Skype Meeting and Quito Bible Camp

Ecuadorian believers from Quito, Riobamba and Guayaquil gathered for a Skype meeting with Jon Bloomquist the Director of Foreign Mission work for the LLC. The needs for improved communication, a national board and financial issues were discussed for over two hours. After the meeting those present discussed the issues for about another two hours and appointed persons to various offices.

Jon Bloomquist presents "A Vision for the Future" via Skype

 

The Mission Statement in Spanish.

 

After the morning discussion the guests were treated to 'sloppy joes' and an assortment of  'goodies' prepared by Avis.

The local Bible Camp started at 1pm with a presentation by Alex Panizo on the Christian in Society. He noted that the believer is a citizen of two kingdoms or societies: the country that they live in and the kingdom of God. The believer lives by the Word of God and in God's kingdom.

Alex Panizo presents "Society and Believers"

 

Society and Believers

 

Students listening to the presentation.

 

Walt followed with a presentation on the Church Law of Christ which generated many comments and discussions. "What happens if a person doesn't want to listen to your concern?" "What if you see someone do something wrong but don't go and talk to him but don't tell another either. Who has done the greater sin?" "What if a person has left faith and wants to return but doesn't want to give up the live of sin he has?"

Walt affirmed that when a congregation and individual believers use the Church Law love will be maintained and the congregation will be stronger. Individuals will be helped to remain in faith. If it is not used the congregation becomes weak and can vanish and individuals can lose faith.

Walt gave a third presentation (in a very abbreviated form because of time constraints) based on a presentation by Keijo Nissila by the Phoenix Winter Services in 2014.

—Fe pertenece a un cristiano relación con Dios, razón por la que la relación con los vecinos.

Faith pertains to a Christian's relation with God, reason for that relation with one's neighbor.

The conflict of faith and reason was briefly presented and discussion. Examples were used to explain the proper place for faith and when reason can be used. Reason cannot be used to understand the will or Word of God.

Supper followed.

Tomorrow we meet again at 10am for a sermon broadcast from Oulu RY. It will be preached in Finnish and translated to Spanish. If it works out the Ecuadorians can request that it be done on a regular basis from Finland or possibly the United States.  After lunch we will conclude our camp with a presentation on Martin Luther.


Walt and Avis

A Standing Invitation

Today we are at the apartment. Walt worked on some presentations for the coming weekend Bible Camp and on testing out how the Skype conference can be projected for all to see. We also went grocery shopping which sounds easy but had a twist. While attempting to check out the cashier said the Bank of America card won't work because something is down. Cash was needed but we didn't have enough on hand. He tried the ATM at the store but with no luck. So Walt hoofed it, in a huff, across town to the ATM he usually uses to get the money. He got the money and his exercise and we got the groceries. Few things turn out as planned in Ecuador. We caught a taxi and got the goods 'home.'
 
One thing we were able to do today is appreciate what we have in the United States. It is so easy to go to services. Just get in the car, turn the key and go. We can be and are very independent in the States because most everyone including the youth have a car to use. No buses or taxis or continuous load music, road noise or TV screens to contend with. We ride in the comfort of our own car!!

When we get to the services the song leaders and organist are ready and waiting. The songs have been picked out and maybe even practiced. The services start on time. The speaker has studied the text long before because a schedule has been made and distributed to the speakers.

We sit down in the pew, the song leader announces the song or hymn. We only need reach over and take the recently published hymnal with hundreds of songs from the rack and begin to sing. It is so easy!!

Some of our children might talk during the services or otherwise annoy us by doing something small. In contrast there are very few children at the services in Ecuador. They don't exist. They were never born. In the States the children light our lives at services with their actions and smiles. "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)

Alison Mikkola at services in Chiquicha Valley

 

At the end of the services the Service Director announces the schedule for the rest of the day and the week coming. Can we be any more informed then that?? Well yes, we can get the schedule on our I-Phone too. To boot nearly every home has a monthly schedule taped or fastened in some means to the refrigerator or bulletin board. Is there any excuse for not knowing when and where there are Christian activities?

