OMS Ecuador

Ecuador Prayer Digest - October 28, 2008
++ At the AIEE 30th Celebration in Latacunga, The “Princesses of the King” sang in Spanish and in English  

++ Thank you for your prayers during our two-week visit to Guayaquil, Loja, Saraguro and Quito.  We had a wonderful time and experienced much.  More to come over the next several weeks.  Jerry & Clara
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BIRTHDAYS
OCT 28 - Johanna Pazmino (1)
NOV 5 - Andrea Williamson
NOV 7 - Nicole Johannes
NOV 9 - Rebecca Pazmino
NOV 14 - Timothy Vogan
NOV 20 - Kim Orellana
NOV 21 - Rebecca Coleman
NOV 25 - Ilene Douce
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++ Nov 2-5 there is an Every Community for Christ seminar in the Dominican Republic for all the Latin American coordinators. Pray that all those present will have a clear understanding of the methods being taught and see how they relate and apply to their particular country and culture. (Teen Power)
++ Ecuadorian Nationals, Alfredo Gonzalez, Luz Angelina Gualan, Angel Guaman, Sergio Angamarca and Fabian Cortez will attend the CIMA and ECC Seminars in the Dominican Republic October 28 - November 5, 2008. 
++ Seminary Director delegates to the CIMA Seminar in the Dominican Republic October 28-31, 2008 are Carlos Miranda (Guayaquil Seminary director) and Jorge Mogrovejo (Cuenca Seminary director).
++ All missionaries need prayer for better language skills.  Pray as they share God’s love with others in a second language. . (Missions to the Max Oct Prayer Poster)
++ Pray for the stability of the churches and the strengthening of leadership in Ecuador. Pray that there will be solid evangelism by each team and acceptance of Church Multiplication Training. (ECC Prayer)
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From BJ & ANDREA WILLIAMSON - New Jersey
++ Our trip to Western PA was great as we visited with some of our supporters and churches. We’ve been visiting churches and supporters here in the New Jersey area.
++ Pray for a very real need!  Our laptop computer has died and we need one to use in our travels and for presentations. Pray that God would provide a computer or the finances for one quickly.

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#1 Praying for the NORTH COASTAL DISTRICT
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++ The Churches of the North Coastal District are located in Los Rios Province, Western Pichincha Province and Northern Manabi Province.
++ Los Rios Province is home to many large banana plantations. The prosperity of the residents (and the churches they attend) relies heavily on agriculture.  Pray for good crops after last years’ flooding that will help the recovery efforts.
++ Pray that those from the North Central District who attended the 30th Anniversary Celebration of AIEE have come away encouraged, strengthened and refreshed by the teaching and the fellowship.

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#2 Praying for the SOUTH COASTAL DISTRICT
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++ TUE - Pray for the Bible study with leaders of the church in Pallatanga.  Pray for Guido as he leads, and that they might grasp the depth of God’s love for them and for their church and for their community.
++ WED - Pray for the cell group that meets in the home of one of the Belen 2 leaders in Milagro.  New Christians and leaders make up the group, so pray that they can grow and teach each other.
++ SAT - Jenny Riggs in Milagro teaches a music theory class (reading music and learning chords & scales).  There are four eager students and several others to be invited.
++ Kathy Coon is on home assignment through January in Michigan.  She was just diagnosed with breast cancer and is facing surgery on Tuesday OCT 28th. Please keep her in prayer.
++ Mike Dragon III is going back to Camp Pallatanga November 14-29 and needs 4-6 more people to help with roughing in electrical and plumbing for the new house being built. The cost should be in the $1650 range for this two week trip.
++ Praise God for the new leaders and for the teams in Milagro and other areas where they are winning many to Christ.  Pray for unity of spirit among leaders. (ECC Prayer)
++ Camp Pallatanga will host a 25 member Medical/Work Team - Nov 3-8.  Half of of the team will be working on houses and half will be seeing patients in Bucay.  Pray for stamina and organization!
++ SAT-MON Camp Pallatanga will host a camp of 100 from Guayaquil.  Pray that we will be ready to receive them NOV 1-3!
