Nisly News and Notes

Two hearts touched by God

2012-02-03T11:55:00.001-08:00

From the first day Victor and Teresa attended a meeting of the Arenillas house churches, Victor had that friendly smile that made you want to get acquainted. He immediately manifested interest in the teaching of the Word. Teresa was more reserved, and she seldom smiled. Victor committed his life to Christ first. Teresa has told me that she would awaken at night and hear Victor praying for her out in the living room, asking God to help her surrender her heart to Him. In September 2008, they were one of four couples who got married in the third wedding ceremony held by the Arenillas house church.

At their baptism the following day, Teresa gave a short, honest testimony. She said, "I can't testify to God changing my life radically since I began to follow Him. I have not changed very much, but I want to. I am trusting God to change me." Clayton encouraged her that God was at work and would continue to transform her as she yielded to Him.

Today Victor is the main house church leader in Arenillas. In the following photo he stands beside his son Hoover who is leading the evening singing at a monthly joint service that all the area house church groups attend. Hoover has only been playing guitar for two years ago.

Teresa has been a strong support to Victor. Together they have visited acquaintances and unsaved family members, witnessing to their new life in Christ and doing home Bible studies. Their home is the scene of weekly meetings for the house church in La Libertad, their area of the city. Victor has a shepherd's heart and is willing to go wherever he senses someone wants to know God.

Teresa's personal mission field is the neighborhood children. Though she first thought she could not teach a class (she struggles to read), she decided she would do what she could to spread the Gospel to others. She visited the parents of families living nearby, and invited the children to come for Bible class on Saturday mornings.

Victor and Teresa purchased Bibles so the children could read from the Bible together and learn God's truth right out of The Book.

Though some parents did not want their children to receive religious training, their children slip over at meeting time and attend the study anyway. Teresa says, "I can't send them away if they come hungry to learn."

The class begins at 9:00. At our last visit to Arenillas, the children were beginning to arrive soon after 8:00. Teresa invited them in, and they sat quietly on the chairs, waiting for the time to begin. Teresa is willing to give the best she can, even though she has no fancy Sunday School materials or colorful books. And these days I see her smile often! Her whole face lights up and it is easy to see God's joy shining through.

The first Saturday of January, 2012 Victor and Teresa accompanied us for the first time to the annual assembly of the Mennonite churches of Ecuador. Here Teresa gives a brief testimony of what God is doing in Arenillas through the house church movement.

New Year's Day, 2012. The learning continues and challenges will always arise, but we are happy to see Victor and Teresa growing in their relationship with God and eagerly and joyfully serving Him as best they understand to do. And God is blessing them. We delight to call them brother and sister and work together with them in the special harvest field of Arenillas.

Angel sightings

2012-02-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry - this post has no photos. Hopefully these "thousand words" will paint a vivid picture for you!

Would an angel ride a motorcycle?
I cannot verify that for certain, but one night as we drove back from Arenillas, we had strong suspicions that an angel was guarding us. We had left Arenillas later than we usually like to. There were various relationships and church issues that needed attention, and we just did not get away. So the trip found us after dark, making our way back home over the mountains. We came to the now familiar dirt road detour that took us over one part of the mountains. It had begun to rain. With four wheel drive engaged, we drove up the road and came to the corner where we usually took a sharp right, continuing up the mountain. Just as we came to the sharp turn, we could see the headlight of an approaching motorcycle, coming down the steep incline. As we paused to wait for him to pass, he came to a stop and hollered over to us through the noise of pounding rain, "Don't go up that way, it is impassible. Take the road straight ahead. It will get you to the same place." We did not wait to converse longer. The rain was coming down steadily. So with a hollered, "Thank you!" we headed on up the mountain road. "Could that have been an angel?" I asked. We often saw no traffic on that part of the detour, and to meet a motorcycle after dark, in the rain, seemed like a long stretch from the "usual" traffic on that road.

A few weeks later when we again passed through detour land on the way to Arenillas, we took our usual route, and sure enough, the hill we would have climbed that night was rutted with deep gullies and not a pleasant descent, even in dry weather. A rainy night would have been a nightmare on that hillside. We remembered the "angel" on the motorcycle.

A dog named Bear.
Several years ago we went weekly to the home of a lower income family, high on a hill just outside of Cuenca. We had to park the car down by the main road and walk up to their house, passing other dwellings on the way. Every home had a dog, it seemed, and we heard lots of barking announcing our arrival each time. The family we visited had a black dog named Oso (Bear). He would watch for our arrival, and accompany us to the door. After Bible study one evening, the neighborhood dogs seemed especially agitated as we made our way back down the dimly lit hill. Dogs barked and growled all around us, and I hoped that none would break loose from whatever was holding them back from outright attack. How would we ward off that pack if they came after us? We made it past the first house, the second house and though the growling and fierce barking continued unabated, we still seemed to be safe. One more short stretch and then the dogs would be left behind as we finished the descent to our parked car. Suddenly, out of the shadows, I saw a flash of black dog, and realized that Bear had been accompanying us down the hill -- seemingly aware that we needed some extra bodyguards that night. Had God prompted Bear to go with us, or was an angel following us dressed in "Bear's clothing"? As we passed the last danger point, Bear silently disappeared and we finished our evening's mission safe again from the threatening pack of watchdogs.

Border crossing angels.
Last week we were attending to some paperwork having to do with visa renewal. An official from Cuenca told us to cross over the border into Peru and then return to Ecuador, thus obtaining a 30 day tourist visa to give us extended time to work on some additional paperwork. So, trusting the advice given, we headed to Peru as part of our trip to Arenillas. Peru is another 45 minutes up the road and this would be a simple addition to our weekend trip. We drove confidently to the border crossing immigration buildings. A large complex of offices and vehicle examination areas greeted our eyes. But everything seemed to be asleep. A few slow-moving guards were all we saw. We were told that the computer systems were "down" and we would need to return to Huaquillas, two kilometers back into Ecuador, in order to do any kind of official paperwork.

So we made our way back to the border city of Huaquillas and a small immigration office. To our amazement, we were told that the instructions given to us in Cuenca were flawed -- that for us to leave Ecuador, stamp our passports with an exit stamp, and then try to reenter would have left us sitting in Peru. Some quirk in immigration law would have denied us reentry! The immigration official was very gracious and explained the mystery glitch in the visa system that would have kept us stranded in Peru (it's still a mystery to us!). His gracious patience and help as he and we tried to figure out our options was a gentleman's best. After paying the required fees and having our passports stamped with a 90-day visa, we left the immigration office, grateful to be in Ecuador. We were awed at God's precise protection: He had blocked us from following through on what we thought was accurate counsel -- the Peru officials at the border sent us back to the immigration office in the city where we learned of the difficulties we would have faced if we had not been barred from proceeding. Were there angels protecting us from our own well-intentioned efforts? Was the immigration officer an angel whom God appointed to keep us out of trouble? We both know we were very grateful for God's 24/7 - Psalm 121 care: "The LORD will keep (protect) your going out and your coming in from this time forth and even forevermore." Amen!

Angels? Oh yes! They are real. It's impossible to give a head count on how many we have seen or been protected by along the way. I doubt that we recognized most of them, but I have no doubt they have been part of the "picture" more than once. (I suspect they are somewhat camera shy...)

Once more from Ecuador!

2011-11-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was definitely a first ever experience for us. We hope this story will spark your desire to find new, creative ways to connect with the people who cross your path.

On November 5 we held a wedding in Arenillas for a young deaf couple. The bride's parents came to Christ when she was a young teenager. Nelly's parents were married and baptized in 2008. The challenge for this wedding was how to make the ceremony meaningful for the couple who would hear none of the music, none of the message, none of the excited conversations about plans and the actual proceedings of the ceremony.

My thoughts turned to a retired missionary friend who had visited Arenillas with us once with the intent to meet and get acquainted with Nelly. She and Nelly had connected well. Oh, how I wished Peggy was still here. An email to Peggy put us in contact with a talented young woman in Cuenca, a young dentistry professor who has adopted work with the deaf as her special ministry. She and two friends disciple about a dozen young people in a Baptist church here in Cuenca. We were thrilled when she said she would spend the weekend with us in Arenillas to help with the special ministry needed for Carlos and Nelly.

Friday evening we gathered around the family table, and Liz's gracious spirit and patience opened the way for important communication to take place. ALL of us were learning how to relate to people with a hearing handicap, and she was a significant catalyst for strengthening relationships.

At 8:30 Saturday evening, the wedding finally began.

Carlos and Nelly and Nelly's two little sisters, Gabriela and Kimberly, with mother and father seated behind them.

Throughout the ceremony, Liz was immediately at hand to interpret and help Carlos and Nelly be a part of all that happened. Their eyes were continually on Liz as she interpreted the songs and Clayton's message. Here Clayton is reading for the congregation and the couple the simple vows written out in language suited for a deaf person's understanding. They publicly signed their names on the written promises, a formality that contributed to the solemnity of the occasion for them.

