One of the gifts (and challenges) of living in Ecuador is that we are seen by many as “rich North Americans.” In a country where minimum wage is under $2/hour, there’s a lot of truth to that perspective. We have a wealth of opportunities and resources simply by virtue of our passports! When we are frequently asked for financial help, we want to be thankful for the reminder of the abundance in our lives, even as we look to wisely share what we have.
 |
| Photo: Duane Birkey |
Each month we budget for benevolence opportunities and it is YOUR generosity that frees us to give. We thought you might enjoy hearing how your donations have blessed others recently:
- Paid a month’s rent for a single mom between jobs (she’s got a new job now!).
- Covered some test fees for an AAI alumna applying to U.S. colleges (she won scholarships and is now studying in Chicago).
- Helped with repair costs on another missionary’s car.
- Made a loan for a street vendor to buy a heavy-duty umbrella like the ones pictured above (she’s paying us back in flowers!).
- Purchased a new school uniform for a needy boy.
- Bought groceries for our church's food pantry.
All of these gifts have occurred in the context of relationship—our relationship with the people God has put in our path, and YOUR relationship partnering with us financially through HCJB Global. It is such a joy to be able to pass on blessings to others and we want you to know that your donations to our work with HCJB have a long reach. Thank you for your trust in our stewardship!
RECENT HAPPENINGS (IN PICTURES!)
 |
| Summer School: The rowdy crowd Beth led music and chapels for this summer (in our elementary atrium) |
 |
| First Day of Class: It's not just new glasses making Dave look more scholarly; this year he's an adjunct professor with Northwestern College, teaching "Life of Christ" as dual enrollment for the AAI high school students who want college credit. |
 |
| Entre Nosotras: The kick-off for our moms' group at school. Pray for Beth as she continues teaching in Spanish. She's excited for this year's theme of receiving God's love in order to give God's love. |
With grateful hearts,
Dave & Beth and kids