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CAMP PALLATANGA WORK TEAM - OCT 20-30
++ THU - Pray for the nine members of the work team from the Aley UMC in Beavercreek, Ohio as they finish their work and return to the US .  Pray that their experiences might make a lasting impact on each member of the team.
++ Megan Anderson  –  Heth Corl  –  Karen Corl  –  Joan Hastup  –  Susan Lehnies  –  Michele Ruff  –  Ron Ruff  –  Gail Simpson  –  Peggy Lakes
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WORK/MEDICAL TEAM at CAMP PALLATANGA & BUCAY - NOV 1-9
++ Pray for the individual Team Members each day.  Some will be working at the camp while the rest conduct a medical clinic in Bucay (30 minutes from the Camp where a new outreach is being launched)
++ Pray for safe travel NOV 1 and health, strength and a spirit filled experience for each member as they labor and bond as a team. Pray for those they come in contact with, to see the Love of Christ in action.
++ These are the Team Members from MOBILE, FAIRHOPE and POINT CLEAR, Alabama.
– Silous Cyle Ferguson — Physician
– Mary Ellen Ferguson — Speech Therapist
– Roger Pope Tart — Physician
– John Steadman McMurphy
– Gene Allen West
– Delores Jean Campbell — Dental Hygienist
– Jack Dwight Campbell — Aviator
– Robert Moore Banks, Jr. — Sales
– Robert Lemuel Meador, Jr.
– Jenny Johnson Meador
– James Harold Hunter  — Physician
– Robert Shelby Harlin — OB-GYN
– Angela Marie Watson
– Mary Ann Touhy — RN
– Alfred Miles Nuemann, Jr. — MD
– Marian Winton Loftin
– Laura H Cleveland — Radiology Director
– Marguerite Ford Boyd
– Ralph Albert Hargove –CEO
– Kimberly Smith Hargrove — Engineer
– John Richard Nix, Sr. — Attorney
– Arthur Thomas McRae Taul, III — Businessman
– Susan Burke Taul
– Kenneth Chad Riley
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From GUIDO & KIM ORELLANA - Camp Pallatanga
++ We are still working on BOTH administrator’s houses  - building projects always take longer than expected!  The last two teams have been an awesome blessing, working with six Ecuadorian workers.
++ Is God calling you to get involved with a team?  We have a team coming Nov 14-29th (only 4 people signed up).  We would love to have 5 or 6 more join this team.  Gus and Nicole will be moving to the camp on Dec 1st and they need a home.
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From JENNY RIGGS - eXtreme Walk - San Carlos
++ You can see a “Day in the Life of Jenny Riggs” at her Blog Site - http://blogs.omsinternational.org/extremewalk
++ I am taking on new responsibilities in the ministry and training others to be leaders in the church so that when I leave, others will keep ministries going that I have been involved in.
++ Discipleship classes teach a new believer about the fundamentals of Christianity - prayer, daily devotions, role of the church and much more. Pray for Marta and Geovanny, they are interested in getting involved in the ministry.
++ Sunday Morning we have Sunday school for the kids at church in San Carlos and I help Absalom’s wife teach the lesson, teach them the memory verse or explain the rules to a game that we are going to play.
++ In San Juan, the community just outside San Carlos, the kids have little education but hunger for learning and for love. When we get off the bus the kids come running to give us hugs.  We play games with them, sing songs, and teach them Bible stories. 
++ Please pray for the kids in San Juan and in San Carlos.
++ To start a cell group we ask someone to open up their home, go there and pray for the cell group. We knock on every door nearby and invite people to attend.  When we meet we have an icebreaker, singing and a testimony then open God’s Word.  Please pray for two ladies who attended, then were made fun of by their neighbors. 
++ As I visit people with Absalom we encounter many needs and requests to pray for.  Pray that God will use these little devotional-prayer times with people to minister to their hearts. Pray that God will give me the words to say.
++ In our church several people take turns preaching.  They asked me to prepare something so I spoke from John 15 - about Jesus being the vine and we are the branches and that if we want to grow and bear fruit we need to remain in him.
++ Some young adults have asked me to teach them music basics (reading music), so please pray that this will happen. I see their excitement and desire to learn, but things keep getting in the way.
