“This decision is up to you.”
These words were spoken by our ministry host, Oscar, just after two more earthquakes shook Ecuador. My team and I had been living in Quito, working alongside Pan de Vida, which is an organization that does everything from equipping impoverished mothers to be able to provide for their families to feeding the poorest of the poor. With the huge earthquake that hit Ecuador in April still fresh, Pan de Vida was sending teams down to the coast to bring food, clothing and water to those impacted.
That morning, we were awakened by another earthquake and then just a few short hours later, another one. As we traveled to Pan de Vida that morning, we wondered if our upcoming trip to the coast where we would hand out supplies might be postponed.
After getting to Pan de Vida, we learned that aftershocks are very common for up to 90 days after a major quake and heading to ground zero wouldn’t be the safest option. Landslides were a continual risk, as was the possibility of another full on quake.
Oscar sat us all down and told us the risks. He told us of how many people had died. And then he told us that we didn’t have to go if we didn’t want to. It wouldn’t cause any problems for the ministry if we decided to stay in Quito where it was safe.
The decision to go to the coast was up to us.
If I’m being totally honest, I’ll say that I was scared. I didn’t want to endanger myself and I certainly didn’t want to be in any more earthquakes. For a moment, I thought I knew what my decision was. Safer is always better, right?
But then the Lord reminded me of all the people who were living on the coast and had lost their homes, their communities and even lives. These people weren’t given a choice to not have food that day. Nobody asked them if they’d like to suddenly pack up and leave. I’m sure most of them would, if they could have.
There I was, sitting in an office, safe and content. I had breakfast that day. I rode the city bus and arrived at Pan de Vida safely. I had the promise of a bed to sleep in, clean water to drink, ice cream to eat, a roof over my head. My family was telling me they loved me and were praying for me.
I was blessed and it was in that moment that I realized….I’m blessed to be a blessing. My cup only overflows so that I can pour it out for others. And there I was, presented with this incredible opportunity to go.
After saying yes, all the pieces feel into place. We loaded up huge semi trucks with water, food and clothing. We prayed before we left and we prayed as we drove through the night to the coast. It was a long journey and I was exhausted by the time we made it to the first ground zero.
As we go out and began the distribution process, I was placed on children duty, which basically meant I handed out toys and played games with the kids. Instantly, I was surrounded by giggles and little hands as we blew up balloons and asked the kids what their names were. For that small moment, God brought joy to those little survivors through me and my team. We sang Slippery Fish (which is a big hit no matter where we go around the world) and Father Abraham. We danced and made up games. Basically, we just had fun together.
On the adult side of the distribution process, food, water and clothes were handed out. There were tears flowing as people received. It was as though, after so much desolation and desperation, hope was finally being seen for these survivors. My team prayed with as many people as we could.
It was only a three day journey. At the end we were all exhausted. But it was well worth it.
That weekend, we were somebody’s answer to prayer.
Sometimes, in order to make a difference, you have to sacrifice something. But don’t ever doubt what God can do with what you’ve given Him.
