"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