Liz helped Fransisco, Nelly's father, share special regards to the couple.

Carlos, Nelly and Nelly's parents, Josefa and Fransisco.

The next morning we gathered at the river for a baptism. A baptism? Yes, Nelly and Carlos indicated that they wanted to also be baptized, even as they had observed other couples before them. We gathered together at the river to celebrate this step in their lives as well.

Liz continued signing for Carlos and Nelly as the morning meeting got underway. Her signing skills were of interest to everyone. How could her gestures communicate so much?! Yet Carlos and Nelly obviously understood. As a brief part of the Sunday baptism service, Clayton asked Liz to communicate to the church how we could be an important part in helping Carlos and Nelly and other deaf people feel loved, accepted, and welcomed into the body of Christ. She told how many deaf people are often lonely and encouraged us all to learn to sign. Many caught a new vision of a new kind of outreach for the Arenillas church.

Liz signed as Clayton gave the meditation by the river before the baptism.

Carlos and Nelly laugh as Liz's signing connects with their understanding.

Liz made herself available to the couple for interpreting, helping Carlos and Nelly stay connected with the activities. Here she signs Clayton's words as they are about to be baptized.

As we drove home from the weekend events, Liz expressed again her desire to continue a relationship with Nelly and Carlos, and to bring two other young adults along to share in a ministry to the deaf young people in Arenillas. She is eager for Carlos to meet Pedro, another deaf young man who's love and passion for God spur him to share the Gospel whenever he can.

Carlos, Nelly and Carlos' mother

We thank God and Liz for making this weekend something that connected meaningfully to the hearts of two young people who are starting on a new life venture. What can and will God do with this young couple? We hope this is but the beginning of a new avenue of ministry for the Arenillas believers. Pray that Carlos and Nelly will desire to reach out to others as their own faith in Christ becomes more sure and secure.

I promised!

2011-09-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

I promised in my previous post that I would share some photos with you, so as I wait for another half hour to pass here in the Atlanta airport, I will share a few of my favorite photos from the summer. It's hard to choose from the many I took, and limit my choices to a few. So many good memories of times with those we love. Here are a few:

We welcomed Eva Victoria on June 15!

Grandpa plays with the grandsons -- those farm toys are so much fun!

Our anniversary was fun to celebrate with a breakfast buffet with our children.

Eva grew so fast -- she's almost three months here, and her Mommy coaxed this darling smile from her for our photo.

Jonathan, the smiling three-year-old.

Adrian's smile was too good to pass up -- riding in the van on a rainy day...

Duane and Jonathan take a quiet moment beside the river on our hike.

Jonathan and Liliana look at a book and identify letters and numbers.

On a chilly afternoon at our family weekend, Duane and Adrian cuddled together in the hammock with a blanket to keep the chill at bay.

These are just a few of the many special memories we carry home in our hearts as we leave for Guayaquil tonight. It was a wonderful summer and we are so glad we could be enriched again with times together with those we love. It was a rich summer in every way.

Thank You, Father!!

We'll be back in touch soon!

2011-09-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note here -- before we head to the Chicago airport and back to "home" in Ecuador. I promise to write a new post in the next week or two. I want to post a couple of my favorite summer photos and thoughts, but there's not time right now. Please know that there will be new news soon!! Thanks for your interest!

Hello again

2011-07-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

It has been way too long since I posted something new on this blog. In view of that confession, I will jump over the intervening months and share a quote that startled me and has me thinking.
From the Annie Dillard Reader, quoting from The Pole of Great Price, comes this paraphrased quote: To study the stars we have to go out into dark. The stars do not demand that you study them, but if you desire to experience the awe of a star-studded sky, going into the dark is required. God does not demand that you have a relationship with Him. You can skip all the hassle and effort of Bible reading and prayer and many related activities. No one is demanding them of you. But if you desire to know God, some inconveniences will be required.

-- I will refrain from putting quotation marks around those words because they are not a direct quote. The concept of choosing inconvenience and effort, even discomfort in order to study the stars and especially to know God sort of flies in the face of popular spiritual pursuit. We want it simple and easy, something we can do in the left-over moments of our lives. But it isn't to be had that way. I was glad to be reminded that the truly valuable things in life require some sacrifice (of comfort) and significant personal investment.

Beauty: God's art and human designs

2010-11-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some beautiful things we've enjoyed lately.

The celebration of Cuenca's independence is always a colorful time, as craft fairs of all kinds spring up all over the city. Vendors come from all over Ecuador to sell their wares. Our favorite exhibition is the paintings that line the street near the Broken Bridge landmark. This year brought bright colors and scenes, as usual.

Art from geometry.

More geometric designs.

The top two pictures in the following photo are NOT paintings. They are made with something known as Chinese stitchery -- made with fine stitches of many colors. I looked and looked at these two pictures, valued at $600. each. Just beautiful.

Colors and shapes -- a little of everything.

Perhaps the best scene is stretched across the horizon visible from the upstairs sitting room in our house. The neighbor's pink tree looks like a cloud of fluff, and hummingbirds dart in and out through the branches. This is the scene I see in the various lights of morning, mid-day, evening and sunset. For a few brief weeks the tree will be pink and then the blooms will fall. But the mountain (background) remains, just like God's strong presence all around us. His beauty quietly reassures us that He is present and aware of all that defines our lives, and He can make it all beautiful.

Celebrating 7 Years of Amazing Grace

2010-09-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

Please read the post previous to this one -- the story is incomplete without reading it first!

Seven seems like a strange number to symbolize perfection or completion, but God seems to like that number. He instituted seven days in a week. The Bible speaks of the seven spirits of God and the seven churches in Revelation as well as other groupings of seven. In music there are seven notes in the major scale. Completing seven, eight stands for new beginnings and starting anew.

On August 28 the Gualaceo house church celebrated seven years since the baptism of the first believers. A day-long celebration was planned beside the river. Anticipation was high as a busload of believers from Arenillas arrived, along with extended family members of the Gomez family from Guayaquil where Luis Gomez, father of the family, as shared and encouraged a house church to begin meeting. Believers also gathered from the neighboring towns of Chordeleg and Zhondeleg where the Gualaceo believers have begun house church meetings.

The day's program was filled with singing, testimonies, and a challenging message to live out true worship in daily life. Between 150 and 170 people were served a delicious noon meal. As at last year's anniversary, after we ate, we gathered at the river for the testimonies and baptism of five people. God keeps calling and people take the step of faith to follow Christ.

God worked in some amazing ways in the days preceding the anniversary. At last year's anniversary celebration Libia's mother, Carmelina, was baptized. At the time I thought, Libia may say she wants nothing to do with Jorge's "religion," but God is bringing His truth in through the "back door" of her life. While Libia resisted Jorge's faith, her mother decided to make a public declaration of her faith. (Libia and her mother are seated, second and third from right. The man at left is Miguel, also baptized last year.)

Jorge watches as Clayton and Jesus baptize Libia.

The day held special surprises. Maria Magdalena and Edi's son Mathias was born on July 26. From his first moments his little life was marked by struggle. First of all, he was born with a cleft palette. The parents were totally unprepared for this. Within three days he needed surgery on inner organs that needed to be properly located in his abdominal cavity. The doctors were pretty pessimistic that he would pull through. But Maria Magdalena was not about to give up on this son they had so eagerly waited for. Contrary to the doctors' dismal predictions, Mathias began to rally. Though they were told he would have to be fed with a special bottle, he was nursing normally before he left the hospital. He went home at age two weeks, and has been gaining strength and weight since. His presence at the anniversary was a HUGE answer to prayer. Maria Magdalena says, "God has already answered so many prayers for this baby, so I just keep asking Him for what we need."

The day's festivities ended with joyful praise to God. Dressed in traditional Ecuadorian costumes, aunts and nieces presented a colorful, choreographed, symbolic tribute to the harvest God is bringing in Gualaceo. Everyone felt the spirit of jubilation and praise to God.

What will God do in this house church as the eighth year of its life together as the Body of Christ begins? How many other surrounding towns will be touched by the shining light of the Gospel? Who of these precious young people will be the leaders taking the church forward? We believe God has only begun to do what He desires to do in this part of Ecuador. Please pause to praise God for His amazing grace, patience, love and transforming power.

...by My Spirit...

2010-09-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Let me begin this post with a wee bit of history so the present good news makes sense to you. You may remember that in 2007 Mariana, the wife of our main house church leader, Jorge Gomez, passed away. It was a blow to him and his children and extended family. Though sickly for years, Mariana had been a pillar of emotional and spiritual strength to the family. About nine months later Jorge remarried to a much younger woman without informing his children or adult siblings beforehand of his intentions. That really set things on edge. He pretty much devoted himself to being a husband to his new, young wife, and his Christian life slipped into a low priority.

