Praise The Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord Ps 117. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever Ps 118:1.
Though a little long, please take the time to read as you will be encouraged and blessed. We also thank you for your patience in waiting so long for our updates and you were probably have been wondering what happened to us, but God has been watching over us and using us.
I want to thank first God then each one of you for all your prayers. A lot has happened this past six to seven months while on our STAS and God has answered your prayers. We had a wonderful time visiting with our family and friends, leading three children’s summer camps, one mission’s week conference, many speaking engagements and Bible studies.
So we share this Psalm with you: I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, and m=maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever. Psalm 121.
While in the states, God was doing great works back in Ecuador as people you and us have been praying for, have responded to walking with God receiving him as Lord and Savior and being baptized. We are now back on the field and landed in Ecuador getting our driver’s license in Quito then driving to Cuenca to meet a volunteer team from SC. God continues to open new doors of opportunities for ministry. He is using a team from Wellford BC in Greenville, SC to encourage a hand full of believers in the communities of Zhud and Gonzol to reach out to a people lost in the darkness of tradition and idolatry.
Scroll down to see our prayer requests/praises and enjoy some of the pics form the past six to seven months and get up to date.
1. Pray as we spend time visiting our co laborers sharing and encouraging with new and refreshed spirits and visions.
2. Prays as God has opened new doors and leaders of ZHud and Gonzol have invited us to return to the schools to give talks to parents on family relationships and for the children on living in a way pleasing to God. Though they have lived their lives believing and worshipping idols, they have some sense of seeking truth and God.
3. Pray as we join Linda and Ligia continuing in preparing 31 students enrolled in the lay counseling institute this year from a quite few different churches. The first level has 25 students and 12 returning students for advance level and discipleship. Meetings are held Tuesdays 6-8 and Saturdays 2:30 to 8:30.
4. Pray as we encourage pastors and their wives to take at least 2 days a month to rest. Anna and I are asking the Lord to help us minister to them by each month taking a pastor and his wife to spend with us away from their work and ministry.
5. Pray as we seek God’s direction in going to communities with no gospel or evangelicals and leading us to men of peace giving us opportunities to start home Bible studies resulting in new house church plants.
6. Pray as we seek God’s help in planning for Marriage conferences and retreats. Restoration of broken homes and marriages.
7. Pray for Linda as she has a busy schedule this next couple of months getting ready for retirement and returning to the states in caring for her mom. And continue to pray for her mom’s health.
8. Continue to pray for Al’s sister (Margie) who is still battling cancer in both lungs and still going through chemo and therapy.
9. Pray that those following in obedience with baptisms will continue to grow and have a deep hunger to walk in holiness pleasing “Abba”.
10. Praise Him for all his wonderful works and his faithful saints.

Thank you Faithful prayer warriors. May your prayers and support be multiplied for God's Kingdom.

FBC Templeton, FL thank you for your prayers and support of missionaries and work in God's Kingdom. Your invitation and hosting us was an encouragement to us during our STAS. May the Lord multiply your efforts in His Kingdom.

Thank you Carl and Roxy for the Labor weekend you dedicated to our family and bringing the devotionals. May God continue to bless your dedication and commitment to His Kingdom.

Prayer and quiet time was a special time for the girls at girl's summer camp of the Interstate Association, WA. Thank you for allowing us and Ecuador be a part of you and your prayers,

EBC VBS East Wenatchee, WA was a real blessing and the people of Ecuador say thank you for your prayers and contributions. Thank you all he teachers and workers.

2nd summer all girls children's camp from the Columbian basin Association, WA. It was great learning form you and sharing with you about missions in Ecuador. Summer 09

Thank you EBC from E. Wenatchee, WA for the opportunity to join you in a very worshipful experience at summer camp.

Thank you team for seeing us off to STAS/Medical leave for Anna's surgery and praying for us.

