THE SCHOOL YEAR HAS BEGUN

Due to scheduling issues, some of Dave’s classes are smaller than usual, which at first was disappointing. Now he’s trying to see it as an opportunity to connect more with individual students. His smallest class, a section of Bible Study Methods (BSM), has just four kids - all quiet, English as a Second Language learners - so this might be just the chance for them to feel safe enough to really open up. Dave’s especially excited about building strong relationships with the incoming sophomores (all new students to him) to whom he will teach BSM. He’s been working on changes to the curriculum in hopes of moving from a largely academic study of the biblical text toward a deeper, more personal engagement with God through his Word. This has the potential to transform lives!

Dave’s two other courses are World Religions and Cults (WRC) and Discipleship. The opening paragraph of the syllabus for each of Dave’s classes reads:

The Bible is the most important book you will ever study. Through it God has revealed himself to us so that we can be in a personal relationship with him. It is an amazing gift! Thus the study of the Bible is our most important task, because it is God's eternal truth for our relationship with him. Biblical truth is essential for your life as a friend of God. Thus, Bible classes are of highest importance.

BETH'S SUMMER

With Dave home more often, Beth has been more active in women’s ministry. Our church’s women’s program normally goes on hiatus over the summer, but God motivated Beth and a friend to keep the fellowship going. Beth and Denise have been co-leading a study over the summer with 7 to 15 women coming weekly (Denise is second and Beth is fourth from left).

One elderly Ecuadorian widow, R., told us that our study day and Sundays are the only happy days of her week. R. has barely been making ends meet as a street vendor and was recently threatened with eviction from the apartment where she lived with her grandson. Between the church’s benevolence fund and gifts from several women in our study, we were able to help her find another apartment, but please keep R. in your prayers as she looks for more stable work.

There are many situations like this within our congregation and we need discernment to know how best to respond. Right now our women’s ministry leader position is vacant, so please pray with us that God fills that spot quickly with a wise woman.

PUTTING DOWN ROOTS

This was our first summer here with a car and both of us as licensed drivers. It’s been a great blessing to drive around getting to know Ecuador better (see our travel photos). As we make family memories here, we feel more at home and connected in this nation—truly an answer to prayer. Another reason we’re feeling more at home here is that Dave’s parents, Americo and Kathy, moved down in July. The boys adore having grandparents living just a few blocks away!