++ God has been taking what few talents I have and using them.  Please continue to pray for me as I serve Him here in Ecuador.
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From RANDY & RACHEL COLEMAN, Wilmore, KY
++  We had a great time with the Hispanic pastors in Dayton, 18 men and women from 6 different countries.  I was “pumped” to see them excitedly engaging with the birth narratives and planning their Advent ministry.
++  Randy had safe travels to and from Michigan, and a wonderful reconnection with our partners in Delton. (He was very impressed that there was GREEN GRASS in Michigan, something we haven’t see in Kentucky for many long weeks.)
++ The OMS Student Cabinet retreat was a great blessing. It was a delight to watch the students explore God’s “Great Expectations” (Mic. 6:8) and to dialogue with them about ways to make this campus ministry even more effective.
++ The response to the planned teams to Ecuador and Spain has been so positive that we are looking at the possibility of a second team to Spain mid-summer.   Rebecca has agreed to be the co-leader of the spring break team with her dad.
++  Two young leaders from SHALOM Christian Fellowship were ordained OCT 12.  Give thanks for Pablo and Jimmy!
++  In addition to an ankle injury Rachel has been battling a double infection for about 10 days. Due to allergic reactions, unable to finish a course of antibiotics, and feeling pretty yucky.  Ask the Lord for healing and strength.
++ Tom and Susan Stiles shared their faith journey at Friday Night Live with the collegians and seminarians, and met with potential team members for the Cuenca spring break team.
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From JON BARTHOLOMEW - Extreme Walk Milagro
++ I’ve been in Ecuador nearly 4 months, and in Milagro for 9 weeks.  God continues to mold me.  I’ve been taking on more responsibility in the church, starting to lead a few men and women through the Bible as I visit their houses.
++ God has been working in my life - taking out the old and bringing the new.   I’ve a real sense of knowing that I am not yet what I shall be, but I am growing towards it.
++ Pastor Carlos always prays the following line that has brought me so much comfort, ‘Dear God, thank you for what you have done for us, thank you for what your doing right now, and thank you for what you will continue to do.’
++ Pray for the church I´m in and that I would continue to be a faithful servant there.
++ Pray for all those who are discouraged or struggling in their faith.  Luis recently said he didn´t want any more of God in his life because he was being laughed at for being a Christian in his work. 
++ Pray for Sonia, a woman in the church.  She was pregnant but the baby died so she had to have it aborted last week. Pray for here and that she would learn more of God’s sovereignty at this difficult time.
++ Pray  for the Diaz family. Last week the cane walls in their house fell down and the whole house fell. I’m helping rebuild it. Pray for them at this difficult time and that God would strengthen us all physically to get it rebuild as soon as possible.
++ Pray for Georgina. She isn’t a Christian however she is very sick and has been bedridden for months. Pray that as we continue to visit her and share the word of God that God would open her heart and the hearts of her family.
++ Pray for Rosalba. She goes to the church but has just separated from her husband and there is a lot of unease there.
++ Also pray for the encouragement of those who are discouraged’ Janet, Yvone, Jofre, Monica, Carlos, Anabelle.
++ Pray for the grounds and money to construct a new church.  The church here is very small and the pastor feels they need to construct a new church, however there is no money. Pray for this specifically and that God would grant us the land to build it on
++ I’ll be in Bucay and Pallatanga translating for a medical team coming from Alabama to work here for the week.  Pray that I would be able to understand everything and serve God with the ability to speak Spanish…and for a safe journey there.
You can read Jon’s unedited post at http://www.edenderryce.org/blog/1106/we-will-never-be-the-same

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#3 Praying for the CENTRAL DISTRICT
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++ Pray for Sarah Mitchell (soccer teammate of Courtney Chambers) at Alliance Academy.  She injured her left knee in a soccer game last week.  Pray for her rapid and total recovery.  She has already had surgery on her right knee for a previous injury.
++ Kelly Chambers attends a weekly Bible study in the Quito Woman’s Prison.  Pray for the testimony of the teachers and for the ministry of the Word of God in the lives of those behind bars. (OMS Prayer)
++ THU - Pray for the Sucre house church meeting led by Rafael (Pastor from Galpón)  Most of the members are poor farmers and many are indigenous but the church is rich in their love of the Lord. 