We were blessed in seeing one of our grandsons (Nathaniel) graduate from kindergarten.
It was a joy for Anna to spend Mother's Day with the family before her surgery. Thank you for your prayers.

Praise God and thank you for your prayers. Back in March you were asked to pray for Angel and Gladys' salvation. While we were on STAS they both made commitments to ask JC be their Lord and Savior and have followed in obedience in baptism. They are hungry for God and are walking in being the parents God wants them and raising their two little ones in the ways of the Lord.

We know this is a little long, but please take the time to read as you will find it a blessing and joy in the Lord. We also want to say thank you and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ then to you for your prayers, love and support as we have completed our first term of three years. Coming to an end we had to return to the states early due to the medical situation with Anna as cancer cells were discovered in the process of taking our physicals to return after our stateside assignment.

God has been faithful and we will continue to magnify His glorious name. It has definitely been a joy during these difficult first three years as we have grown through the experiences of being robbed, incarcerated, illness, death in the family and Anna’s cancer. Amidst the hardships, not only have we grown, but God has allowed us the blessing of seeing Him at work in the lives of many non-believers coming to have a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, new believers being discipled and broken homes and relationships being restored. Much work still needs to be done as we prepare in our stateside assignment to return and continue in the work the Lord has called us to.

1500 Communities for Christ: Healthy churches, obedient to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, pleasing to God, who disciple and take care of their members, who bless and impact their communities for good, and who carry the gospel to other places.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Ep 3:20
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand." (2 Corinthians 1:4)

God continues His amazing work through His faithful prayer warriors. Your fervent prayers bring glory to His name as we continue to receive of his blessings, provisions and amazing care. This could not be done without the strength, guidance and provisions given by the Lord. God is being honored through the commitment of His people in these past three years and these difficult days.

We would like to share with you some of the devotionals we have been clinging on to as you have been praying for us and may they be of encouragement to you as well. Some are taken from "Experiencing God Day By Day" and "My Utmost Of His Highest."

LIFE WITH THE SHEPHERD: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters”. Ps 23:1–2

COMFORT FROM THE SHEPHERD: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Ps 23:4
As a child of God you are never alone! Your Shepherd is with you at all times. You never have to call Him in to your situation. You never have to wonder where He is. You never have to fear that if things become too difficult, He will abandon you. He goes before you; He walks beside you; He comes behind you. He protects you securely. Just as He sees every sparrow and knows every hair that is on your head, so His gaze is constantly upon you (Lu 12:6–7). Even when you cannot see Him, He always keeps His eyes upon you. He comforts you with His strong presence in times of sorrow and grief. He leads you through the valley of the shadow of death. He does not necessarily lead you around the valley as you might wish. There are times when your Shepherd knows that the only way to get you where He wants to take you is to lead you down the path that passes through the dark valley. Yet, at those times He walks closely with you, reassuring you throughout the journey that He still loves you and is with you. It is during those times that you experience His love and compassion in a deeper dimension than you ever have before.
You never need to fear evil. As intimidating as evil can be, there is nothing you will ever face that intimidates your Shepherd. He has seen it all and soundly defeated every form of wickedness. Evil never catches Him by surprise. Your Shepherd is always prepared and knows exactly when and where you will experience difficulty. Place your absolute trust in your Good Shepherd that He will protect you and demonstrate His love for you through the darkest valley.

