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!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
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.
Friday, April 24, 2009
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.
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