Missionary List

Ecuador

NEWS LETTER - OCTOBER 2005

When we arrived back in the States for our furlough, I immediately began to complain about the intense heat of Texas. Now that winter is approaching, I want to take back my complaints and enjoy the heat of summer just a little longer.

Four years ago we began the process with city hall to get the permits for the next two floors of our educational building. Eduardo Chirboga came to us as the neighborhood president and offered his services. We agreed and he began to "work" the city officials. We later found out that Eduardo was accustomed to taking them out and getting them drunk and adding a little money to the pot. Needless to say, we had to take over the process.

It took several months, but we were able to get the permits. Soon after that, Eduardo came by to collect his commission. We had thought that $250 would be generous, however, when Eduardo asked for a mere $14,000 I almost fell out of my chair. I had deep inner thoughts about sending him on to meet Jesus, but decided to let him live and negotiated the price down to $400. He left happy and we, well, you know how we felt!

Not too many weeks later, Eduardo’s wife and mother began attending our services. Eduardo's wife started giving special offerings for the building fund, which have added up to way more that the $400 we paid her husband!

When we began the "Celebrate Recovery" program for alcoholics in our church a few months ago, Eduardo signed up. He was faithful to attend the classes and applied the lessons to his life. One of the greatest things he learned was to give himself totally to Christ. What a difference it is to have Brother Eduardo in our church! His wife told that a group of buddies came by and asked him to go drinking. He told them he doesn't do that any more because he is a Christian. Eduardo then left for the church to help wash the chairs for Sunday services! Isn’t the grace and goodness of God more than we can ever imagine.

 In His Service,

Glen