Guayaquil Services

We made the trip to the Quito airport safely and on time, and soon thereafter departed for Guayaquil. The services were held at the home of Michael and Marianella Mite. Michael is a teacher of mathematics. A total of seventeen attended the services, including the ministers and their wives. Walt spoke based on Matthew 6:24-34. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God."

Michael Mite and daughter Mia.

 

Lucia Rodriguez and grandchild

 

Alfredo and Gladys Hernandez

 

A long discussion followed after the services on an upcoming Congregation Days in Riobamba. How many might be going from Guayaquil? A simple enough question in an affluent nation like the USA, Finland, or Canada. A show of hands should provide an estimate. Not an easy question to get an answer to in Ecuador. The average worker makes about $500/month or $125/week. Round trip bus trip from Guayaquil to Riobamba costs about $10/person. Using the Mite family of six as an example that would be $50 (their baby probably rides free).

The hacienda La Merced has been the usual gathering place but now needs major repairs to the water system and other. That means no way to prepare food and no toilets. Any travelers coming to the camp will need to rent a room which might cost $10-15/night per person. Ecuadorian haggling might get it down. Assume $10/night, then the Mite family might need to pay $50 (the baby is probably free). That makes a total of $100 ($50+$50) or 100/125 = 80% of a weeks wage. Per Michael, families live on a tight budget and can't say from week to week how much money they may have once their bills are paid. The average American wage is $60,000/year or $5,000/month or $1,153/week. $1153 x 0.80 = $922. So the equivalent for a US citizen would be to pay $922 for a half day camp which is what is scheduled in Riobamba. Any takers? On the basis of cost it is easier to see why the Ecuadorians seem to vacillate on whether they will attend a camp. It is a major financial sacrifice on their part and boarders on impossible. Add to that a long, hot, and noisy bus ride with the family.

I asked about where tomorrow's Bible Camp will be held and how we will handle the food. It will be at a home but the host didn't have enough money to cover the expenses. It is an LLC camp and those costs will be covered.

We in the affluent countries need to count our blessings. God has blessed our nations. We are blessed to live in them and have what we have. We had no choice in which nation to be born into. It was God's work.

Walt and Avis