When we get home from church we can pick up the Bible, Voice of Zion or one of many other Christian books or periodicals and read. Or you can check on line for services in another congregation and listen in. In Ecuador many still do not have Bibles, don't get or can't read the Voice of Zion.

During the week there will be Bible Class, Song Services, or maybe a youth discussion. Possibly it will be the week that the local board has its monthly meeting to discuss the work of the Kingdom in the local area. And yes there will be Sunday School, Day Circle or home services too.

We have much to be thankful for when we can go to services or other activities many times in a month. It's like sitting down each week for a prepared meal and with a standing invitation. Isn't it as pictured in the words of Psalm 23:5? "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

Probably we all have taken the above for granted. In Ecuador there are services and Bible Class but not often. Getting to them can be stressing. Transportation and tight budgets are always a problem here. It seems as though the majority of Ecuadorian believers just get by.

The planning and organizing of services here are in an infant stage. The believers here don't take collections although recently there has been talk of fund raising among a few people. They don't pay dues either. They have home services which is an ancient and honorable setting as mentioned in the Bible. Yet the Ecuadorians don't have a nice local church to gather in either, some place to call their own either.

Walt and Avis

Quito Bible Class and Ice Cream Bars

This evening Bible Class was held again at the Panizo home. Fifteen people were present. Teodoro and his wife were noticeably absent. They are still in Guayaquil. A gas station employee filled his gas tank with diesel so his car is still in Riobamba for repairs and they are lingering in Guayaquil after the Couples Camp.

Before Bible Class started Alex wanted Walt to review this presentation for the weekend on The Believer in Society. He has a short but good presentation. It will probably generate much discussion. The thoughts are clear and they are based on the Bible.

The Bible Class was on the subject of repentance and entering the kingdom of God. The three parts of repentance were studied: Sorrow over sin, absolution or the forgiveness of sin as preached by another person in faith and a change of heart and life. The repentance of King David from 2 Samuel 12 was studied and the students were asked if they could identify the three parts. Walt asked the question "If a person has sorrow for sin and the gospel is preached to them but they continue to live their formal life, has a true repentance taken place?" All agreed that  it is not true repentance.

The example of the sheepfold and shepherd were touched on. Walt asked what if someone comes into our gathering and says he is a believer but hasn't come through the door of repentance and the forgiveness of sin? All understood such a one is not a true believer.

A picture of a sheepfold.

 

The order of grace was also studied. Based on Romans 10: How can a person who is in unbelief find the living God of whom he knows nothing? Who believes the preaching of the children of God? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by and through the Word. But how shall a person hear without a preacher? How can one preach unless they are sent?

The students were presented with a list of almost ten questions about their own repentance. Four of them follow:

1. Were you searching for God before you met the believers?
2. How did you come to know the believers?
3. What did you think when you heard the first few sermons based on God's Word?
4. What did your friends and family think about your making repentance?

Several persons spoke the psalms of their heart. Some had become ill or lost a loved one and it started them thinking about the most important matter in life. One spoke of how difficult it is to believe. In the end all wanted to be assured with the gospel that the hope of heaven was possible for them as an individual. Some expressed their thanks for coming into faith and for being able to hear the Word of God. Avis related of her own experience in coming into faith. The Bible Class discussion was uplifting.

Piedad verified that repentance includes sorrow and the forgiveness of sin.

 

Miguel translated and enjoyed a humorous comment.

 

Anita spoke of her trials and how she had come into faith. She also spoke of those who had once been in faith but had give up but didn't know why.

 

Avis spoke of her repentance as a teen and how her family was at first alarmed.

 

It was a good day for us. Our work here is ending in March. We are consolidating the schedule to front load the first half of March which will in turn allow us to return little earlier. That could have been really expensive but persistence and a helpful lady at Delta made it possible.

After Bible Class and on the way back to the apartment Avis noticed that the local barber shop was still open (at about 7:45pm) so we walked over and Walt got a haircut for $2 but with a wink and a smile he gave her $3. As we left the barber shop we almost in unison said to each other "Let's stop for an ice cream bar!" We did. Life is good.

