I have a few updates for you that I wanted to share to keep everyone informed of our current state.
Update #1:
I have finished my first ministry in Ecuador and have moved to another. I went from Camp Hope, a special needs day camp, to Dunimus, a shelter for women who have been sexually assaulted. Here we are starting to build a new house on the property. We have been here since October 4th and have been doing manual labor ever since. This leads me into the next update…
Update #2:
We have been receiving emails from the Ecuadorian and US Embassies. Due to some recent governmental decisions here in Ecuador, people have begun to riot and protest. This has included two known deaths, the burning of tires, bottle bombs being tossed into cars, ATM burning, and the arrival of the Ecuadorian Military. Over 40,000 indigenous people are in the process of storming the city of Quito, this is where I am currently located. HOWEVER, I am located in the mountains of Quito about 40 minutes South and away from any major area and am completely safe from any dangerous activity. God has really been keeping us safe.
Update #3:
Due to the protests and riots, most if not all roads, main and backroads, have become blocked by the citizens. No one can get out. The Embassies have requested that all persons involved in missions work stay where there are and refrain from traveling. This mean we are stuck where we are. Like I said before, we are safe, but still stuck. We will continue forward with our mission work here at the shelter and build until we leave while we await further instructions from Adventures In Missions and will proceed when safe to do so.
This is a scary and difficult time. I have really been struggling with everything. I have been having some major anxiety issues and they have caused me to shut down a bit. Last night, my team and I did a praise type thing for our “Team Time,” this helped me a lot. I spent my time in prayer and in he’s word and he showed me several passages I want to share with you.
“Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you.”
-Psalm 55:22
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
-Isaiah 41:10
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
-John 14:27
We live in a world full of sin and darkness, but with God’s help, we can follow the path of light if we just trust in him.
Please keep my team in your prayers along with the people of Quito. I have made many friends that live in the city and am in contact with them to make sure they are safe. It is a sad time, but Gods will be done!