Jorge's children went to live with his mother and several unmarried adult siblings. Things were rough, especially for his children. About Easter time last year four of the six children moved in with him and his wife, Libia. Two of the older sons chose to stay living at the grandmother's house. Things continued along, ups and downs and not a little tension between Jorge and his young wife. Her dream in marrying Jorge was that the two of them would start their own family. She was not interested in being a step-mother to his children.

Sometime in March of this year Jorge moved back to his and Mariana's house, and all the children moved home with him. He and Libia were having a lot of conflicts and they decided they needed some space from each other. She is expecting their first child and works as a nurse at the local hospital. Though living apart, they maintain daily contact.

Early in July a fresh longing for God began to grow in Jorge. He began to seek God again with a hunger that only the Holy Spirit could inspire. Bible reading became a priority. He read the entire New Testament in about three and a half weeks. His children and Libia could see and sense the changes taking place in his attitudes and general mood.

The weekend of August 24-26 Jorge and Libia attended a weekend called Encounter with God (we have been helping lead these weekends since April). Along with the two of them, six young people from the Gualaceo house church also participated. On the same weekend, at a different conference center, a youth retreat was held, and other youth from the Gomez family attended that event. The photo below shows part of the Encounter group -- the Gualaceo participants on the far right and Damian (from Cuenca) and his friend Gabriel standing at top left.

Sunday afternoon we joined the group of returning retreat participants, their parents and others of the family who met together in Gualaceo. The young people shared how God had spoken to them and ministered to them. There were tears. Young people were asking their parents' forgiveness. Parents and children were hugging each other. Libia shared that what happened deep in her heart was that for the first time she asked forgiveness. We had observed that she went over to Jorge during one session, and she told the group that was the first time she ever admitted that she was wrong -- to anyone!

Then Jorge told the group that he wanted to "finish" his retreat experience. He explained that he needed to ask forgiveness of numbers of people, and since they weren't at the Encounter, he couldn't ask their forgiveness there. Then and there he began to make things right. He asked his children to forgive him for abandoning them when they needed most after their mother died. He cried and hugged them. They gathered around him and they all just hugged each other, crying. He turned to Clayton and said, "What I did hurt this church so much. I caused so much damage. Will you forgive me?" The two of them hugged. He turned to each brother and hugged and cried -- there has been a lot of hurt and struggle over Jorge's actions. To Sixto who carried much of the weight of responsibility in Jorge's absence, Jorge cried, saying, "My brother, my pillar, my example."

By now the afternoon had changed to evening, and still we sat listening to those who wanted to share what God had spoken to them at the two retreats. It was a sacred time. I doubt that we will ever forget how God came and brought restoration to those relationships.

Two of Jorge's sons told the group that they wanted to be baptized. Libia said she wanted to be baptized!! When she married Jorge she said she did not want anything to do with his "religion." Now she expressed a desire to be baptized, and Jorge said he wanted to be baptized again -- he wants to start in new!

It was an evening to remember forever. God's Spirit was bringing repentance, reconciliation and restoration into a situation that was long needing His transforming work. We praise God for how the Gualaceo house church is tasting revival. The events of the following weekend gave tribute to God's patient, faithful work in this family. (see next post)

Detour and Disappointments

2010-07-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Several ideas came to mind as I thought about how to title this post: Detour and Disappointment along with Far Vistas and Faith. Let me see if I can make this choice of words make sense. I confess that it is tempting to use the more positive sounding words as the main title, but painting the picture in true colors is a necessary part of staying in touch.

Sunday afternoon, July 4, we drove home after another weekend trip to Arenillas. Various meetings, times of conversation, a morning outing at the river and a baby and child dedication at the Saturday evening meeting filled the hours.

With each visit we observe the faith and learning-to-walk-in-Christ experiences of the believers. Some conversations teach us aspects of their lives that we never knew before. At other times we are able to help them process how to live out their faith in various work situations or home and family difficulties. Conversations of this nature encourage us.

This visit held some disappointment for us. We had a brief visit with Veronica, wife of former house church leader, Boris. As of May 2009 Boris expressed a desire to be released from the leadership of the Arenillas house church. During the past year Edgar has filled the role of leader, attempting to move the group forward. There have been struggles, not the least of which was Boris' "sometimes in, sometimes out" presence and partial leadership of the group, which brought confusion. Since Boris' decision last May and throughout the year, we and the church hoped that he and Veronica would be restored as the main leaders, but that has not happen. In early May 2010 we felt it was time to clarify their involvement with the group. Boris clearly stated that he wanted to work in Machala, dedicating his time to establishing a work there. The decision to part ways was painful for all, especially for Veronica who was the original believer who dreamed of a church in her hometown of Arenillas. On May 30 restructuring of the leadership happened (see post preceding this one), and we sense that people are working with enthusiasm in their areas of responsibility. We believe it is God's will that Boris and Veronica be restored to the group, someway, in some capacity, sometime. Veronica expressed pain and frustration with us and the church people for "pushing them out." Please pray for God's healing grace to bring a "perfect ending" to this confusing and disappointing situation.

Before we left from Arenillas, we learned that a huge landslide had made the main route impassible. For the most part in Ecuador there are not alternative routes, unless you are willing to drive hours out of the way. The main road cuts through the Andes Mountains, and there are not side roads and non-interstate short-cuts you can take (there are no interstate roads either!). Would we be able to get on home? we wondered.

Sure enough, we came to the inevitable "Road Closed" sign, and had to turn off. Where would this winding, dusty road take us?

It was a rough, gravel road, but oh, the scenery! We looked and looked at those huge mountains that filled the horizon to the south.

Our road snaked along the edge of hills and down into the valleys.

We got to see the backside of the mountains we always see from the main road. Each curve and turn showed us yet another vista -- it was a beautiful afternoon for unexpected sight-seeing! We were a tiny speck in the vast scenery as we drove the hour-long detour route, back to where we could again pick up the main road to Cuenca.

Far vistas -- miles of monster mountains and sky to spare. No, the detour was not a disappointment. It was a surprise treat as we made the trek home.

Far vistas -- Just the Sunday before we had seen this sunset in Azogues, a city 45 minutes to the east of Cuenca. "Look up and expect great things!" the glowing sky invited.

For six weeks Clayton has been leading a small group Bible study in Ricardo and Marta's home, and on the previous Wednesday Ricardo had invited family members from Azogues to his home for the weekly meeting. About a dozen drove from Azogues to Cuenca to attend. They eagerly invited Clayton to their home for the following Sunday evening. The family regularly meets on Sunday to "read a prayer" and read and discuss a topic from a book.

Ricardo (the man wearing dark blue on the left) and his wife (not present) met Clayton at the counseling office and want to share their new-found faith in Christ. Last Sunday evening eighteen adults and nine children gathered.

Is God permitting us to participate in helping to form a house church in another city of south Ecuador? Pray with us that the three generations gathered that evening can find the light of Truth and open their hearts to all God desires to give to them.

Pray that our FAITH will stretch to see and embrace as far as God is expanding His work in this special part of this beautiful country.

Those boys in Atlanta!

2010-06-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

We just had to share a few photos taken in mid May of those little boys we think are just really special -- Adrian and Jonathan Nisly, residents of Atlanta, GA with their parents, Duane and Liliana Nisly. Jonathan turned 2 in March and Adrian will turn 4 in July.

Helping to make a cake -- talk about getting in on the action - bare feet and all!

Precious memories of times together...

La cosecha -- it's ready!

2010-06-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Among many favorite songs, there's one that is often rings out in our Spanish meetings:
Lift up your eyes, "la cosecha" -- the harvest is ready, the grain is ripe. That was literally and figuratively happening in Arenillas this past weekend.

Various families were harvesting the corn planted in January. We had not visited their plots of land hacked out of the jungle, so we decided it was time to make the trek out to the "chacra." Victor (below), his brother and son-in-law have bordering fields. We encountered several people at work. The corn was definitely ready for hands to harvest.

Clayton remembered the feel of harvesting corn and joined in.

Rich, golden kernels of corn...

Victor's two sons carry sacks of corn from the field, adding to the growing pile.

A bountiful crop.

A process of harvest at the spiritual level was also in progress during the weekend. The need for restructuring of leadership was a priority. In two long meetings the local believers dialogued, prayed and came to a decision to decentralize the leadership and work as three teams, staying mutually accountable but focusing on local outreach in three areas of the city. This has been a long-stated goal, and a vision held forth for several years, but reluctance to implement the vision has inhibited growth. Several critical factors brought the group to the realization that significant change was needed if a city-harvest was going to be realized.

The pile of ripe corn is a natural parallel to many who express a desire to be taught the truth of God. And like natural fields undergo huge changes during the course of a planting and harvest season, so too the body of Christ has to be willing for the changes needed for a harvest to be brought in. This past weekend God positioned the believers of Arenillas to be more effective in the days ahead. Please pray for the "elder brother believers" as they adjust to taking more initiative and responsibility for outreach in their neighborhoods. And pray for Victor and his wife Teresa in their new role as team coordinator. The original group will continue to meet weekly for prayer and for "team meetings," but the major house meetings will be dispersed throughout the city.