Walt and Avis

Services but............

Once we completed our walk through the refuge part of the park we decided to hold a service in an open area. The service guests sat at the end of a raised platform used for various celebrations. Walt and Paulus stood on the ground.

Walt and Paulus at the start of a devotion.

 

Services guests (l-r): Milton, Alvia, Teodoro, Alicia, and Lisbeth

 

Alicia and Lisbeth

 

Lucia Rodriguez

 

Alfredo, Gladys and Cesar

 

Marianela and Mia

 

We got through the opening prayer, the reading of the text from Genesis 3:1-15 and started the study of the text. At that point an older gentleman appeared and told us that no activities are permitted in the park. He said we have five minutes to end it. Within two minutes an armed guard came to tell us it was all over and to relocate to a different area.

Paulus inquired as to what was meant by activity. No answer. Walt asked twice why the activity, "services" are not permitted. The armed guard looked from Walt to the elderly man for a reaction and back to Walt. It was impossible to know if the guard was puzzled, startled that someone dared to ask why or if he was on the verge of taking physical action. No one talked. No answer was given. Silence. We left to a different area a few hundred yards away still in the park but for some reason permitted there.

We found an unoccupied shelter with benches to continue the services. Before we started Michael informed us that the driver of the rented van called and said we have 20 minutes left on the rental. We considered paying another $10 to have him wait but Michael said it was no use. So Walt completed the sermon in about ten minutes and we began our walk back to the van.

The shelter we used was open on the sides and adjacent to it was a twin shelter with a group of young people sitting in it. We were all within 15 feet of each other. The young people listened very closely to the sermon as evidenced by their silence and expressions. The Word had an effect on them but it is unlikely we will meet any of them again. Why did it happen?

We returned to the parking lot. The driver took the Mite's, Alfredo and Gladys and others. We got in with Milton, Alicia, Teodoro, Paulus, Lisbeth, and Cesar. Walt felt that he could ride in the box of the truck as both Teodoro and Cesar are 'pushing' eighty. They reluctantly agreed. There were already three people and luggage in the back. Try as he did Walt could not fit in the remaining space. He tried the pretzel position but the others thought it not wise.  Teodoro who is much smaller was able to fit. In the rush of it all left undone was discussion of the coming meeting next Saturday with Michael Mite and Alfredo.

We then drove around Guayaquil for awhile looking for what I don't know. We ended up at the water front where there is numerous small "restaurants" where food is available. We ate, fetched our luggage from Milton's truck and took a taxi to the airport. We caught our flight to Quito. A taxi was waiting, Ivan a familiar driver took us back to our apartment.

Later after returning to Quito we related the incident to Veronica. She didn't think the action was taken because it was a service. She related of incidents over the years and how it is forbidden to gather in groups of more than ten people. We had over twenty. In the past people have been beaten by the police because they were in a group. They were accused of speaking against the president. Could it happen in America?


Walt and Avis

To the Park-Refuge for Services........

On Friday evening Milton suggested we find a park where we could hold the services on Saturday. It was an idea embraced by everyone. Transportation was going to be a problem. Alfredo no longer has his van. By taxi some of the local believers made their way to the Hotel La Torre. From there we headed to a park-refuge within easy driving from the hotel with a rented van and Milton's truck.

The entrance sign to the refuge is written in Spanish, English and Kechwan. The refugee has many birds and animals native to South America. Following are a few pictures of the tour:

The entrance of Yuyay Tikrachi Uku park

 

Paul Mite, Alison and Paulus study a park creature.

 

Paulus, Marianela and some children await the start of the tour.

 

Above five pictures: Various birds and animals in the park.

 

The white-tailed deer exhibit was a surprise.

 

 

A buck enjoys a rest from the heat and humidity.

 

Look close..... an alligator lurks!

 



Travel through refuge was on a boardwalk the entire way. Paulus scouted for a place where we could hold services. There was one possibility at a wider section of the boardwalk with benches on both sides and with the nature setting of a mangrove woods. A consensus was not reached and we moved on. To be continued.

