Our friends in Ecuador need our prayers and help...

Bishop Cavellos, Gene and Bonnie, Pastor Freddy

Ecuador was never on our radar until we hosted a wonderful young man from Cuenca as an exchange student in 2005.   Quickly we researched something about the country located in South America...on the equator and discovered they are very much like the United States.  They have an indigenous population that was moved to interesting places when the Spanish came to the country years ago. They use the US dollar and have similar  unemploy-ment  rates and economic standards.   Our time with Juan was outstanding...he was a great exchange student and today he's a fine young man. 

In September 2015 we attended his wedding and what a wedding it was.   Over 600 of his best friends joined us for a grand celebration.  Following our amazing time in Cuenca with his family we flew to Quito (the capital) to spend time with the Methodist Missionary Sara Flores.  On really short notice she arranged 3 1/2 packed days visiting churches and communities where the Methodist Church is meeting the needs of the people.  

One day we met with the Bishop of Ecuador, a non-paying job but one that is very important for the growth of the church in this country.  He, Pastor Freddy, and Sara took us to the Center of the Earth.   That line you see is the "equator".   Great day.  

Our best day was when we visited one of the schools and became the guests of a special dramatic presentation.  Even though we were nearly on the equator, it was cool.  Notice all the children are in sweat clothes.   This is the school uniform on the days they are outside. 

The villages in this area were suffering at this time as a nearby volcano had been erupting and the ash ... very fine... was airborne and causing all sorts of breathing problems not only for people but for the animals and crops.   UMCOR was there to help them get past the crisis. 

The map shows why much of the country was effected by the earthquake.

Now UMCOR is there providing water and food to those in need following the earthquake accord-ing to the most recent note from Sara (GBGM missionary).   One of the other stories she shared was the villages that were helped by UMCOR during the crisis with the volcano were giving their crop of onions and potatoes to those displaced by the earth-quake.   Pastor Blanco said "We are one family and we need to give back."  Sara continues to request prayers for the people. 

Being there has surely given us a deeper concern for the people of Ecuador.   Juan and his family wrote immediately to make sure we knew they were safe but they also wanted us to know they were very concerned for their fellow countrymen.  We've made our online gift to help the Methodist church respond.   When many people do just a little, it will make a big impact where needed.   It isn't possible to us to send food and water or provide shelter but it is possible for us to send a few dollars.  

To make an online gift, as you can imagine... it is easy.   You can indicate that you are from the Valparaiso 1st UMC and it will be recorded that indeed our church is concerned and in solidarity with the little church there.   Here's a quick link  to donate to Ecuador projects #00433A or you can always give to UMCOR in general and indicate Ecuador earthquake via a check to Valparaiso 1st.  UMCOR is there now providing food and water.   Even some of the small Methodist churches there have offered their floors and places for shelter.  The sun is very intense there so shelter is extremely important.  Thanks for reading, praying, and giving to a very special place on this earth.