Services at the Hacienda La Merced

Today was leisurely. We had breakfast at our usual café and later lunch at a KFC which was a first for Antti and Aino. As we entered the restaurant, a beggar sat against the door with a cup asking for a gift of money. Walt gave him one dollar. Later Walt whet to talk to him and asked if he could take a picture of him. He answered "yes, but only for $10." No picture was taken.

The schedule slid somewhat and instead of being picked up at 5 o'clock for our trip to the hacienda it was 6:30 pm. On the way to the hacienda, we stopped to buy 'pan' or bread. At the hacienda, 26 indigenous people gathered for services. At the peak, 200 indigenous would gather for services. A variety of reasons has caused the number to plummet. Older believers, who lived close by have died, some have moved away for work, evangelical ministers have taken some of them into their flock, and the lack of interest by the youth are some of the reasons given. Antti kept a sermon using part of Jesus' Sermon on a Mount. After the service, Antti called for questions or greetings to Finland. Many wanted to be assured with the gospel.

Paulus translates for Antti.

 

Young hearers of the Word.

 

Older hearers of the Word.

 

 Aino (l) and Avis (r) listen to the sermon.

 

Tea, chicken, rice, and bread was served to the service guests. The evening was damp and cold. Lucha Maria or as she is affectionately called MamaLu stays at the hacienda alone. It has been her life and she has been witness to its days of glory as a working farm. Her wish now is to die there also. She put Walt "on the spot" asking him "Por que no dormir en la hacienda. Estoy sola aqui?" "Why didn't you sleep here at the hacienda. I am alone here." There are many practical reasons why we didn't stay there but Walt could feel her longing and at the moment could not think of anything that would comfort her.

Mami Lu (Lucha) and her daughter-in-law Alicia Hernandez during an earlier trip.

 

The food for the indigenous people was prepared over an open fire.

 

Tea being scooped from the "tea pot."

 

Although it looks like minnows swimming in the pot it is tea leaves.

 

For we guests the food was prepared inside the hacienda on a gas stove.

 

After the services Milton informed the indigenous people of the weekend's Congregation Days. They seemed excited about the prospect. Milton's brother, Edgar, spoke to them in their native tongue of Kichwa giving them encouraging words.

Teodoro Hernandez was at the services from the Quito congregation. The hacienda La Merced is the farm he lived at with his parents and siblings for several years.

Teodoro Hernandez grew up on the hacienda La Merced.

 

Tomorrow the services will be in Chiquicha and back at the hacienda.

Walt and Avis