There is a seat at the table for you

“There is a seat at the table for you.”

I think that is a universal desire. To belong, to be included. To feel special in the eyes of our Father. 

In Ecuador, oftentimes we are faced with heartbreaking images.  We may be traveling in an Uber and happen to look over to see something that will stay with us and even haunt us for days. There is one particular situation of a street man that will stay with me always, I think. 

The test we face consistently is to believe that God’s goodness and mercy is enough for all. Why is it a test and a challenge? Because when we speak that truth, we have to own it, believe it, and then powerfully say it. There is a huge gap of poverty and affluence here, like in many places. But sometimes the contrast is jarring. 

Recently, we had a few workshops for women entrepreneurs. They already had small business endeavors that were jump-started by a small loan from the ministry, Pan De Vida. They make their product and sell it on the street. My missionary friend, Sylvia, said the average wage is about $5/week. 

I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. 

It was our third workshop and it was presented as adding a skill set to their business. We taught them painted paper and collage techniques that can be used to create greeting cards. The part that excited them was that these cards would potentially be bought in-house and sent to Austria to be sold to the believers there that had supported Sylvia and her family. It is to be a full circle of love. 

During the hours we spent together, the women realized that they relaxed and began to develop community, not competition, with each other. Many Ecuadorians (nationals) and Venezuelans (migrants) don’t get along.

But one of them said, “I forget about my problems when I am being creative.” and another said, “I can feel the Holy Spirit when I am making these cards.”

Our time with them came to an end, and many of them asked when our next workshop will be. We were so humbled by their amazing ability and I really feel that each one has something valuable to teach the others. 

I struggled, wondering if these cards could actually help them overcome poverty. It was overwhelming and a wave of doubt was looming. One of the ladies showed me a unique skill she had in making gigantic paper flowers but she had stopped when she came to Ecuador from Venezuela because no one was interested in what she had to offer. She makes some really amazing bread now, but I encouraged her to not give up. 

I was stirred by the idea of how many times these women hear the word, “no.”

So I began to speak to them about collecting as many “no’s” as they could with joy because in the midst of them would be a “yes” that could make all the difference. Who knew I could give them business ideas?

Then I said, “There is a Yes for you. There is a way for you to provide for your family, do you want to know how I know? Because you have breath in your lungs and that means that God has a plan!” 

I hope I don’t sound too sentimental, but I began to have chills run through my body at that statement. The scripture says that “surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” I bet it’s harder for some of us to believe than for others, but I could tell that these women took a hold of it for dear life and we are so grateful for the opportunity and privilege to share it here in Ecuador. 

Thank you so much for your support,

Nancy & Freedom Rodriguez