We’ve all been taught since we were little to not talk to strangers. As adults, of course, we are mature and life sort of requires us to talk to strangers. In a way the World Race takes that a step further. It’s not often we get to meet strangers outside our own country, but on the Race it’s every day life.
This week my squad leaders, Amanda, Austin, and Trent (affectionately deemed the Squeaders), were out meeting- discussing squad leader stuff and what not (who knows)- when complete strangers came across their path. They had overheard the Squeaders talking, and began to ask questions about the World Race. What started out as a meeting between themselves became a meeting with strangers and the exchanging of information for a new potential contact.
That information was later passed on to teammate Anna and me, much to our excitement! Anna called and a meeting was arranged. The next day we found ourselves in the most remote area we’d been in yet. By remote I mean it wad a lot like home- very small town, countryside, surrounded by mountains. It was beautiful.
This is the setting in which we met Timothy and Daina Datwyler, founders of Puerta de Esperanza (Door of Hope). The Datwylers have been serving in Ecuador for nine years. The last two or three of those have been in partnership with Compassion International. The children they serve come to the ministry site, their home, twice a week for tutoring, meals, and Bible lessons. Tim and Daina also want to make sure they are teaching their kids to give back to God, the community, and each other through projects and evangelism. Door of Hope desires to create disciples throughout their community. They started out ministering to the children in Chaquibamba and from their a church grew. They desire to teach the people there how to truly love and serve each other as Christ would.
Please pray for the Datwylers as they continue to minister in the community of Chaquibamba and the surrounding area. Pray for unity in their church and open doors for them to shine the light of the Gospel.
Visit their website at http://puertadeesperanza.org