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From DARRYL & KELLY CHAMBERS - Quito
++ Kelly had a great time sharing with the ladies of the Iglesia Biblica Familiar.  Thank you so much for your prayers… The  Lord used what she had to say and the women were encouraged in knowing that God can use anyone to do his work.
++ WED - Kelly will share her testimony at the prison Bible study group.  Please pray that the Lord will use her words to bring encouragement.  Many of the women are dealing with feelings of shame and guilt and feel that God can not possibly love them. 
++ WED - Pray for Courtney as she brings the message to the kids in Guardians.  She is going to share about seeking out God’s will in your life.   She is nervous so pray that she will have the awesome experience of seeing the Lord come through for her.
++ Darryl is in Pallatanga with a work team..  He will home on WED then we return to Pallatanga SAT to work with another team.  Darryl will be working at the camp, Kelly will be working with the medical team in a town about 30 minutes away.  (Bucay)
++ While we are gone, 12 guests will be at the guesthouse for a couple of days.  Pray for Courtney as she takes care of the group in the evenings and for Mom (Bonnie Shrode) as she makes breakfast for them.
++ We attended the 30 year celebration in Latacunga of the AIEE (one of the two associations we work with). We gathered with brothers and sisters from seven different churches to celebrate AIEE and OMS’s work in Ecuador.
++ Praise the Lord for restored health.  Kelly has been dealing with sinusitis (it only lasted about three days instead  of four months like last time)  Darryl’s eyes are continuing to improve each week.
++  Josh has his “new” car, a job, and is doing better in school.  Courtney is enjoying her senior year, even though she is extremely busy, and is doing very well in her new roll as goalie on her soccer team. 
++ Kelly has been quite overwhelmed with all that the prison ministry entails. Please continue to pray for the Lord’s protection as she treads into the enemy’s territory.  Pray for wisdom as I deal with the 13 prisoners making greeting cards to sell. 
++ Kelly has been told by a visiting dermatologist that she have three skin cancer spots that need to be removed  She been given the name of a dermatologist to see - Pray that she will call and make an appointment.
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From DOUG & CINDY TANKERSLEY - Quito
++ Beware of the Pizza Delivery Guy!! - We ordered pizza one night and it arrived late.   Next day we found out OUR deliveryman had beat up the real deliveryman, stolen his motorcycle, and delivered the remaining pizzas to collect the additional cash!
++ We attended the Central District AIEE church association’s 30th anniversary celebration in Latacunga - over 200 attended. Doug received “thanks” from the pastors and a certificate of recognition for his merit and service to the AIEE. 
++ Cindy, Kelly Chambers and Bonnie Shrode sang a song in both Spanish and English. They were even introduced as the group: “Princesses of the King”.  The crowd loved it, and they received many cheers.
++ David is in a CSO (Christian Service Outreach) called Guardians - they mentor middle school students.  Please pray for David as he seeks to be used by God in the lives of Christian, Daniel, Nicolas, Milton, and Marcel. 
++ Jonathan is also participating in Guardians - another student is mentoring him.  
++ Elementary Spiritual Emphasis Week was this week and many children made decisions to accept Jesus as their Savior - six in Cindy’s class.  Hallelujah!  Please pray for Joel, Emil, Jung Woo, Hanan, Karla, & Olivia. 
++ Cindy’s Bible study has been underway for 3 weeks - Three new ladies have joined the group.   Please pray for Silvie, Libby, Lorena, Maria Alexis, Alice, Ennie & Bernarda. 
(Read their unedited letter with Photos at -  http://tankersleys.blogspot.com )
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From MIKE & BONNIE SHRODE - Quito
++ Mike has encountered Hurricane Ike, cancelled flights, late flights, re-routed flights, late-arriving luggage.  He’s been to Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay and twice to the US since Sept. 7.  We thank God for your prayers for Mike’s travels.
++ Kelly assists with a Bible Study in the prison on Wednesday mornings between 9:30 and noon.  In addition, she and another volunteer have been placed in charge of the card ministry–a small business operation which helps the women earn some money.
