This is Thursday night. Last night was late and this morning was a little early so I apologize there was no update. Yesterday we stopped by the regional airport to try and get information on flights from Quito to Esmeraldes, which would sure beat an 8 hour ride through the mountains. As it now stands, we think because of COVID, there are no commercial flights. However, there are charter flights. But, these 6-passenger flights are super expensive and not ideal for a mission trip.
We then took some long routes through country side to reach some remote villages where there is no gospel presence. Two of these villages are of particular interest to the missionaries here. They have soccer fields and/or large community buildings where a church could meet. We are also looking for decent housing for teams that may come in the future. Ideally, the team would stay close to the work but that isn’t always the possible.
We also stopped at a large farm that belongs to a husband and wife that Johnny knows. The wife is a believer but doesn’t like the Catholic or charismatic churches that are nearby. She was thrilled to learn that Johnny had recently started church in a nearby village, Palestina. The farm or ranch has cottages, tree houses, where guest can stay. One of the houses shares its tree with a sloth! How cool! The name of the ranch is Adonay.
Last night’s meal was a special treat at a restaurant that is a little ways out from town. The restaurant and village is where the road ends and turns into a swinging bridge. Yep, we crossed the bridge over this beautiful river to get to the village and restaurant. I had shrimp cooked in coconut milk.
I lied earlier. Last night wasn’t so late, but I was really tired. So I went to bed by about 8:30.
Today was an adventure. We traveled down a cobblestone road for about an hour and a half before finally reaching a village whose name I don’t recall and met a missionary, Rocio. She is from the region but studied in one of Ecuador’s large cities. While attending the University she went to church and became a believer. She is now sponsored by her church as a missionary to her own people. She took us to San Fransisco. (No, not that San Francisco) to get in a canoe. Farther down the river we visited 3 villages, which are only accessible by boat.
It was a truly awesome experience, but also heartbreaking / gut wrenching. These people do not know the Lord. Who will tell them? Who will go? As of right now, if you fly from the US, you would take one day to fly. One day to drive from Quito. Another 2-3 hours to reach the villages. It would be most effective to stay the night in the village. Pack your food, pack your hammock, pack your water. But the fact is, the very reason there remains unreached people is because they are not easily accessible. So again, who will go? Is it you? (I ask my self this question.)
Who is dying apart from Jesus today? Do we as believers really believe in heaven and hell? Do we really believe that Jesus is the only way? Then why are there still unreached people?
Yes, today was convicting. Lord, forgive me. Help me.
Ragamuffin Warrior 