 

Walt and Avis

Couples Camp Day in Guayaquil

Five couples and three other individuals gathered for a Couples Camp in Guayaquil on Friday afternoon and evening at the La Torre Hotel. The Camp opened with a service based on Colossians 3:12-17 a text that is at times used for weddings. Most of the couples have been married for many years. Paulus and Lisbeth were the youngest and married for the shortest time at about three years.

Milton and Alicia Martinez listen to the presentation and comments.

 

Alfredo and Gladys Hernandez

 

Lisbeth listens as Paulus comments.

 

Alvia and Teodoro Hernandez listen to the presentation.

 

The Mite family: Michael, Marianela and Mia

 

Following the service the presentation Sanctity of Marriage was read and questions or comments solicited. On of the attendees was a friend of the Mite's and not of our faith. As a result the discussion veered off the mark and became bogged down in difficult to answer questions. "Why did Moses allow divorce?" "Did he act on his own or was it from God?" "How can it be determined if a marriage is blessed even if the couple has been married for decades?" Walt noted that the focus of the Camp and presentation is the Scriptural basis for marriage and not why Moses had to take the action he did. We don't know all the facts or the exact circumstance involved in the situation Moses faced but it was as the Gospel of  Matthew 19:7-8 "Moses because of the hardness of your heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so."

It was decided to break for supper. After supper the visitor had other business and didn't return to the continuation of the discussion.

Supper break at a nearby restaurant.

 

After supper the group was more relaxed and free to discuss some of the content of the presentation. The culture of Ecuador plays a part in married life also. There is an element of machismo. A man who helps his wife at home is considered weak. One wife longed for appreciation for her work as a mother and homemaker. She noted that her husband words long days and is away from the home much. Another recalled her parents. Her father left for work at 7am and worked until 7pm. He had some days off but spent them away from home so he didn't get to know his family as well as he could have. Now her mother is ill and the father doesn't even know the basics of cooking and caring. Some of the wives did not comment at all on the presentation.

The discussion centered mostly on the practical and human side of marriage. Only the surface of the spiritual meeting was touched on by the couples.

Walt and Avis

The Church Law of Christ

The local Bible Camp continued for a second night at the Martinez home. The topic was the Church Law of Christ from Matt. 18. Walt asked Milton if he was willing to present the prepared Power Point presentation and conduct the discussion. He agreed. He and Paulus sat huddled over the laptop presentation for over an hour during the afternoon talking though the presentation and its meaning. Approximately 15 people were present. Milton appeared comfortable in his assignment.

Presentation slide on The Church Law of Christ

 

Milton Martinez presents and leads the discussion.

 

Teodoro, Pamela and "Mami Lu" listen to the presentation.

 

The presentation resulted in a lengthy and constructive discussion about the steps of the Church Law and its need in God's kingdom. Without its use a congregation will crumble. Love will remain broken. The students understood that the "law" was a "law of love" for the undying soul of all involved. Walt asked what does "the church" mean in the referenced text as related to Riobamba? Milton correctly answered by pointing to the believers in the room.

 

Some thought it may have been the first time the believers from Riobamba had studied the Church Law text. Milton later stated he very much enjoyed the discussion and thought that the use of Power Point helps everyone to remain attentive. He suggested it continue to be used by the ministers on following trips.

 

Walt and Avis



Breakfast Business Meeting ........ Practical Matters in the Work of the Kingdom

We started the day with a discussion over breakfast about the practical matters surrounding the work of the kingdom here in Ecuador. It was a prep for the coming Skype meeting with Jon Bloomquist on Saturday February 28.

Present at the meeting were Milton Martinez, Teodoro Hernandez, Cesar Hernandez, Edgar Martinez, Avis Lampi, Paulus Mikkola and Walt Lampi. We reviewed some items likely to surface in the coming meeting.

Business breakfast: (l-r) Edgar, Cesar, Teodoro, Milton

 

Paulus helps make a point.