++ One of the ladies who attended my Bible studies is leading a Bible Study with 5 non-believers from her workplace.  She is also leading a study in her parents’ home with her parents, her son and his girlfriend, a brother-in-law, and a neighbor—all unbelievers! 
++  Pray that Tamia will be filled with the Holy Spirit as she steps into this heavy responsibility and privilege of sharing God’s word.

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#4 Praying for the SOUTHERN DISTRICT
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++ MON - Pray for the twice monthly leadership meeting held in Saraguro.  This is an important time for planning and prayer and also maintaining communication and relationships.
++ WED - Pray for the house church meeting in Cuenca.  Pray for the recently baptized members - that they might grow in their faith and knowledge and become aggressive witnesses to the Power of God in their lives.
++ Pray for the Carboncillo ministry. Pray for the campers to have spiritual times of refreshing and for those involved in the agriculture projects to see a profit for themselves and the ministries they are supporting. (OMS Prayer)
++ SEMBEC Seminary in Cuenca, has started the academic year with a good number of students in its three modules, as well as two extension classes in Azogues, a nearby town. Pray that the students will complete this term’s studies and will then continue with further modules. It is essential that good relationships between the students and lecturers develop and grow strong. Pray, too, that God will provide for each student’s fees.
++ Uphold Good Shepherd Radio director, Jose Quille as he continues discipleship studies and in turn disciples Segundo who is a new Christian working at the radio station. (Saraguro Prayer Guide - Good Shepherd Radio)
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From Gus & Nicole Johannes - Cuenca language study
++ Nicole’s family has been visiting us for a few weeks. They had a great time and saw lots of the country and the culture. We did lots of travelling and didn’t meet with any problems at all.
++ We’r looking forward to the shift to Camp Pallatanga in early December.  There is a lot of work waiting for us there, but it will be great to see the girls in that environment with a bit more space around them.
++ James Fitzgerald (NZ)  be coming to stay with us in the camp and in Cuenca. He will be visiting some other parts of Ecuador and help out with the ministries there. So please pray for James as he is getting prepared.
++ We are wanting to get bibles for the lollie kids and some form of a devotional book focussed on teens. Pray that we find the right product in their language for a good price.
++ Anika is talking lots more. She even uses Spanish words which is great. Maia is doing great to and had a great time with her Nana and Granddad. Please pray that these girls will settle straight back into camp life.
++ Please pray for the progress on the new house in Camp pallatanga. The work has started but we are still in need of more funding.
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From TOM & SUSAN STILES - Indiana
++ We continue to help Luke and Becki with their home whenever we can fit in a couple of hours in the day.  Yesterday Tom and Luke were under the house insulating pipes and ductwork. Luke is trying to get all the outside work done before winter weather “sets in”. 
++ Nicole was here last weekend and we enjoyed catching up more with her life at Asbury Seminary.  Tom helped her study Greek.
++ The seminary in Cuenca has a record enrollment of 50 students!  Jorge Mogrovejo is teaching 3 classes and new missionaries Steve and Katuska Davies are teaching one class each. 
++ We are getting excited about beginning the Seminary construction on our own property soon.  Pray for legal paperwork and plans to be accepted for the construction in 2009.
++ We continue to visit churches in central Indiana and Illinois - meeting with friends and supporters.  Pray for our letter with a new prayer card being sent out.  We need to raise a bit more support to cover us in Ecuador. 
++ Our oldest daughter, Nicole finished a year in Kazakhstan with the eXtreme Walk program and the Lord has since led her to begin a Masters in Biblical Studies at Asbury Seminary.  Please keep her in your prayers while she finishes her studies - one more year.
++ Daughter Becki and husband Luke are planning to go to Ecuador to have our grandchild. It will be great have them there for a few months.  The Cuenca Seminary (SEMBEC) is planning to start its building and Luke is excited about helping.
++ Sara is still slugging away with nursing studies, she has not gotten into the nursing school yet, so keep that in your prayers.  She is planning to move in January to be near fiancée Michael and get a job as a CNA before she applies again for next fall. 