Praise God for new fields growing in Arenillas!

When doors stand open

2010-05-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

How does one determine if an "open door" is meant to be walked through, or if it is the beginning of a path that leads off the main trail of destiny? Since the beginning of this year several choices of this nature beckon to us for a response. This post will briefly describe one area in which we have responded with a "yes".

A hurried email and a phone call sent us on an unexpected adventure. With only a few hours' notice, we were invited to participate in a weekend event called Encounter With God, that three Cuenca church groups offer to help unbelievers or young believers to understand key factors in the discipleship experience. In a setting away from home responsibilities and the distractions that keep us all busy, people are able to focus on their spiritual life and make some major decisions about drawing closer to God. The leaders of the event are long-time friends, and they asked us to consider joining with them in this ministry. We accepted the invitation to attend.

During ministry times participants frequently raise their hands in anticipation of God's work in their lives. Themes such as repentance, inner healing and deliverance from spiritual bondage are part of the weekend's teaching.

We attended the following Encounter with more than a dozen believers from the Gualaceo and Arenillas house churches. Clayton participated as part of the ministry team, praying for people who desired to be set free from spiritual strongholds. Thelma joined the intercessors' team that prays during the several hours' long teaching and deliverance ministry session. Many have found freedom in Christ and deliverance from spiritual oppression and strongholds in their lives at the Encounters. The young people pray fervently by name for others to find victory over sinful bondage and spiritual strongholds. The hours hurried by quickly.

Even the kitchen help participates during a major part of the evening's intercession ministry. There is a strong sense of working together on all levels of the Encounter ministry effort.

All of the intercessors team had participated in earlier Encounters, and many can understand the spiritual struggle some people have to become free from their past.

Below is a photo of the first group of participants from the Arenillas and Gualaceo house churches, along with three of the eight main leaders (to left of Thelma). All of the house church members thanked us for encouraging them to make the effort to attend.

As of this writing, twenty persons from Arenillas and Gualaceo have participated in the weekend events. Please pray that others will be ready to attend the next Encounter on Father's Day weekend. We hope that eventually all of the present believers will attend, and that many other unsaved friends and family members will do so also in the coming months.

Pray for us as we continue to consider several other open doors -- which ones does God want us to walk through? Pray that we will discern that clearly.

Breaking the Ungolden Silence

2010-05-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

The past months have been busy and "noisy," but our interaction on the blog has been pretty quiet. My apologies. This post will try to remedy that situation.

Since January there has been a constant flow of meetings, using that word in its various meanings. Meeting new people, attending meetings of people and connecting with people and ideas that have pushed out our understandings of our role here -- all have been a constant feature of recent months. May God help us to MEET (and join up with) His purpose in all that has come our way!

April brought the three-years-running tradition of a night of worship, planned and hosted by the Gualaceo house church. The Gomez family enjoys making music and enjoys maintaining this "tradition." They contract the use of the city coliseum for one night, inform the local churches, and invite several worship groups to join them for the event. Each year the Arenillas house church group has been invited. Those who have come spread the word about what a great time they had, so each year more have wanted to attend the celebration. The first year fifteen came. Last year twenty-two made the trip. This photo shows the forty who made the four hour trip this year! They chartered a small bus and packed in for the ride -- which extended to seven hours, due to an old bus and some complications. The delays in the travel didn't dampen their spirits. All were eager for the BIG NIGHT!

The first songs of the worship service were led by the Gomez brothers of the Gualaceo house church. We could sense their passion that the evening would be a service of unforgettable praise to God. We joined with them in lifting songs of exaltation to His name.

Sixto Gomez is the main impetus behind the concerts, but the whole Gomez family has a role to play in making the event come to pass. We appreciate the desire to join Christians together to praise God in a public venue where many can gather and participate.

This photo shows one side of the seating area of the coliseum, along with some of the people who stood on the floor for most of the concert.

A new feature of the concert this year was the guest band invited to play and sing from the church in Portoviejo where our family worked in the 1990's. Juan Cedeño, wearing the black suit, was a young Christian then, and a great friend of our son Duane. He is leader of the worship ministry of the Vida Nueva church in Portoviejo. Their participation added a new dimension to the concert.

Sunday morning the Portoviejo group led a time of worship and Juan Cedeño gave a message. People enthusiastically joined in singing: "I want to be a History Maker in this land."
God, help us to be those people who make history in south Ecuador!

Sunday afternoon was THE soccer game -- friendly rivalry has become part of the gatherings of the Gualaceo and Arenillas groups. The smiles on the faces of the spectators indicates the fun that prevails as the fellows match their soccer skills, organizing a small soccer tournament to see who really is the best. Both players and spectators joined in the fun.

Arenillas spectators enjoy the game and the good-natured bantering. (above) Gomez family spectators laugh at the antics on the playing court. (below) Clayton talks with Jorge Gomez.

This is one small peek into our lives. Pray that the multiplication of churches in south Ecuador will move forward as more believers become ready to take leadership roles.

More tears, singing and laughter

2009-11-03T06:55:00.001-08:00

A picture is worth a thousand words, so here goes for a l-o-n-g post!!

You have been enjoying the colors of the changing leaves of fall. We are also enjoying lots of color right now -- but our colors are of a different hue. This street is about six blocks from our house -- aren't the purple trees beautiful?

October 31 found us back in Arenillas for the third wedding this fall.
The bride was teary during the ceremony, and told the group later, "I never dreamed I could be a bride." She is already a mother and grandmother (late 30's), but God has brought heart change and she and Angel together turned a page in their lives. They finalized their marriage vows by washing each other's feet in symbol of their willingness to serve each other.

The singing led by the brothers from Gualaceo, seemed especially meaningful that evening.

A Family Fun Day at the river was planned for Sunday, November 1, along with a baptism of the newly married couple. While the women busily prepared typical food to be cooked over an open fire...

... the men manned the fired. It was a very rustic setting -- no picnic tables and grills to do the barbeque! It was a team effort. The food cooked as we proceeded with the baptism.

Many shed tears as we heard Angel and Eugenia's testimony of how God has brought powerful, positive change in their lives, which, they confessed, were a wreck before God did His work in them. They humbly confessed their past failure and their faith in God's forgiveness and transforming power for their lives. You can support their new life in Christ with your prayers.

We sang several songs of praise beside the river after the baptism.

Soccer, anyone?

A rousing game of soccer was the first sporting event of the afternoon. The Gualaceo men challenged the Arenillas fellows, and with some help from substitute players filling in their team, the Gomez brothers took home the trophy! Lots of laughter and good attitudes made the game both fun to play and fun to watch!

Various teams had their turn in the gunny sack race -- even Clayton couldn't resist this one, and came in second in his group.

Sounds of laughter filled the air again and again -- hilarious soccer games (even the women had a turn), relay races, an egg toss, and knocking down several home-made piñatas filled the afternoon hours. As unsaved friends and family members participated in the activities, they could see and experience first-hand that being a Christian does not mean that life turns boring or sad. This family of God, at least, was having a wonderful day.

As darkness descended we finally left the riverside. It was a day to remember for a very long time.

There are now 15 baptized believers in Arenillas, besides the founding leader couple, Boris and Veronica. The first baptisms were in June 2007.

The two days in Arenillas were a bountiful blessing from our Father. The Arenillas family was encouraged and rejoiced together. The sister church in Gualaceo was touched and blessed again with the love and open arms that received them. The two of us received rich encouragement on this last visit before we leave for the US for two months. Christ is building His church in South Ecuador. Hallelujah!!

A time to laugh (sing) and a time to weep...

2009-10-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

September was a time of singing! Thirty-two youth and adults from Gualaceo and their out-reach groups in Chordeleg and Zhondeleg came together to Cuenca for a rousing Christian concert by Marcos Witt. It was an evening we will long remember, as we squeezed to fit in our spot in the bleachers! Just four days later the Gomez "band" traveled with us to help celebrate another happy wedding in Arenillas. Below: The two Gomez brothers and two nephews pose with Damian Calle from Cuenca (yellow tank top shirt), who emceed the wedding - young men with lots of talent and eagerness to serve God.

Ricardo and Estela were the happy couple on September 19 who followed through with their plans to be married. It is exciting to watch how the desire to obey God and establish a public marriage bond has become contagious among the believers in Arenillas. One more couple plans to be married yet this year!

Ricardo and Estela are the parents of Jennifer and Allison. Here Allison puts together a puzzle of Jesus the Good Shepherd that the Maple City Chapel prayer team gave to Jennifer after she prayed to accept Christ.

On Tuesday, October 6, we received the shocking news that two and a half year old Domenica, granddaughter of Josefina and Ivan Bravo of Arenillas, had been run over by a pick-up and killed. Josefina is a baptized believer -- her husband and two teenage children are not. Josefina and Ivan (mid 30's) had lovingly helped to raise this child of their unwed daughter. The tragic death of their granddaughter in front of their home was a terrible blow.

