"Don't forget us." - Juana Roso Salazar Lluman

Services at the hacienda la Merced were very small as only  two indigenous women came making a total of nine. It is unknown why others did not come. It could be intra-indigenous community issues. Nevertheless, we were able to visit with the two sisters and it was uplifting.

Juana Roso Salazar Lluman (i) and Maria Natividad Obando Remache (r)

 

Maria Natividad Obando Remache is 45 years old and the mother of two children. Her son, Alex, is 18 years old and her daughter, Maria, is 14. Both attend school in Colta Lake. She said she works at home caring for the cows, sheep, guinea pigs, dogs and cats.

Her day starts at 4 am when she begins to prepare breakfast for the children and get them off to school. During the day, she also works in the field with the crops of which they have corn, oats, and hay.

She has been in faith for 14 years. When asked whether the believers discuss matters of faith among themselves she asked, "Yes." She also confirmed that they preach the gospel to each other.

Juana Roso Salazar Lluman is 32 years old and not married. She lives at home with her parents. Her father must work in Guayaquil to make enough money. She doesn't have any children so she doesn't need to awake until 6 am. She, too, has been in faith for 14 years. She agreed that the believers talk about faith matters among themselves and use the gospel for comfort.

When asked how the LLC (translated to them as Igelsia or Church) could help them, Juana answered, "Don't forget us, continue to send ministers." Juana also asked if two Spanish-English Bibles could be brought for her and Maria.

Walt also asked about Sunday School possibilities for the indigenous children. Both agreed that there are not many children in the area. Many families have moved to find work.

A devotion was kept based on Matthew 14:15-24: a great supper was prepared and many people were invited but none wanted to come and many excuses were offered. The Lord of the house instructed his servants to go into the streets to find guests for the supper and later into the ditches and hedges to call the poor, blind, maimed, and halt.

Avis, Alicia, and Katherine listen to the services.

 

Avis, Juana, Miguel and Maria

 

Those that have a personal need for forgiveness and peace are the poor, maimed, and halt. Maria and Juana walked in the dark for one half hour to get to the services. The long day was taking its toll on both of them but they stayed for tea and bread and a visit before Milton brought them home in his truck.

It was the last time we will be at the hacienda on our trip.

Walt and Avis