Thursday, May 28, 2026 – The bus left shortly after breakfast. The trip would be one-way, out and back. Our farthest destination was a lunch spot named La Hacienda. Before lunch, we stopped at a place where you can take a basket ride across a gorge to a waterfall on the other side. It was a quick trip and was beautiful.
Our next stop was the Nate Saint House in Shell, Ecuador. This is my second visit, but each time has been a fascinating reminder of what Tertullian once said: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” After touring the museum, we made our way to lunch. Most people had kabobs of either steak, chicken, or shrimp. Others had grilled or fried tilapia. It was a fun lunch.
We started our journey back towards home, but would make two more stops along the way. The first stop was Pailon del Diablo. Amazing. Stunning. Unbelievably powerful and beautiful waterfalls. This country is truly beautiful! I cannot, and so I will not, be able to describe what we were able to see. God is Creator. I do not know how someone can see this world and still believe we are a byproduct of a randomized system which began with a cosmic belch several billion years ago.
Our next stop was the city of Baños. The primary purpose of this stop was to tour the Catholic church there. It’s sad and infuriating all at the same time. Jesus is always depicted in a defeated state. Mary is the primary object of worship. I am currently reading a biography of John Knox, and I’m confident he would call this idolatry. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
We made our way back to camp for dinner. After dinner, we heard from Luis, one of the staff members at Camp Chacauco. His story is fascinating. He has overcome so much adversity, but gives God all the credit for turning his life into something meaningful.
It’s been a great trip. Tomorrow we will make our way back to Quito to fly home on a red-eye Saturday morning. We will get a little time in Quito to visit and perhaps buy some souvenirs. This will likely be the last blog update for this trip. I’m so ready for my bed and to see the rest of my family. I do want to take a moment to brag on my youngest daughter, Brooklyn. (She just turned 12.) She has jumped right in and worked hard this week. She has taken initiative to lead in various ways. She’s not perfect, but I am so proud of her. She even ate fish today that still had eyeballs!
Pray for our church as we begin making plans for future trips. Pray for the Yancey’s. Pray about your involvement – Can you go? Can you give? Can you become a monthly donor? Pray that people will be reached with the gospel. Pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Ragamuffin Warrior 