We joined the family and Arenillas believers, and together we grieved the loss of this little girl. Clayton walked with them through the process of a funeral. On Thursday afternoon many friends, neighbors and relatives gathered as the time to leave for the cemetery drew near. In a short meditation, Clayton challenged each one to choose the path that would assure their entrance into a heavenly home.

Later we left the cemetery, piling together into the back of a small truck for the ride back to the city. (The custom here is to walk to the cemetery for the burial, no matter how far away the cemetery is.) Josefa, another sister in Christ, rode with her young child in the cab of the truck. She told me later: The driver of the truck asked me what my relationship is to the family of the deceased, - a sister? cousin? friend? Josefa told me with a gleam in her eye, "I just told him I'm closer than a sister." The sad smile on her face and the gleam in her eyes expressed very well our connection as brothers and sisters in Christ. This death touched us all and drew us together.

The following pictures show little Domenica as we all knew her -- a tiny child: someone you wanted to protect and hold. She is the little girl dressed in gold in the wedding photo. The first two photos were taken in August. The last one was taken during a Christmas event for the children this past December.

Once again we are reminded: "Life is fragile - handle with love and prayer."

What will the next challenges be for these young believers? They are learning to care for each other as Christ planned for His Body to do. Together they seek God in the Word. Together they pray. Please pray that they will grow strong and sturdy in their faith as life's experiences teach us all to lean harder into God and His strength.

August - A Season for Celebrating!

2009-08-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

After quite a long space of "normal activities", August supplied us with reasons to celebrate!

During the first week in August, the Gomez family of Gualaceo received the wonderful news that their oldest sister Nelly had been reconciled with her husband, Gonzalo. There marriage had been a rocky one, and for almost two years they were separated. Their reunion was cause for rejoicing and tears. Their two sons were so excited to have Mom and Dad together again. David said, "Now we are a real family again!" Please pray for them as they try to put their lives back together, and as we all hope for their surrender to and choice of a full salvation.

Wedding Bells:

On August 15 Luis and Maricela of Arenillas put their three-year common-law relationship into God's hands, asking His blessing and favor to rest upon them as they made their marriage vows before the Body of Christ in Arenillas. Their desire was that their wedding would be a service of praise to God. It was a special celebration for all of us.

Luis and Maricela chose to fill their wedding ceremony with "lots of singing." They invited the Gomez musicians of Gualaceo to provide the music, and the evening was filled with singing and worship to God. Luis and Maricela were thrilled with the outcome of their special night. Both said later, "I could hardly keep from crying for joy -- God's presence was so real." The photo depicts their grateful hearts for all God has done in their lives. Sunday, following the wedding, the church gathered at the river and Luis and Maricela were baptized.

Anniversary Celebration in Gualaceo:
On August 29 the Gualaceo house church and their out-reach groups in Chordeleg and Zhondeleg gathered to celebrate the 6 Year Anniversary of the beginning of the Gualaceo house church. On August 30, 2003 the first baptisms were realized, with Nate Olmstead helping to baptize the present church leader, Sixto Gomez. Now, six years later, we gathered to remember what God has done and rejoice at the present work He is doing. Approximately 80 people attended the event.

These happy faces are representative of the glow of joy that we all felt that day. These girls were very little girls when the church work began. Sheila Nolt taught Bible classes which involved them and their older siblings. They were eager to pose for a "picture for Sheila"!

A significant part of the anniversary event was the baptism of six people. What a special way to continue the work begun by adding new members to the local body of believers!

As patriarch of the Vera family of Zhondeleg, Miguel took the step of being the first to be baptized in his family, symbolically inviting the generations to come to follow his example. The blog previous to this tells how he worked to find a way to get the stalled Bible studies begun again within his family. The photo above shows Miguel and his wife, Amada, enjoying a special part of the anniversary program - a celebration of praise.

Edi and Maria Magdalena (Gomez) (center of photo with Clayton) were married in 2005. Maria Magdalena had become a member of the church the previous October, but decided she wanted Edi as a husband, and did the requirement process to be married in the Catholic church. Edi told her he would always be a Catholic, and that she should not try to convert him to "her religion." Several stormy years passed. Maria Magdalena had thought she could win him to her viewpoint once they were married, but Edi would not budge. But the Holy Spirit was also quietly at work, and slowly Edi began to change. They were both baptized at the anniversary celebration. Clayton gave words of encouragement and blessing to each one before they entered the water.

Maria Magdalena openly admitted that she had turned her back on her previous baptism commitment, and with tears said she wanted to be baptized again, joining with her husband in a re-dedication of her life to Christ. She eagerly participates in serving in the church, taking responsibility for the children's class in Zhondeleg, while Sixto leads the adult Bible study. Brother and house church leader, Jesus Eugenio Gomez, officiated the baptisms.

Parents expressed a desire to dedicate their children to God, so children of all ages along with their parents gathered for a special prayer. May God raise up this "chosen generation!"

The colorful and exuberant choreography accompanying two lively praise songs presented by the Gomez sisters, nieces and some friends, expressed our gladness and joy over what God had done and is doing in this house church since its birth-day six years ago. Praise be to GOD!!

Growing Pains

2009-06-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

A song from the 60's hummed its words into my thoughts: "Oh, when will they ever learn?" except that the words said, "Oh, when will she ever learn?" I was stressing over something that seemed to be going wrong. God, can't You see that this should not be happening? my thoughts protested. This is NOT how it's supposed to work out.

On a Sunday night as we drove home from Arenillas, Clayton told me of his conversation with Boris following the evening meeting. Feeling the pressures of a new job, a baby on the way, and various other time and family constraints, Boris wanted to be released from the leadership role of the Arenillas house church network. My first reaction was to protest. It seemed completely wrong. I wondered where God's hand was in this mixed up picture. Then a quiet voice asked, "When will you learn that what looks mixed up and out of control to you may well be that I am moving and bringing growth? When will you learn to trust and anticipate instead of defaulting to panic and worry? Oops! Sorry, Lord.

Gradually we could see a well-laid plan begin to take shape. Our goal has been to form a team of leaders. This seeming upset was God's way of showing Boris he needed to open himself to participating on a team, and convincing the other men that the church and responsibilities had grown and were now more than a one-man job: a team effort is required. Clayton gathered the men in an important meeting shortly after, and the first Arenillas leadership team was formed. The men decided to appoint Edgar as the leadership team coordinator. The men, from Clayton's left, are Segundo, Victor, Edgar, Boris and Fransisco (back to camera).

Hardly without coincidence, God was working on other details. That very same weekend Edgar and Magaly moved from a small apartment into a more spacious house, right in the neighborhood of several of the church families. Their livingroom offers a large meeting place. They were eager to invite the group to their home for the first time. Looking back over the events, we could see God's timing clearly. God was arranging for a team to be formed, a man to take the lead, and an adequate place where group growth could happen.

I'm learning that it's so much better to believe and anticipate!

Edgar is in the blue shirt at the far end of the living room, and Magaly is seated on the low seat beside him.

News from the Mountains:
Up in the hills above Chordeleg, in the tiny settlement of Zhondeleg God has opened doors again -- or maybe the doors were never completely shut!

In November 2008 Luis Vega prohibited his family from continuing with the home Bible studies that Sixto Gomez (Gualaceo) had been leading. The family's interest in Bible study began because of Sixto's testimony to several of his English students. The father was in the United States when the meetings began, but upon his return he opposed their continuing.

The nine adults attending the Bible study hoped and waited, expecting that with time Luis would soften and be more favorable toward the meetings. But he remained staunchly opposed.

Miguel Vera, grandfather to Sixto's English students, and father-in-law to Luis, had made a commitment to Christ and was strongly considering baptism. He longed to continue the Bible study meetings, but what could he do? He and his wife live under the same roof as Luis. Who's the boss in a blended household? But Miguel did not lose hope. He shared his new faith with other family members, and eventually another married daughter opened her home for the meetings. Miguel was so excited as we gathered on May 29 to begin again.

A mixture of adults and children gathered, representing four generations of the Vera family. Thank God for a man like Miguel who would not rest until he had found a way to provide for the precious Word of God to be passed on to his descendants.

Prayer is the golden key to bringing divine intervention into each precious group of believers. "When we work, we work; when we pray, God works," wrote Hudson Taylor, missionary to China. Those words are true wherever God's people do Kingdom business. Whatever else God might be planning to do in the near future, we know it needs prayer back-up. Will you join us?

Easter Victories

2009-04-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Another visit to the hot, dusty city of Arenillas -- is it possible to feel even a little bit excited about visiting this city where spiritual challenges are unending? Only if you go with the expectation that Easter victories are possible and if you remember that there are people who grow dearer with each visit as we get used to being the Body of Christ with one another.