RESTORATION FROM THE SHEPHERD: “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Ps 23:3
Your Shepherd knows your every need. He knows you will grow weary in your pilgrimage with Him. He knows there are times when you need rest. Your Shepherd knows just what you need to be refreshed. At times you need to lie in lush meadows or beside quiet streams. Sometimes you need to be held by your Shepherd. At other times you need to enjoy the pleasures the Shepherd provides. The Shepherd will not always replenish you in the same way; His response to you will always perfectly correspond to your present need.
As you follow your Shepherd there will be times when your soul becomes exhausted, perhaps because of trials you are experiencing or temptations you are resisting. The persecution you face or the burdens you are carrying for others may be wearing you down. You may be weary from the discipline the Shepherd has brought upon you. There will be times when you feel you can go no further in your Christian pilgrimage. Your Shepherd knows when you have reached this point, and He always has a remedy! There are many ways He can strengthen you: through His word, through others, or through your circumstances. He knows what you need even better than you do.
Have you grown weary? Does your soul need to be refreshed? Don’t attempt to recover on your own. Only God knows how to heal and rejuvenate a soul (Is 40:28–31; Mt 11:28–30). He will do it perfectly, sometimes in surprising ways. Ask Him to restore you, and then be prepared to respond to what He does next.

These next few months we would ask you to join us in prayer as we take up our cross.

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS: Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Mt 16:24

May the Lord bless you all.
Al and Anna Rodriguez

A pure joy as various house churches from the Oikos house churches in the north Quito area gather once a month in fellowship, praying, sharing testimonies, communing in the Lord's Supper, baptisms and drawing unto God's Word. Their obedience and growing in their walk and relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ is evident as He continues to multiply their number. A father baptizes his daughter after giving her testimony. God is at work everywhere and in all peoples evident by the coming together of Quechuas, mestizos, and coastal people.

I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High...And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:1-2, 10


Please pray for the following crises that we're helping people deal with. These are just a few to give you an idea:

* K and C marriage crisis. Economically well-established family, K's second marriage, physically and emotionally abusive of his wife C. One child, caught in middle of crisis. Today K threatened to take his life.

* W and D marriage crisis. D filed suit against husband on false charges, police came last night and demanded that he leave their home. This crisis has been going on for years. Two sons, 8 and 12 yrs. old, distraught.

* M Into oriental religions, meditation, yoga. Extreme depression. Came to CASA yesterday after listening to our radio programs for more than two years. I opened the door and he said, "You're hermana Linda, aren't you? I listen to you and hermana Ligia on the radio. I need help."

* J Teenage boy, contemplating suicide. Quit school a couple weeks ago. Needs neurological exams and psychiatric evaluation because mental illness is present in his family. Single mother, low income.

* L Teenage friend just turned 15. Latin America has the custom of celebrating girls' 15th birthday parties big scale, like a wedding. Single mother, low income. House churches getting together to throw a party for her. She will be a princess for the day! Sweet Christian girl, strong leadership skills. Crisis: L wants her father to come to the party. He hasn't officially acknowledged his paternity and prefers to have a "secret" friendship with his illegitimate daughter. Married and has two other children by his wife. Pray that Linda F. will have the opportunity to talk with L's father tomorrow, and that God will work in his heart to convince him of God's will. Pray for L to keep trusting her heavenly Father.

* F Teenage boy. Blended family that is finally experiencing healing and beginning to walk together in harmony in the power of the Holy Spirit. F needs your prayers to trust his mother, to let go of habits that threaten to destroy his life, and to have a true walk with God.

We're dealing with more than the usual number of crises. On top of helping others through their problems, each person on our ministry team is dealing with family stress. Al and Anna Rodriguez are in Quito because of medical problems. Anna had exploratory surgery on Friday to determine if she needs a hysterectomy. Al's mother in California had a stroke. Rosy's daughter Elizabeth is in the final process of her graduate thesis (STRESS) before graduating as an architect. A good friend of Rosy's died of a heart attack. Ligia is burning the candle at both ends, trying to balance counseling, teaching 700 students at the high school, and preparing new radio programs. And I'm trying to help everyone maintain their sanity!

Wow! Lots to pray about and depending on God. Pray for us, that we will claim, as Paul did, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

Thank you!

Yeay!!! Celebrating Russ' B'day in Quito. god Bless you Russ

Join us in prayer for small church in San Jose lead by the Leon family as they seek one to pastor them. A young man (G) is studying in seminary in preparing as he feels God's calling. Pastor David from Pasaje joined Al in a visit to pray and encourage them.

