Our coffee table discussion yesterday included discussion about everyday life in Ecuador. The common people of Ecuador struggle financially. One retired brother stated he receives $360 per month as a pension, and it is barely enough. A sister related she has started a new job some months ago and her wage is $130 per month from which she pays $60-70 per month in medications. Rent, food, transportation, clothing, and cell phone must come from the remainder. After about two years in the job, she will be eligible to receive a raise to the base pay established by the government which is $340 per month. Street vendors selling fruit or vegetables earn pennies a day according to one believer.
Some teachers make about $700 per month. One university professor known by a believer only earns $350 per month. One commented that the highest paid doctor in Ecuador makes $8,000 per month. A twelve hour day is common. One taxi driver we met was just completing an 18 hour day.
Public transportation is cheap by US standards. Most people, however, will take a bus when they can which cost $0.25 or so instead of pay for a taxi which might cost about $1 for the same destination.
All agreed that supermarket food is expensive. Prices are comparable to the United States. Cross country bus transportation costs $4-5 for a 4-5 hours ride. The freedom to travel by car that the citizens of the USA, Canada or Finland have doesn't belong to many believers here. It, in turn, impacts when, where, and how many people attend services.
The above economic realities likely influence a view of what is possible for the future and what definition of "future" is realistic in Ecuador. In turn, the vision of how the work of the kingdom of God in Ecuador can be accomplished is affected.
Walt and Avis
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