Catch up Part 3.
After 3 great weeks in Banos, we boarded a bus to Ecuador’s capital. The Purdy’s had a contact in Quito with a church called Ministerios Cordero De Dios and we stayed in the church’s apartment for our time there.
As we rang the doorbell a gentleman opened the door with a smile and said, “Hola, bendiciones.” Jorge then proceeded to introduce himself to us and showed us where we would be staying. He is the church handyman and told us if we ever needed anything to let him know.
A night later we had an issue with the gas connection and the stove. We asked if Jorge had a moment to assist us. He quickly and happily offered his assistance. He brought up some tools and after 10 minutes of working on the stove and gas line, he had it up and running. He gave me a hug and walked out.
I looked forward to my encounters with Jorge because of his joy and his desire to help out.
On Saturday, we attended the service for “young adults”. Despite it being called a young adult gathering the ages present ranged from 8 years to 30 something years, but it was all good. After worship, we were in charge leading games and giving the word. During our sharing time, we opened up the floor for questions. The forum allowed us to share our stories on a more personal level, but also be able to get to know them as well.
During the forum, I shared that I enjoyed playing soccer and using soccer as a ministry tool and to get to know people in a different way rather than just through a face to face conversation. Christian approached me and told me that a group from the church was playing soccer tonight and I was welcome to come. I was in. They said they’d meet up around 7:00 pm at the church to head over to the field.
As I was waiting outside in front of the church one of the church dogs started barking at me. Fani, Jorge’s wife came out to see what was causing the ruckus (me). We started talking about the day and what I was going to do. I told her I was playing soccer with some of the young men from church and asked if her son Isaac wanted to play. She asked Isaac and he was in.
Dabo, his wife and son pulled up in the car and said that we would meet Christian and the rest of the gang at the field. Dabo was happy Isaac was playing and asked Jorge if he wanted to play. Jorge said he didn’t have any shoes and he hasn’t played in a while. Dabo was persistent, “Come on hermano Jorge” he said, “Let’s play.” I told Jorge I had an extra pair of shoes that he could use and that was it. Jorge, Isaac and I hopped in the back and we were off.
We arrived at the field, split up the teams and started to play. After two hours of laughter and soccer we called it a night. It was a blast playing with Rolando, the youth leader, members of the worship team, Christian, Dabo, Jorge and Isaac. The night could not have gone better. I was very grateful for Dabo’s openness to having Jorge and Isaac join us. After the game Dabo bought us cokes and we enjoyed them together.
On Sunday, we were taught Sunday school to some very energetic children. Josh shared the story of the prodigal son and Emily shared a story of The King and the Seed.
During the second service Emily and I shared part of our testimonies. I shared my testimony of why I chose to onto race. After the sermon we prayed for the congregation, which was a little interesting to do without a translator, but it was an awesome experience.
After the service Ramiro invited us out to eat, his treat. We met David and his wife Anna and Debbie and her husband Steven. We fellowshipped over some of the most delicious chicken and pizza I’ve ever tasted. After that they treated us to ice cream and Alex and I had the opportunity to get to know David.
David was originally from England and when I heard that, soccer questions immediately popped into my mind. After discussing soccer, he shared his story and how he ended up in Ecuador. He shared about his ministry with the youth and the importance of investing in the younger generation. His vision and understanding of this importance was dead on because the youth will be the future leaders in the community and the nation. Please be praying for David and his wife as they invest in the younger generation in Ecuador.
After ice cream we were driven back to the church, and Pastor Ramiro told us he wanted to take us grocery shopping. We set off for the grocery store did our shopping. I was blown away by Ramiro’s generosity and desire to serve us. He made sure our every need was met and loved well. We were blessed over and over during our time in Quito and I look forward to returning.
Please consider praying for Ramiro and the Ministerios Cordero de Dios church family, Jorge and his family, Isaac and his surgery and Rolando, Christian and Dabo and the youth ministry.
Thank you!
Pastor Ramiro and Team Zeal…
Jorge and Fani and Team Zeal…
Ministerios Cordero de Dios…
Ministerio Cordero de Dios Sunday school teachers…
Sunday School…
David and Ana with the team…