Boris and Veronica Duarte are the church leaders in this city where the outreach strategy is to plant many house churches wherever there are people eager to respond to the Gospel. (photo credit (first two photos) - Rollin Ulrich, Maple City Chapel prayer team)

Arenillas is about the last stop along the road until you get to the border city of Huaquillas, the last stop before you reach Peru. Arenillas is a city you want to drive through usually. Not much happens there that registers on the scale of "you won't want to miss this event." When we stand on the short chunk of sidewalk in front of Boris and Veronica's one bedroom apartment, we see buses passing through every fifteen minutes (or less) and almost a constant stream of mopads, motorcycles, bicycles, moto-taxies, cars, small trucks, people walking and just about anything with wheels. Boris and Veronica live a block beyond the large white building on the left, as seen in the photo below. From this vantage point, the double lane road is heading off toward Peru.

Saturday morning, March 22, three of the Gomez family from Gualaceo arrived for a one day visit to their "sister church" in Arenillas. Excitement was high in Arenillas, as the people looked forward to an evening of celebration and praise to God. Special work went into preparing the borrowed facility. The small group from one area of town paid to have a new banner made, incorporating the name that identifies our outreach: "Way of Life" -- of the One who called us: Jesus Christ."

As the starting time came, people continued to arrive, and we kept arranging chairs for a few more. God used the time to teach us all some special lessons. The Arenillas believers were blest and challenged by the musical skill and the dedication to excellence of their Gualaceo brothers. The Gualaceo brothers were challenged by the evident dedication of the Arenillas family to reach out and bring new people into the kingdom. Mutual encouragement characterized our time together. It was a night to remember.

Above: two Gomez brothers and a nephew from Gualaceo leading worship. Below: Nearly 80 people gathered Saturday evening. Enthusiasm was high as we enjoyed a special time of singing praises to the great God we all call Father - whether from Gualaceo or from Arenillas.

Easter Weekend. The two of us returned to Cuenca late Easter Sunday night from yet another visit to Arenillas. Easter Sunday evening the believers gathered for a Bible study and finished the day celebrating the Lord's Supper together. We felt touched by God's presence with us.

Easter is about new life, and children are a perfect picture of Jesus' words to his followers: "Unless you become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of God." Children remind us that new life starts small, humbly and in a learning mode. May this be a message for all of us this Easter: new life is about changing and becoming something new, with God's help. May remembering Easter's victories spark a growth spurt in us for the challenges of life we face.
(The two toddlers pictured below are part of the Gualaceo house church family.)

All Creatures of our God and King

2009-02-16T09:17:00.001-08:00

Just thought we would share one of the "extras" of the Prayer Team trip with you.

Our bus-driver, Venicio, was an excellent tour guide. He knows all kinds of interesting tidbits of history and facts about Ecuador's natural wonders. As we drove from Arenillas to Cuenca on Monday afternoon, he suddenly pulled to the side of the road and hopped out. He had spotted a huge spider on the road -- a Tarantula, no less!! And he proceeded to pick it up and bring it over for our enjoyment, or horror, as the case may be.

Truly an amazing part of God's creation! We asked him how he could handle a spider that can be deadly when it stings, and he demonstrated that you cannot grab it, putting a hand over it, but have it crawl up on you. The sting is at the back end of the body and curves upward, so if there's nothing up there to sting, he can't do anything!

A fascinating side attraction to add to our list of adventures! Thank you, Venicio.

And when you pray...

2009-02-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

The visit of a second Prayer Team to Cuenca, Ecuador began the evening of January 31 when a prayer team from Maple City Chapel, our home and sending church in Goshen, Indiana arrived. The team consisted of eight adults and the two of us. From February 1 through the 7th we dedicated hours of every day to intercede for the work of South Ecuador.

Our first twenty-four hours were spent in Arenillas with Boris and Veronica, the leaders of the local group of believers. Prayers varied in kind and place. First we visited and prayed in various homes.

Later an evening meeting extended past 10:00 as the team gathered around individuals asking for prayer. We raised concerts of prayer -- praying aloud together in whatever language felt comfortable, asking God to meet needs and speak to hearts. Specific personal messages of counsel and encouragement were given. It was a precious time.

Monday morning we gathered on a balcony that overlooks the city and prayed and sang words of Scripture and prophecy over the city. How will Arenillas look in five years when God has worked in the lives of more people and broken strongholds and set captives free, as we prayed that God would do? We will continue to pray and wait in expectation, as Psalm 5:3 suggests.

Boris and Veronica and those who could sing in Spanish sang this prayer, “Ayudame a mirar con tus ojos... Help me to see with Your eyes, help me to feel with Your heart… I ask You for peace for my city, I ask You for forgiveness for my city… “

It was hard to tear away, but Monday afternoon we drove to Cuenca and prayer ministry in the highlands of Ecuador. We were eager to share our beautiful country with the team, and to have them continue to meet the people that compose our Ecuador family.

On Thursday we made a long day of travel to various scenic sites. Here is the prayer team (minus one) on a hillside in the Andes Mountains. Rollin Ulrich is proudly showing the gyro-cache prize he and we had gone in search of. That same day, in the towns of Chordeleg and Zhondeleg we met and prayed for the young believers. First at Fernando and Rosa’s pottery shop where we saw the creativity of hands that are gifted to do detail work:

Fernando works at the potter’s wheel, but his chief delight is making miniature figures from the same clay. Rosa is also skilled. Below she holds a clay figure of an indigenous person, a new style of figurine she has begun to make.

Their shop is filled with hundreds of miniature “people” in stages of completion to be made into small scenes of typical folk holiday customs.

In Gualaceo we prayed for Jorge and Libia Gomez – may God bring a reuniting of Jorge’s family with children, father and the father’s new wife. Please pray that God would go beyond our hopes and expectations to bring the family back together in a strong bond of love.

Our time in Gualaceo concluded with a program given in true Gomez family style: FULL enthusiasm. After the team prayed over the family, before everyone left for home, we arranged them for a picture. Some family members were absent, but we gathered all that were available. This shot catches the humor of the moment as one by one all family members on the premises were collected and Clayton hurried in with the last little ones, having herded them in from distant corners.

THANK YOU, Prayer Team, for sharing these days with us, for interceding on behalf of these dear brothers and sisters. The praise times, sharing and praying together were an enormous encouragement for us. We will be watching for God to be at work in Arenillas – especially in individual lives, believing God for transformation… In Chordeleg – pushing out the kingdom and growing the church… In Gualaceo – in reconciliation on various fronts, and freedom from bondages that keep the work from growing outward. And in Zhondeleg – that the tiny, struggling group will “find their feet” and begin to walk in all that God desires for them.

Thank You, Maple City Chapel, for sending these friends to hold up our arms as we continue in the spiritual battle and the victories for this part of the world harvest. We love you!

Christmas is for Everybody!!

2008-12-19T18:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas greetings and New Year blessings to all of you from Ecuador!
The tidings of great joy are for ALL people. We wish you great joy this Christmas as once again we recall that one small baby’s birth became the pivotal point of history – the world has never been the same since. One line from the Christmas carol titled Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice, a message as though sung to the newly arrived Christ Child, says: “Tiny heart whose blood will save us…” That was an event to cause rejoicing and celebration and reason to meditate.

We are grateful this Christmas for healthy, growing house churches – though not all growth is numerical or even visible. Sometimes the evidence of growth is the painful stuff that God is dealing with. But for all growth we are thankful. Early in December Clayton counted forty-five people squeezed into a living room in Arenillas for a Friday evening of worship and teaching. (The group pictured above is from Arenillas.)

We spent many hours at the computer in November, finalizing a leader’s training manual that we wrote, compiling material from various sources and writing some of our own. We were thrilled with the eager response as we taught and assigned the first modules of study and homework. Themes include basic evangelism training and how to work as teams to lead new small groups, basic discipleship and a bit of church history – who are we, anyway? Each chapter equips the believer with another facet of a strong foundation for confidence in becoming one of the Master’s servants. The plan is to study one of the 13 modules every two weeks with those who have completed a series of studies that gets them started in their walk with Christ. We are excited to see the fruit that will come from those who are now studying the manual.

"Little ones to Him belong..."
May "Christmas light" shine in every heart...

The angel’s Christmas message reminds us again – the good news of great joy is for ALL people: The little ones growing up in homes with a Mommy and Daddy who are learning how to be godly parents --( the toddler with a Bible in his lap is the son of Gualaceo house church leader, Jesus Eugenio Gomez). The older ones who have lived many years without the light of the knowledge of the glory of Christ – but whom we want to introduce to Jesus (the older man is Fransisco Castillo's father from Arenillas). And some who have special challenges (Nelly, second from right, daughter of Fransisco and Josefa, is deaf. She and her family were very excited to be given a manual to help them learn sign language. Nelly is very intelligent and learns quickly.) and many, many who are very normal. Christmas reminds us that ALL need to know of the Good News of Great Joy! A line from a missionary story I heard as a child says it well: “The Jesus songs and the Jesus stories are for everybody – everybody welcome!!”