 

Discussed were:

1. The meeting on February 28 is scheduled for 9:00am sharp. Everyone should arrive at 8:30am for coffee.
2. A power point presentation containing one possible organizational model and authored by Jon will be viewed and narrated by Jon via Skype.
3. A point of contact needs to be established for Ecuador. Someone who will in turn communicate with the points of contact in the respective congregations.
4. For ease of paying for the cost of services, transportation, etc an account needs to be set up to receive funds from the LLC and from which to pay for invoices.
5. A reimbursement form will be translated to Spanish by Paulus and Lisbeth Mikkola to facilitate the payment of invoices.
6. Scheduling and scheduling changes. Some examples of why schedules are difficult to make and sometime change were given by Milton.
a. The indigenous sometime don't have rides to get to the services.
b. The indigenous community is close knit and leader orientated. The leader can call for a community work project to be done and if someone doesn't come they must pay the leader $20.
c. At times other community activities such as elections or meetings are scheduled that interfere with services. Attendance is then light at the services.
c. In Salinas the factory women are involved with outside organizations such as volunteers from foreign countries or within Ecuador. They often are in meetings in different cities.

The discussion was thoughtful, hopeful and productive.

Walt and Avis

"Bible Camp" at the Martinez home

Today and tomorrow are designated Riobamba Local Bible Camp. Based on the size and location of the Martinez home it is more the equivalent of a congregation Bible Class. The topic was Repentance and Entering God's Kingdom. About fifteen were present including two cousins of the Martinez family.

Walt giving a presentation on repentance.

 

The three parts of repentance: sorrow over sin, absolution, the preaching of the forgiveness of sins, and a change in heart and mind ie. life were discussed. Several parts of scripture were listed as examples of repentance. The portion concerning the high priest Joshua was read and the class was asked to identify the three parts. They confirmed that all three parts were found.

Walt also asked the students to help him understand something he has noticed at times in Ecuador.
At times persons have come to the services and have wanted to be blessed with the forgiveness of sins. They have been blessed. They never come again to services. How should this be understood? The only answer offered was that "They must not have made a true repentance."

The last two slides were questions concerning personal experiences on coming into God's kingdom.

1. Do you think you were seeking for God before you met the believers?

•2. How did you meet them?
•3. What about the believers made an impression on you?
•4. Did you repent before going to services?
•5. What did you think after hearing some of the first sermons?


A few of those present related their own experiences. Several had been Catholics. One didn't think he was searching at all. Another had gone to several different churches. One mentioned his amazement at coming in contact with 'gringos.' Hugging 'one' was very strange. Two agreed that a very noticeable difference was the 'sermon' or explanation of the Word of God. In the Catholic church there was mass but no explanation of what the Word meant. One raised his hand for a blessing because others did but later made a true repentance. One went to the services out of curiosity because some of his relates were believers. All experienced the lifting of the burden of sin when they repented. Some experience a degree to ridicule from friends and family after repenting.

Personal experiences of repentance:
Question 1, "Do you believe you were searching for God before you met the believers?"

 

E

Edgar and Teodoro listen.

 

Milton, Alicia and Katherine listen to comments.

 

Lisbeth appears contemplative.

 

Lucha and Pamela

 

Lucha's sister and Alvia Hernandez follow the discussion

 

The Couples Camp day was changed from Saturday to Friday for reasons not understood by Walt or Avis. This means changing airline tickets from Sunday to Saturday in order to get back to Quito.

Walt noted the sudden change in camp dates as evidence that a single point man is needed in Ecuador to communicate the details of camps and services. One seemed to think it is impossible in Ecuador. Another thought there needs to be an organization.

Walt and Avis

February 17, 1973............... February 17, 2015

We won't forget where we were on February 17, 1973 or February 17, 2015. On February 17, 1973 we were married in Cokato, Minnesota by Peter Nordstrom. And of course on February 17 of this year we were in Quito, Ecuador.

Forty-two years, fourteen children and twenty-six grandchildren later here we are. Our life together has been blessed by God. It hasn't been without trials at times but by faith we have made it until today. By faith we trust to make it to the end of our journey.

On our way to Finland in 1982

 

Avis and Walt on our anniversary 2015 (on the roof of our apartment.)

