organized chaos as many different people were doing many different things all in an attempt to get the dental trailor up and running as soon as possible. Fortunatly, we were able to get everything situated and working before lunch. After lunch, Dr. Brian Benning and Maryann began seeing patients. Due to the limited time available and the situation of the patients only 3 individuals were able to be seen in the afternoon. However, the next several days are expected to be very busy and productive. The remaining group traveled over to the colisieum to encourage those around the area to participate in a Vacation Bible School ministry. The time begin with several games. At the beginning there were only a handful of children playing but by the time we ended at 4:30 there were over 90 children participating. Following a time of games, Pastor Rick Harrison shared the story of Noah with the children. He very simply pointed out that Noah had listened and trusted God and thus by God's hand Noah was saved from the flood. He concluded by pointing out that this is what Christ has done by coming and giving his life on the cross. Following Rick's sharing of the gospel, the children were given crayons and pictures to color that went along with the story of Noah. This was a wonderful time of interaction and engagement with the children and adults of Puembo. At the conclusion we announced that we would be meeting again in the colisieum on Tuesday at 3:oo p.m. We joyfully are expecting many more children and adults. Although everyone on the mission team seems to be weary, wornout everyone is still willing to minister by sharing the greatness of God's love. Moving from left to right the first picture is the mission team. The second photo is Pastor Rick Harrison sharing the story of Noah to the children outside the colisieum. The third and fourth photos are pictures of the children who came out to the VBS time at the colisieum. The fifth photo is Maryann (sorry forgot here last name) making preparations for an afternoon of dental work. Althought it has been a very long day,I believe each person on the mission team would affirm that it was a great day to be in Puembo, Ecuador because of the opportunity provided to us by God to minister, love and serve the people of Ecuador in order to make the name of Christ known. We would ask for your continued prayers for strength and endurance as we continue throughout the week.