House churches in Ruizio gathered to minister to and have a house church service at Hna Rosie's while recovering after her surgery. A joyful time.

Youth movie night at Al and Anna's was a blessing with 13 youth attending and 8 non-christians recevieng the gospel message.

Our hearts were broken as we visited the orphanage in Shell directed by Patty Sue. There are 25 full time employees working in 24 hour shifts ministering and loving up to 68 children at one time. These orphans are brought from the neighboring communities and the jungle tribes where they are abandoned and some are handicapped and disabled. The facilities are less then adequate, but by God's grace they are being provided for. The children range from birth to 11 years old where then they are taken to another orphanage in Baños for older children. The children are being cared for with good meals, health care, education, speaking English and most important God's Word. Patty sue is asking for much prayer and also for the Lord to bring a good teacher to teach Biblical education.

We had a great visit with Pastor F. T. in Guigra and his family as we prayed for them. It was a humbling experience to see the dedication and commitment of one who has next to nothing but yet a love for the Lord and heart for the lost people. We pray for him and his family for provisions and a better home environment. Their building where they met was destroyed by a giant boulder that came rolling down the mountain side due to heavy rains and mud slides. The have 7 children and 4 grandchildren. Pray for the surrounding communities and homes of peace. Pastor F. as he travels by bus for 4 hours 1 week every two months to attend seminary and his continued preparation for ministry. The Lord to raise up Godly men and women to help reach the lost for Christ and disciple God fearing families.

Enjoying fellowship and house church at hermana Julia's with her daughters.

Waiting in traffic during construction while vendors try to sell a few things to waiting traffic to make a living. Shopping for fish at the local market to prepare "fanesca" a favroite soup meal for Good Friday and during the Easter days. Families take the day of Good Friday to spend together and find a spot anywhere they can to have there "mesa pamba" where they lay sheets on the ground and pour their prepared meals to eat.

A short walk and across a small bridge to Pastor Felix's house for prayer then off to the church to pray where lay leaders gather for a week every two months. professor Joselito travels from Quito to Cañar/Tambo to teach seminary classes to 28 indigenous leaders. pastor Felix shares with joy what they are learning. Also the church Cristo EL Rey is reaching out to the community teaching the Quechua how to read.

Praise our wonderful Father as several house churches gathered at the river park to worship and celebrate in obedience baptisms, fellowship, testimonies and the Lord's Supper. Continue to pray for their faithfulness and the new believers walk in obedience.

Pastor Benigno and family requests prayers for salvation for family members not yet saved and a walk in holiness with our Lord JC.

Thanks roger and Cathy for your visit and encouragement through your support and prayers. You have planted much and much shall be given with heavenly rewards

Psalm 40:5, 8 - Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

We praise God for you and continue to thank you for your faithfulness in your support and all your prayers. Now join us and enjoy as you see what God continues to do.