++ OCT 28 - NOV 5 Tom has a special trip to the Dominican Republic to meet with the leaders from all the Latin America and Caribbean countries where OMS works.  Keep our travel and meetings in your prayers. 
++ OCT 31 - NOV 9 Susan will take a medical team to Ecuador.  They will be in Bucay, a small town on the low coastal area.   We are planning a new church planting strategy there and the medical clinic will be an introduction to OMS for them
++ We traveled to Mobile, Alabama with Bill Evans from MFMI to meet the medical team members. The folks from Ashland Place United Methodist Church are very enthusiastic and ready to serve the people of Bucay with medicine, glasses and dental care.
++ Continue to pray for this team of 25 people and for Susan. Pray for the people of Bucay, Pallatanga and surrounding areas as they are touched but God’s servants.  Our purpose is to reach many people with God’s salvation and to start a church in this area.
++ We have a full Sunday schedule between now and January when we return to Ecuador, please keep our support needs in your prayer and for the special appeal letter we sent out last week. 

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#5 Praying for the ORIENTE DISTRICT
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++ Pray for the possibility of starting a ministry among another indigenous group, the Shuar in the Yantzaza area.  We need a good, solid Shuar leader to begin the project. (OMS Prayer)
++ In Loja, OMS Missionaries Mark & Nube Vogan are working with SIM at the “Waves of Hope” Radio Ministry.  SIM also ministers in Loja through a missionary school (where Timothy & Deborah Vogan attend), a Seminary by Extension and a Coffee Shop. 
++ Remember the guinea pig project in your prayers.   Some of the leaders are struggling to carry on.   Pray for strong healthy animals and for regular markets for sales. (Saraguro Prayer Guide - Oriente)
++ Uphold the Saraguro leaders who are stepping up into the executive leadership team, that God will guide this process and the timing of the transition.  Once this is complete the ministry will be totally locally governed. (Saraguro Prayer Guide - Oriente)
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From MARK & ANNE PAVELKA - New Zealand
++ Our friends the Klingbergs from South Dakota, are with us for a couple of weeks..  They arrived on Anne’s Birthday and spent a couple of days with us before going around the south island with Mark sightseeing.  They leave 4 Nov.
++ Our home group is doing very well, with a couple leaving for 6 months to spend with friends and family in Canada.  They should be returning in Jan 09.
++ Continue to pray for the Timaru Christian School as they are needing 10 more students enrolled to retain the 2 teachers for the fourth classroom.  Also pray for the new site that the school is still in the process of looking at shifting to - Watlington.
++ Angel, our co-worker in Ecuador celebrated his birthday on Sun 12th.  He is still looking for a wife…
++ Carlos and Sulay and little David are also doing well. 
++ Miguel Guaman who has TB and is in Guayaquil has been getting the treatment free, which has been an answer to prayer.
++ Julia Henry, the lass that was teaching our children before we came home, is looking at being back in Ecuador in November 08!  Praise the Lord for this.  At this stage we are unclear as to whether she will be in Loja or Yantzaza. 
++ Mark and Nube Vogan and their two children - Timothy and Deborah are in Loja.
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From OWEN & AVALON BROWN - New Zealand
++ Avalon’s full time role in administration and Owen’s part time role as short term team coordinator have been a big learning curve, but we are mastering the computer systems and paperwork well now.
++ Owen has been involved in presenting OMS to Bible College students, at Church meetings and at Promise Keepers.  The men, especially, are excited about getting active and being involved in God’s plan. 
++ Owen has been making arrangements for James Fitzgerald to go to Ecuador for 3 months and for a team in February to Ecuador for 3 weeks.  Would you like to join us in visiting our friends in South America? 
++ We will be visiting the Saraguro people that we worked with in the jungle, spending time with the children and women, visiting the leaders and helping wherever needed. This will be a life-changing experience.  We would love for you to come!
++ We value your prayer support and value prayer for Angel, Carlos and Sulay in Yantzaza, training the Saraguro leaders.
++ Pray for the James Fitzgerald as he prepares to help at Camp Pallatanga, Ecuador, for 3 months.
++ Pray for the February Ecuador team - for their financial needs and for prayer support.

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