May you personally know the “great joy which shall be to all people” that the angel announced so long ago. May the New Year bring opportunities to share it with others.

His for the Harvest,
Clayton and Thelma

The "Broken Bridge" art fair

2008-11-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

Ecuador loves to celebrate! We have the national Independence Day, and we celebrate the independence day of each of the main cities. Today was the day to celebrate Cuenca's independence from the Spanish Conquistadors. We took a three hour walk to see a few of the main handcraft exhibits. Here are a couple photos from the day's events.

This bridge was a real bridge once, but a bad flood broke part of it off and it has since been preserved as a remnant of former days. It is known as the Broken Bridge. On holidays it is the site of art fairs and concerts. Today these were some of the paintings exhibited. So much to see and enjoy on an outing in our lovely city! Come visit us sometime!

Dreams still come true!

2008-11-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

This story actually began back in 2002 when Diana Sanchez , a medical student, became part of our outreach to university students. She has since graduated and worked for a while in a local private hospital. Often in her mind was the dream to continue her studies, perhaps in another country. Every so often an advanced education course is offered by the local university. In June she quit her hospital job and began to prepare for a comprehensive exam to be given by the university from which nine students would be chosen to receive a full scholarship toward a medical specialization. ONLY nine students could enter the course and those would be chosen according to their academic achievement. The test questions would be taken from six huge text books which the students needed to study independently in preparation to take the test.

While we were in the States during July and August, Diana used our house as a place to get away for quiet and concentration. Early in July she made a fresh commitment to God, saying that she really didn't know if He wanted her to move toward this specialization or not. As she rededicated her life, she told the Lord, "I will do my best to prepare for this exam. If you want me to pursue this degree, You open the doors. I can only prepare and present my resume, which isn't very much at this point. I cannot do this without You."

Diana gave it her best. She spent hours of study time, and got through the books once. She started on a second pass through the books, but there was not enough time to cover everything. The day before the exam she had reviewed four of the six. She picked up the next book and said, "Lord, I can't possibly review this whole thing. I will review chapters 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7." That same day I felt impressed to pray, "Father, You know what will be on that exam. If it is Your will for Diana to pass this exam, please lead her to review the parts You know she will need tomorrow."

Thursday, September 18, a hundred and fifty students sat for the exam. That evening Diana came to relate the day's events." Of all the exams I have ever taken, I was more calm for this one than any other. I knew I had given my best effort in preparation, and I knew I had put the whole outcome into God's hands. I was calm. Question after question I felt sure of the answer."

The test had ten questions from each of the six books. From the book she had had little time to review, the examiners had selected questions from the five chapters she had reviewed!! Diana's final score was 57 over 60!! She was one of the nine students granted a full, three-year scholarship. She was one of three chosen for a specialization in anesthesiology and intensive care. She debriefed the day with us, and then said, "This has happened only because God opened the doors for me. I want to again dedicate myself and this opportunity to study to God." It was a moment of great celebration for us with her.

October 1 was her starting date. She has been very busy with studies and the internship which is part of the study package. Besides a full scholarship, she is paid a regular wage for the hours on the floor.

Pray that as Diana continues with her chosen area of study, she can reflect the love of Christ to patients and family members whom she relates to. Often she is caring for patients in crisis moments. Pray that God will continue to open the doors He desires her to walk through and that she will be ready to walk through them.

Help! Blogging can be a challenge!

2008-11-03T16:22:00.000-08:00

Okay. Let me admit right up front that I am still getting the hang of this! There has been more than one frustration... from a very slow internet hook-up which has not allowed me to upload photos, to well,... I don't suppose you even want to know all the things that I'm still trying to get the hang of.

So, let's just say I'm sorry that it has been so long since we posted anything new and fresh. But I'm here this evening with a great connection, and so I'm going to do my best to get some news out to all of you!

Hope you are having a wonderful November 3 -- we did here in Cuenca today. It is actually our major city holiday -- the Independence of Cuenca. It goes back to when Cuenca gained her independence from the Spanish Conquistadors. And so each year it is celebrated in high style -- yep, even the president and vice president were here for the parade. We skipped the parade and visited various hand-craft and art fairs around the city.

So, here's a wish for better blogging days ahead! Thanks for your patience.

Focus on Arenillas

2008-09-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

We arrived back in Ecuador on Tuesday evening, September 2. By the end of the week we were on our way south to Arenillas, where four couples got married on Saturday evening, the 6th. This post is about a chain of relationships and how God works to bring people to Himself.

In June 2007, Segundo and Mariana were married, the first couple to be married in the Arenillas house church. (see photo above). Even before they were married, Segundo had been sharing his faith with his family and others in his circle of relationships. He was not ashamed to testify of his new faith in Christ. His and Mariana's marriage and subsequent baptism stirred desire in others to also get married and be baptized.

Mariana's three sisters are also believers. When they saw their sister get married and baptized, they too desired to follow those steps of obedience to God's Word. But their common law spouses were not eager to follow through on those ideas. Why change what has worked thus far? they queried. Two of the three sisters already had at least one grandchild.

Time passed. Segundo and Mariana continued to reach out to others in their network of relationships. Segundo sought out his cousin and family of ten children. Each week Segundo and Mariana took the bus out to the banana plantation where the family lived and where Fransisco worked as caretaker. Fransisco and Josefa came to genuine faith in Christ. As the months passed, God continued working.

On September 6 we participated in the happy occasion of the marriage of four couples. Three of the brides were Mariana's sisters with their common law spouses, and Fransisco and Josefa were the fourth couple. What a celebration!

It was a night we will long remember as four couples said their vows to each other.

Sunday we headed to the river for a baptism. All four wives were ready to be baptized, and two of the husbands. What a time of rejoicing as new members joined the Arenillas house church family.

Boris and Segundo baptized Fransisco. He entered the water in his Sunday best -- he was giving his all to Christ -- nothing half-hearted here.

Fransisco hugged Josefa as she came up from the water. Their children gathered to hug them when they reached the river bank.

In January we wrote, telling of Angelica, mother of three daughters, who faithfully attended meetings. Her husband manifested little interest in the Gospel, and Angelica ached to see him come to Christ. Her prayers and strong, quiet faith in Christ finally had an impact. Angelica is one of the three sisters whose common law husband decided to get married.

Angelica went through a lot as she quietly chose to follow Christ and kept praying for Edwin to be willing to be married and for his salvation. September 6 saw her prayers answered, and Angelica was baptized on Sunday (Edwin is still holding out on a complete surrender of his life to God). She fought back tears as she shared her testimony and then received baptism. We all rejoiced with her at this victory, and continue to pray for Edwin's salvation.

Pray for these couples and the new commitments in Arenillas. The enemy will seek to undo what has been gained for the Kingdom of God. Please pray for their protection and continued commitment to be obedient to Christ and walk out their discipleship with Him.

Partners in the Harvest,
Clayton and Thelma

A Bulletin Board of South Ecuador Priorities

2008-08-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

South Ecuador Priorities
Walking along with first generation believers as the learn to walk along with Jesus.
Shepherding. Mentoring brothers and sisters in Christ.
Making disciples and training young leaders.

In the above photo Clayton accompanies house church leader, Eugenio Gomez and his son as they bring the sheep home for the night. After I took the photo, I realized that it symbolizes our work strategy: local believers growing in leadership as they plan and lead the local work, and we accompany them as they learn and grow.

Mateo Gomez, son of house church leader, Eugenio and Flor.

Mauricio and Byron Gomez are brothers and good buddies who are involved with leading worship in Gualaceo.

We feel a burden for the next generation of believers. In each of the three areas of outreach - Cuenca, Gualaceo and Arenillas - there is a huge need for ministry for children and youth. There is so much potential that can be utilized -- PLEASE PRAY that local believers will see the need to develop ministries to reach this important group of people.

The youth and children will be the church of tomorrow. Pray for leaders who will creatively, willingly and effectively disciple the next generation.

His for the harvest of South Ecuador,
Clayton and Thelma Nisly

Regular mail:
01-01-704
Cuenca, Ecuador

Atlanta, Nashville and Points South

2008-07-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

It is definitely time to get connected again.

Today I am writing from Nashville, Tennessee. Yep, that's quite a ways from Cuenca! We arrived in the States on June 30 and will travel back to Ecuador on September 2. We have been in Atlanta with Duane and Liliana and the little boys, as well as Bethany and Saulo. Then all of us gathered at Cade and Marcia's place in Nashville for two days together. Today we will head back north for the Mennonite annual conference meetings in Berlin, OH and other events in the next weeks.

The last blog I wrote was about Jonathan's birth and now he is four months old. Holding him, coaxing smiles from him, realizing again and again that he has certain features that clearly look like his Grandpa Castro and many other connecting experiences have been a special blessing these last two weeks.