Prayer Requests for Mar 2009
1. A couple (Angel & Gladys) living together not married. They are beginning to hear the gospel and brought their two sons, Jair and Jordan to church in Gonzol to dedicate them to God. Pray for their salvation first of all so that Christ can be the center of their life and begin to walk with God in holiness so they can raise Jair and Jordan in the ways of the Lord.
2. Pray for Wilmer and Daisy as they struggle in their marriage. For Daisy’s heart to soften to God’s Word and Wilmer to stay faithful in loving her as Christ loved the Church.
3. Continued prayer for Monday night’s training of ten lay leaders in “Christian Biblical Counseling” as we continue to see the need for Healing of God’s people and walking in holiness.
4. Miguel Leon’s salvation. Miguel is the father of Diego a young man who recently surrendered his life to Christ, is going through discipleship and waiting to be baptized. He has been witnessing to his dad. Miguel has been living with another woman since his wife’s has attempted to kill him.
5. Youth and couples conferences March 12th and 13th in Pasaje. Youth dating God’s way and couples breaking the crazy cycle through “Love and Respect”.
6. Youth conference March 28th “Dating God’s Way” in Azoguez.
7. Pray for classes beginning in March every Saturday through May in Azoguez teaching lay leaders in “Christian Biblical Counseling”.
8. Praise God for Rosa, Felix’a daughter who returned from the USA and for her healing process after experiencing a traumatic experience in Jail.
9. Praise God for opening doors with the people from Guangra. We weren’t able to complete our trip on Feb 6th due to muddy and treacherous conditions. But were able to talk with people from Guangra and one of the community leaders. They were very open and accepted us bringing a medical team. They offered to supply horses for transportation, housing and food. Bibles and tracks were given to them and the gospel seed planted. Pray as we seek and yield to God’s perfect plan in us going to this community of 800 people and 150 households. There is no evangelical work at all, so pray for the gospel message to be received, lives to be transformed and house church plants.
10. Continued prayer for Al’s sister Margie as she continues her battle with lung cancer and going through chemo treatments. It is really hard on her but the Lord continues to her strength.
11. Continued prayer for Linda’s mom’s health and strength and comfort for Linda.
12. Continued prayer for radio program in Cuenca and efforts with the Ingapirka radio program in Cuechua.

Praise God for the new born (Kevin) a special gift for Juan and his wife. Addition number ten to the family. Juan is a key leader in one of the churches and is excited as we work together in reaching the outlying communities in house church planting.

People are learning God's Word in small group settings at a house church in Gonzol. They get excited and hungry to learn and apply His Word and what they learn to their lives. Angel and Gladys a new couple visited for the second time and wanted to dedicate their two young boys to God (Jair and Jordan). Please be in prayer for the couple's salvation and they are presently not married. Also that they will begin to walk Godly to raise their boys in God's ways.

Some days we enjoy go to the mountain tops to pray and worship as house churches. An opportunity to experience God in part of his wonderful creation while teaching and discipling new believers.

Blessings through God's Word as young people gathered to learn how to deal with today's issues and dating God's ways. Anna taught on Biblical principles in living as young people in a Godly family, while Al taught on dating God's ways. Linda led and enjoyed watching them enjoy themselves during time of fun and games. Pray they will apply God's Word and Biblical principles in their lives and through their lives God will use them to become Godly examples leaidng others by example

Thank you for your prayers for our trip as we attempted to go to Guangra a community we have been praying for over a year and a half. Guangra is a about a 5 - 6 hour walk from vehicle access. Pastor Felix had met a couple while at a hospital visit and was invited and due to weather, road conditions, and other commitments it has been difficult to make the trip. We finally made the attempt. We met some people from Guangra in Rivera where they come from about 7-8 hours to purchase their supplies weekly. We helped them take some supplies in our vehicle and some women and children as far as we could as the road was very muddy and slippery. We weren't able to make it all the way as the conditions were muddy and treacherous and even difficult for their horses. Jim a volunteer from Washington joined us and you see him try to help pastor Felix get through the mud. Felix gathered information as they continued with opened hearts to invite us to return with a medical team and they will be providing horses for transportation, place to sleep and food. We were able to bless them with a few Bibles and tracks and pray for them and our next trip. Along the way back Felix and Al witnessed to a lady working in her field taking advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel. Please be in prayer for Guangra that soon we will be able to take a medical team, continue to plant the gospel and for several house church starts. There are about 800 people there and 150 households.

Praise God and thank you Eastmont Baptist Church children for your generosity and donating soccer balls being used to evangelize youth and start Bible studies that will develop in house churches. Your prayers and faithfulness is the fruits of what God is doing in the province of Cañar. A soccer tournament was held in Tambo inviting youth from various surrounding communities to reach out with the gospel message at the end. Lots of food and prizes were given as the gospel seed continues to be planted.Diego and Leonardo, two new Christians learning to share their testimonies and praising God form their changed lives. It is always a blessing to see the children worship God in Pucango.

