(First trip to the grocery store required gloves and masks. We couldn't find masks anywhere, so we improvised.)
Corona virus preventative measures in Ecuador
Ecuador has shut its borders to all incoming visitors. It’s odd to have an airport without incoming or outgoing flights. Nor is there inter-provincial travel. We observe a daily curfew from 2 p.m. to 5 a.m. Even between non-curfew hours, everything is shut down except for banks, groceries, pharmacies and gas stations. I am so thankful to have a car to get around! We get one driving day a week to pick up provisions and the line outside the stores starts forming before daylight, though the stores don't open till 9. To go out you must wear protective gear: face mask, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes. You will be offered hand sanitizer at several points throughout the store to ensure your gloves do not become contaminated. It’s an adventure just stepping out your front door... before 2 p.m.
This is the hardest newsletter to write
I’ve been in
a sort of daze for a month now. It would be so easy to focus on the negative. We
are going through a process of auditing all our practices relating to money and
it has been exhausting. Just as the stress was getting to me, I developed
tonsillitis and was sent home sick for a couple of days. During my confinement,
someone I had spent several days with developed corona virus symptoms. So, my
roommate and I decided to self-quarantine till past the incubation period. By
that time, the strict preventive measures were in place, so we celebrated our
health by walking to the little neighborhood grocery. The only item on my list
was a paring knife. We went to the bigger store the next day when we could
drive. Face masks are now required, but they are sold out everywhere, so we had
to improvise. Church services have been canceled and the children’s centers had
to temporarily close.
Amid so much
confusion, chaos, and disappointment, God still shines his light on his
children and reminds us that He is still the Sovereign Lord over all. We need
not be afraid.
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43
He works all things together for good
Our hope is in Jesus despite our circumstances. He is genius at redeeming every situation for our good and his glory.
- He gave me rest when my body was ready to give out.
- He brought help when we found ourselves in a pickle.
- He healed my body and has kept it whole.
- He brought back my roommate when I needed her most.
- He has provided a vehicle to get around and even provided repairs when needed.
- He provided stores with aisles stocked with everything, even toilet paper and good, fresh produce.
- He provided protective gear via a medical team who left us with a box of gloves and a sweet missionary kid with a new sewing machine who made us cute patterned face masks (for the next time we venture out).
- He created ingenious people who built tech that allows churches to worship, fast and pray together through social media groups.
- He gave me family, friends, and fellowship, nurture and care when everything seemed to be tumbling apart.
- He gives peace and wisdom when we ask for it and even refuge when we need it.
God is not done with Ecuador
Two events coincided on the first Saturday in March that filled my heart
with joy and hope for the future.
1. Ordination - After four years of preparation, hard work and
faithfulness, Fabricio was ordained to be pastor of the Spondylus church in San
Jose. He and his wife Landy moved there two years ago with their two boys and
have been serving the Lord and blessing the community. The Spondylus church
doesn’t just know about God’s love. They live it out daily in community. What a
day of celebration on that Saturday when leaders from all six of our ICI
churches came together to pray for Fabricio and to stand together as a
testament that God is not done with His work in the churches in Ecuador.
2. Mission trip – The Samborondon church youth group arrived to witness
the ordination and after lunch set out to minister to the community on their
first mission trip. 14 teens prepared for months to be able to share their
testimonies, perform dramas, sing and dance with children. It was their first
mission trip. God provided good leaders who planned it. The youth raised the
funds as a team. And God blessed their faithfulness. Their lives were changed.
A couple teens in San Jose were drawn to what the visiting teens were doing. They have now started a small youth group in Fabricio and Landy’s home.
God is not done with Ecuador and neither am I. We have many projects to
complete, though our scale is not as grand as it once was. We’re learning to
listen and take things step by step instead of trying to leap and bound ahead.
Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
Peace and hope,
Erin
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P.P.S If you would like to become a monthly supporter or give a one-time donation, you can make out your check to (or set up monthly payments through your bank):
IberoAmerican Ministries
P.O: Box 1493
Monroe, WA 98272
(Memo: Erin Shead - Ecuador)
Or you can give online:
iamweb.org/give > Ecuador > Erin Shead
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