Big brother Adrian took to Grandpa and Grandma right away. His second birthday came while we were in Atlanta and we got to help celebrate that special event. What fun! Getting those two candles blown out was serious business!

And of course, being with our own children, now adults, rounded out the experiences as a family. I will not go into all the details, but we are thankful for the blessings of family... God is good.

Hope this finds you enjoying a wonderful summer.

Baby Jonathan

2008-03-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

This has to be a first -- well, I think so. I just wrote a blog within the last week, and here I am again! But there's a great reason for getting so excited about writing blogs. We have a new grandson!! As of 5:30 this morning, Jonathan Kole Nisly made his appearance in Atlanta, GA and Duane and Liliana are the happy and proud parents of said little gentleman. His older brother Adrian is pretty excited as well. He has showered his younger sibling with kisses, and generally seems to be quite accepting of the new brother.

What is so extra special is how God has arranged Jonathan's arrival. Being Holy Week, Duane and Liliana have "vacation" from school, and it's a good week to have a baby and some extra time to kick back and not deal with schedules and people. Also Liliana's parents arrived from Mexico Sunday night, with plans to stay around for a couple weeks and help make the transition. Monday was a good day for Adrian to get reacquainted with his Castro grandparents, so Jonathan waited patiently for that to happen. But Tuesday morning he decided he wanted to be part of the family happenings, so he arrived shortly before dawn to join the party!! I call that pretty smart timing!

And this Grandma got to see Jonathan already via skype -- and Adrian was glad to give little brother a kiss so Grandma could treasure that scene in her heart.

We bless you all, and thanks for making us proud and happy grandparents!!

We love you.

As pertaining to blogs....

2008-03-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I just might have flunked blogging 101. First of all, failure to do "homework" and second, failure to do the homework. It's a pretty basic course and I basically haven't kept up with the "requirements." And facebook -- well, let's not even talk about that yet. Mostly I get on the computer to read the mail that has come in, and to write to those who write to me.

I love to write, but when the audience is undefined, I feel a bit intimidated and tend not to get strong urges to write to the nebulous readers who may or may not stumble across this blog.

Speaking of writing. I am just finishing the book Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. It is a one-of-a-kind read. The book has no chapters. It wanders from theme to theme, as an elderly father writes "his begats" for his young son. The themes he addresses are tied together in a seemingly haphazard way yet by the end of the book, you have a picture of three generations of preachers and the strange familial struggles they faced. It's not a rush-read. It's not a book for action and drama. Yet there is that in it also. I was actually thinking this afternoon, now maybe that's a kind of writing I could do. Just rambling along. But then I immediately recognized that that kind of seeming random writing likely takes even more planning so it doesn't just ramble right off the page into nonsense. Still, writing one's memoirs is a special kind of literature and holds a fascination all its own.

So, back to blogging -- or not blogging, as the case may be. If I'm not getting around to writing new entries on my blog, maybe you could just imagine that I am working on writing my memoirs. That could be what's happening, but probably more likely it will be because I am once again at the computer typing up some Spanish house church materials of one kind or another. In the last two months I wrote up two manuals for our use. That took a bunch of time, and my brain felt pretty overloaded and ready for a lengthy break when I got those two jobs done.

Well, this is about all for this time... I managed to beat the three month deadline for writing a blog :)

Hope you are having a fine March day -- are you flying a kite? I think that's what March is for.

December Joys!

2007-12-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

I knew it had been a while since I had written on the blog, but I didn't realize I had totally skipped November! Well, I confess that I have to get used to using a blog -- I am more of a letter writer (my journal is mostly personal), and so I have to get used to this...

November held some significant experiences -- our return to Ecuador, getting in touch again with our people here, celebrating another year of life for Clayton (I won't tell you how many that makes... :) and the whole nine yards of getting settled again.

And now we're in December and it started off with a huge bang when Clayton's mother decided to have serious heart problems and within fifteen hours of knowing anything was wrong, she was in surgery to replace the aorta which had a huge aneurysm. Six hours of surgery later brought her out into recovery and she decided to do that as quickly and efficiently as possible. A week later she was back home -- all of this happened during a "quick trip" with her three daughters to visit another daughter/sister in Illinois. So the whole drama took place six hours away from "home" in Indiana!

So December has brought us moments for which to pray earnestly and moments for which to give God many, many thanks -- muchas gracias!!

Here on the southern home front we are rapidly moving into Christmas week and a variety of special events we hope to help make happen. Not all the plans are even made yet -- you've heard how laid back people in the south are, haven't you?! -- and so Christmas should be lots of fun with spontaneous experiences to give us good memories.

We'll been sending out Christmas newsletter this week. If you are on that mailing list, you'll hear more then. If you are not and would like to receive a monthly up-date of happenings here, let us know and we'll add you on.

Hope your Christmas week brings many reasons to smile and remember the JOY that JESUS brought to the whole world when He came.

Christmas blessings to you!

Gratitude

2007-10-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today was yet one more of those awesome October days we have enjoyed again and again. I can't express what a wonder it has been to have been blessed to enjoy both September and October, days of sun and mild temperatures this year.

The last two weekends in October held such special blessing for us -- a long drive to northern New York state on a sunny day, in which we could enjoy the vivid colors of the changing leaves and then the special hospitality of Nate and Denise Olmstead and their sweet children. Those were only two of the many blessings the weekend gave us.

This past weekend was filled with laughter and special warmth as my family (Thelma) gathered for a time together with my parents. Though we talked about serious considerations for the future with my parents, my father's gentle humor had us all laughing at various times during the weekend. It was a special time for us to long remember.

And in two days November begins. Am I ready to return to Ecuador? I ask myself. More ready now than a couple weeks ago. Oh, it's not that I have packed any suitcases or finalized much of anything, but the special times together of the past couple weeks have helped me feel that I am completing several of the things I hoped to do during these months.

Today (in Atlanta) we have had some special moments with Adrian. He's walking now and beginning to jabber, getting a feel for "talking" and it's fun to be here with him. Last evening with Cade and Marcia and today and tomorrow with Duane, Liliana and Adrian are bringing these nearly two weeks to a special climax.

So we say good-bye to October, and look forward to greeting November and what it will hold for us. I am choosing the theme word of "gratitude" for November. October gave so many gifts of family -- both with the Nisly side as well as the Eberly. November will bring gifts of its own. I am choosing to focus on being thankful for each and every gift, large and small, hoped for or unexpected. October was truly a gift. November will be also.

Welcome, November!!

October musings

2007-10-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

it seems impossible, but today is October 15. it's another of those gorgeous fall days that I love so much -- I see beautiful leaves on the trees and some on the ground, and I have to restrain the urge to collect the bright, colorful evidences of God's handiwork that lay scattered on the ground as I take my walk. the vivid reds, the warm golds, the always-beautiful greens...

These are exciting days for Clayton and me -- plans are shaping up for us to return to Ecuador in November. Lots to plan for, lots to work out, lots that is still undefined, except that our hearts are at peace with the plan to return. The next two weeks will be very busy -- well, actually, the next four weeks will be really busy. :) Marcia is going to help us design a new prayer card. I've worked on an informational "brochure" to give out to help people understand our work and future plans. Clayton is working on establishing our financial support base... it feels like the rush of harvest time activity is at hand!! Praise God!!!

September musings

2007-09-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

September has been such a special month this year. The weather has been absolutely beautiful, day after day after day. I have reveled in the crisp autumn mornings, taking a walk just as the sun was coming up. Truly invigorating. And then the sunsets... colors that make me want to reach for my watercolor palette. Each one so distinct in colors, yet each a recognizable sunset. And every sunset, down through the centuries, unique.

I was thinking of it today -- Sunday, September 30. God has made each person and personality distinct, to help us understand that He is so huge, it takes all of us to manifest the many facets of His being... He's shy (doesn't insist that we pay attention to Him), but also out-going. He's joyful, but also feels deeply the pain of the world, He manifests His splendor in huge paintings (the sunrises and sunsets) twice a day, yet does not demand that we notice Him.

September has given me lots to think about. This is just a wee taste...

Thursday in Indiana

2007-09-13T10:28:00.002-07:00

It's a beautiful afternoon here in Millersburg -- the sun is shining, a gentle breeze is blowing and it feels like September! Imagine that... Where did the summer go? Clayton and I were out for our morning walk and he commented that it seems the summer was so short, and then we both realized that we had arrived about half way through... We got here just in time for the 4th of July events and the weeks following that seemed sort of like a blur.

This week, on 9/11, we made a significant stride forward personally. At a meeting with the discernment team assigned to help us process our future, we made a statement clarifying our continuing desire to work in South Ecuador, asking them to help us discern if that also seemed to be God's leading as they understood things. The initial response was very positive, though all of us are willing to continue to "listen" for God to indicate otherwise. This feels like a huge step to us after so many months of trying to remain open and hear other leadings. We are beginning to write a new chapter in our young lives! Yipeee!!