We want you to know how grateful we are for your faithful giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Your gifts make our ministry — and the ministries of more than 5,300 IMB missionaries serving around the world — possible. Countless souls will one day worship around His throne because you chose to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. May God’s richest blessings be yours as you partner with us to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ to all nations.

I'd like to share an excerpt from Experiencing God day by day from Dr. Henry Blackaby's devotions.

Blessed in Believing

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45

In the kingdom of God, believing is a prerequisite to receiving. God spoke to Mary and gave the assurances He always gives when He assigns the impossible to His people. Everything was in place for God to act. Everything waited on Mary to believe Him. Once she believed, it was done! It takes an undivided heart to believe under such circumstances and a pure heart to see God (Mt 5:8; Heb 12:14).

This has always been God’s way with His people. Mary could not see all that had been arranged and assembled in the courts of heaven. She could not see the legions of angels prepared to protect her and her baby. She was unaware of the future and all that she and her child would face. All she knew was that God had spoken to her, and that was enough. So she responded: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Lu 1:38).

When God speaks about His plans, He does so with everything already in place to fulfill His word. God never speaks hypothetically. He knows exactly what will come to pass. He simply asks you to believe Him. You will experience great blessing when you place your absolute trust in Him. Mary could not have dreamed all that would result from her faithful obedience. Likewise, you cannot possibly imagine all that God has in store for you when you trust Him. He knows exactly what He will do to bring salvation to someone you have prayed for or to heal your friend or to provide for your needs. God has everything in place. Will you believe Him?

Prayer requests and praises:
1. Praise Him for caring us through the difficult storms.
2. Continued prayer for Al's sister Margie as she continues to trust the Lord through fight with lung cancer.
3. Linda's mom's health and Linda as she trusts in the Lord for decisions to be made.
4. Prayer for the lay counseling training that those receiving the training will be committed to let the Lord use them in the counseling ministry leading people to Christ for their healing of their brokeness.
5. Pray for wisdom, strength and courage to continue by faith trusting in Him to guide and direct us through the busy schedule of the coming year.

Again thank you for all of your prayers and support for being part of the King's team.

Thank you fr all your prayers and support. 2008 has a grate and wonderful year with lots of work and many blessings through the difficult storms. What a blessing it is to see God answer prayers and see his children maturing in their walk and relationship with Him. Local house churches from Cuenca gathered together to worship and praise our King, Lord, and Redeemer in celebration of His leaving His throne and coming in the form of baby born in that manger over two thousand years ago to bring us the Good News and salvation into eternal life for all who believe and surrender to His Lordship. Worship was presented through sharing the Good News dramas, pantomimes,

We praise God for the blessing of having Eastmont Baptist Church from east Wenatchee, WA send a volunteer team of prayer warriors join us in encouraging the house churches and leaders of the provinces of Azuay, Cañar and Chimborazo. Oh, how we praise His Holy Name for also blessing us with having our daughter and daughter-in-law join them. Answered prayer as they continue to yield to His Lordship and their lives continue to be transformed. Thank you EBC and brother Don and Pam for leading the team.

After a long summer and hard working fall, we needed a little time of R & R. We went to the beach Anna's favorite place with Linda, Ligia and Ludagarda and took an oportunity if some whale watching. Pequeña also tagged along with us.

Loja family of 17 visit Al & Anna for a time of fellowship and seeking family counseling.

Thank God for the committed and dedicated young leaders learning how to be lay counselors as they recognize the need to reach out in helping the broken-hearted and hurting.

Pray for missionary Manuel Culala and his wife as they work on strengthening local hose churches and reach out to communities in the province of Cañar with no evangelical work. They have no vehicle so they rely a lot on public transportation and usually walk for hours to get to the communities. Purovin is a community where God has opened the doors to share the gospel and 5 families have committed to have God{s Word brught to their homes to start Bible studies.