I'll tell you a few things I've noticed the most about these people in Quito, Ecuador. First off they do with what they have, and they don't seem to be very content with where they are. Our contact Pastor Fernando told us that the little money these people do make they give to the church. God is very important to these people. Not just something to do on sundays or something to follow through with as if it were part of some status quo. Yesterday I even saw a man take a taxi to get to church. What!? That's amazing! It makes me notice how lazy I've been in my own walk of faith.
The Ecuadorians are also a people of great community. Even down to the way their houses are built; these people know the importance of community and fellowship. It's amazing and so refreshing to see this. Not to harp on the U.S. but it seems like we are so obsessed with making sure what is ours is ours and that we have our privacy. I know were the missionaries here, but it really shows that we are all really the least of these. Sure we are here to help Pastor Fernando build a new Church, but I honestly think it's these Ecuadorians that are teaching us how to live with each other. Truly amazing how God can work in that.
God is also taking off the training wheels of my spiritual life. Often timesbeing in huge worship settings, listening to your favorite worship songs in your car, or simply being around people associated with the World Race can be a huge spiritual catalyst. What I think God is doing is getting me to seek Him out on an even deeper level; to reach even deeper, and to find Him and His Holy Spirit when normally I would just be spiritually mellow. Great things are in store. They always are when God does this. I'm getting to know Him more; not just through His word, but his people, and I love every bit of it!
Be blessed,
Buff