 

At this moment February 18 at 6pm we are sitting in the Hotel Monte Carlo awaiting a ride to Milton Martinez' home for the evening activities. We left our apartment by taxi at 9:30am to the bus station. We left at 10:30am from there arriving in Riobamba at the hotel at 2:30pm. This distance isn't far but traffic and frequent stops by the bus made for a total travel time of 5 hrs. 

 

 

Walt and Avis

Sunday Evening Services and Discussion in Quito

Services were held at the Panizo home. Eleven persons total were present. The services were opened and closed with a song. The service text was Mark 9:30-37 a text closely related to Shove Sunday, The Sacrificial Way of God's Love. Walt noted the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday and its Old Testament origin. Also noted was Luther's writing on serving. He wrote that the greatest service one can do for his fellow man is to preach the gospel to him. All services and support activities are conducted for that purpose.

Walt related of the recent trip to Riobamba, Salinas, Chiquicha, and Balsapamba. He mentioned that the discussions were held in some places concerning proper music for Christians and accepting children as gifts from God. He also noted that confirmation exercise questions had also been used for discussion and were enjoyed by the believers. "They help us learn" was one comment.

After singing the closing hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God Walt noted that it was written by Martin Luther at a very difficult time. It contains Luther's belief in God as a defender of His kingdom and an expression of thankfulness that even though temporal possessions had been lost that the kingdom of God still was intact and had the Word.

Walt also related that the believers in Riobamba recognized their temptation with sensual music and suggested that the Ecuadorians consider making their own CD or MP3 application as an alternative to worldly music. The Quito believers  were interested in the project. Walt suggested they define their needs to begin with and begin gathering to sing songs. He thought the LLC or SRK would help in whatever way they can. The music for the songs is needed plus someone to play an instrument to accompany the voices.

Also noted was that throughout the history of Christianity the believers have lived in many different cultures. The Christians however have not been able to accept everything that a culture offers. Some things are contrary to God's Word and cannot be accepted in good conscience. Walt noted that in the United States the present culture is to limit the family size to two or less children, to allow abortions and to accept homosexuality and same sex marriages. The believers do not conform with these trends. In Ecuador abortions and homosexuality are considered criminal offenses.

Walt and Avis

Prep for Bible and Couples Camp..... Comfort from Internet Services

Friday was a day to unwind and do some grocery shopping. The local Super Maxi had noticeably less customers, maybe half of normal. A second trip on Saturday proved maybe one quarter or less than normal. It is a measure of the carnival affect.

Saturday was Valentines Day and Avis got two dozen red roses.

 

Saturday was also a day to work on lessons for the coming local Bible Camp in Riobamba and Couples Camp in Guayaquil. The Bible Camp presentations will be on the Church Law of Christ and Repentance and Entering God's Kingdom. The Couples Camp presentation will be on the Sanctity of Marriage. Walt has requested help on the translation of Sanctity of Marriage from a believing translator in the US. She however came down with the flu so the translation is in jeopardy. The backup is Google.

We have listened to archived sermons twice during our time here, one from Minneapolis and one from Cokato. It is amazing how powerful and comforting the Word is when we are at our sometimes lonely place of watching here in Ecuador. There are of course no other speakers here in Ecuador to call for services. The servants of the Word also have a need to listen to the Word.

Internet services in our apartment.

 

Many congregations broadcast and/or archive services. It was very uplifting
for us to listen to services from our home land and in our language.

 

Avis listens to and enjoys "home services."

 

When the Paananens were here we discussed the possibility of having translated sermons of Finnish to Spanish. Antti and Aino pursued it with the right people in Finland and already two opportunities are on the horizon, March 1 and March 8. We will most likely gather at our apartment on March 1 with the Quito believers as we have a cable connection. On March 8 we will gather at Milton's home in Riobamba as he too has a cable connection. If the Ecuadorians are receptive, sermons in Spanish can be broadcast on a regular schedule from Finland, the USA or both.

Later today, Sunday, we will gather at the Panizo home for 5pm services.

Walt and Avis