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 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." |
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. |
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
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