"We Like to Preach the Gospel." - Petrona

We lodged at the Monte Carlo once again. Avis, Miguel, and Walt took breakfast and walked to a couple of 'hot spots' for shopping. It was a chance to discuss many different things. We had talked the evening before about the differences and similarities between the countries of Ecuador, Finland, and the USA and how it affects the believers.

Of the three countries, the Ecuadorians struggle the most financially. Taxes are high in Finland and as in Ecuador. There are free public universities in both Ecuador and Finland. There are both private and public health care systems in Ecuador. The private is more expensive but offers better care. One seemingly big difference is the ownership of private property. It is much more difficult in Ecuador. Also it is rare to live outside the a city and be able to drive to work because it is expensive to own a car.

Milton and his daughter Pamella picked us up about noon, and we headed to a restaurant for lunch. There we were able to continue the discussion. Milton and Pamella verified many of the things we had talked about the evening before.

Milton enjoys a humorous comment.

 

Pamela discusses Ecuadorian challenges during lunch.

 

Miguel translated between bites to eat.

 

Walt asked if the Ecuadorians have benefited by the three month mission trip and how. The general answer is yes. The increased frequency of services and other activities has helped to create a sense of unity and one congregation in Ecuador. Having a minister for three months has also created a sense of trust and confidence to share ideas and issues. On a typical mission trip the ministers are here and gone quickly and a wall of unfamiliarity can exist. The increased activities means that a lot of topics have been able to be covered and discussed. Walt asked what topics were the most memorable. In Riobamba, it was the Church Law of Christ. Pamela and Miguel added that the article on being single was equally meaningful to them.

Walt asked what is the greatest challenge facing the Ecuadorians. All three said it was staying in faith. When pressed for specifics, Pamela said it is the worry of finding a believing spouse. All agreed that the financial realities also impact the believers.

We headed to the hacienda la Merced area as Walt wanted to interview some indigenous believers. We drove the narrow roads past the indigenous houses in the back of the hacienda. We saw several people but only briefly talked to two believing women as the others were out in the fields. One was struggling with her stubborn cow so she didn't want to talk much. The other came to talk briefly but she was quite shy. When asked about faith and services, she said they like to hear the message of the forgiveness of sins and they like to preach forgiveness of to each other between the mission trips. It was threatening to rain and she wanted to leave. It wasn't a very long or detailed interview but very comforting to hear what she said.

Petrona, an indigenous believer said "We like to hear and preach the gospel."

 

We drove to the hacienda and there found Mami Lu, Celio, and an indigenous believer sitting on the hillside in the shade of some trees. Mami Lu, when prompted, reminisced about life at the hacienda in her youth. "Lots of people, horses, and cows" she said. Her and Celio recounted the events that led up to them owning the ranch.

At one time nearly two hundred indigenous people came to the services. Now far less come and the 'plastic church' sits empty at service time.

Avis sits in a pew of the "plastic church."

 

The church which seats 200 is no longer used.

 

Many indigenous who lived close of the hacienda have died. Many have moved away for work. There are many vacant homes near by. Walt wanted know what happens to those that had to move away for work. "Do they try and contact believers especially those that move near Guayaquil?"  Apparently some had contacted Alfredo Hernandez about services. Mami Lu commented that they must have given up their faith and now probably attend some other church.

We travelled back to Riobamba were we had services in the home of Milton and Alicia Martinez. Walt used 1 Peter 2:10 as the basis for the service. About twelve people were present. We had a chicken dinner after the service and headed back to the Monte Carlo. Tomorrow we will head to Chiquicha for services.

Walt and Avis