Nearly a Year in Review
Time went by so fast! In the beginning everything went so slowly as we had to learn to do daily life here in Ecuador. And yet here we are, wrapping up an entire year.
There have been countless answered prayers and hopes manifesting themselves before our eyes. How much the Lord has provided!
Our initial goals to find a home church, homeschool community, an accountability group, and ministry sites to pour into have all been realized. But even more, we have seen how God is using us alongside our children as well. We have set out to work with ministries bringing huge ideas (and a huge mural or two) and somehow we have known how to carry out our ministry initiatives. Indeed, there have been times when we just have a sense of wisdom and knowledge to do what is needed to lead.
It's impossible to have all the answers ahead of time. Things felt scary when so much was changing. But once we stepped out to follow our calling, we began to see so many things fall into place as if the way had long been prepared.
This is not to say that we haven't felt deep homesickness or that our kids didn't suffer loneliness as they adjusted. But I think we can all agree that this is only the beginning, and we are joyfully looking forward to what's next.
Here are some of the highlights from our first year:
What's next?
We can feel things ramping up already at the start of year two. We think it will look very different because now our attention is shifting to more regular work at ministry sites working with and alongside Ecuadorian leadership. Our ministry sites this year will include an indigenous church, a Christian community center, the women of Esperanzart, and La Roca (a skateboarding ministry).
We are also hoping to create and lead our own short-term teams as well. This will be a catalyst for connecting people and resources to continue the work of the Kingdom of God.
How It Works
Supporting ministry sites has become of great importance to us. Many times the calling of a pastor or youth worker comes at a great cost. In fact, many times you will see that pastors and ministry workers have to have several jobs in order to carry on their ministry.
When short-term and long-term missionaries begin to serve by building, providing for educational needs, or bringing resources the Ecuadorian leadership is able to reach more people in their communities. Not only do two cultures connect in fellowship, service, and discipleship, but the local leaders can begin to focus on the work of the ministry.
The fruit that happens over years blesses families and produces youth that begins to give back with hopes to also become youth leaders, missionaries, or pastors.
This paraclete effort of coming alongside others has become an identity marker for Art Serve. We see what ministries are already doing and find ways to support their communities in creative ways. We couldn't have done it without you!
Also coming up in September!
Were are gearing up and preparing for our GOYA Smart Box that will offer art & educational supplies for children in need. We are scheduled to distribute 60-70 on September 2nd and 3rd. Our only concern is that more kids will show up than we have boxes. In the remote Gualsaqui community, this can especially be the case as word of mouth can spread and bring people from other communities higher up in the mountains.
Consider one or more boxes or becoming a monthly sponsor.
Please pray:
We are still looking for a place that can provide us with enough space to host groups, create art, and prep for our various ministry projects. Pray for a great space, in a great location, that can fit within our limited budget.
Pray for our upcoming family events where we will be distributing the Smart Boxes. The local leaders will be identifying the families with the greatest needs and they hope to gather some new families to love and serve. The two places are the Christian Community Center of Carmen Bajo and the Quechua church in Gualsaqui.
And as always...
Thank You for your care, prayers, and financial support.
Freedom & Nancy Rodriguez
