As we look back on 2015 and look forward to 2016 we are reminded of what an incredible network of support you have been for us! Thank you for your faithful prayers and gifts as we mark the 9th anniversary of our arrival in Quito and begin our 10th year serving with Reach Beyond in Quito, Ecuador. Here are some pictorial highlights from 2015:
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| Dave's knee keeps getting better |
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| Commissioned for new ministry |
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| Beth celebrating with her BSF ladies |
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| Dave with a newly minted AAI grad |
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| Evangeline now does two wheels |
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| Aaron is getting into reading |
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| Levi rocks the State Fair |
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| Luke feeds his fascination with creation |
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| Levi's first mission trip |
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| Three generations together in Quito |
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| Celebrating Beth's parents' visit |
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| A cloud forest zipline adventure |
The Challenges & Opportunities of 2015
As we look back on 2015, we are grateful for the many new challenges and opportunities presented to us.- For me (Dave), the greatest challenge has been bearing witness to the hope of Christ as our community mourns the sudden death of a student. I had the privilege of meeting regularly with this young man and, as a result, have had a unique position to minister to his family and friends as they endure his death. Please pray for me as I continue to counsel students and co-workers who have been significantly impacted by this loss.
- For Beth, a multiplicity of ministry opportunities have arisen, now that the children are at school all day. The major challenge for her has been to prioritize her activities with the time and energy given her. Currently, she has been focused on the development of the new English-language service and small groups at our Vineyard church. Please pray for her as she seeks to step wisely into various roles at church, such as growth group leader, worship leader, lay counselor, and teacher.
Looking Forward to 2016!
We are looking forward to the new blessings and challenges awaiting us in 2016.- Please pray for Dave, as his job provides him ample opportunity for mentoring both students and fellow teachers. He resonates with the words of Rick Bovey, our beloved dean of students, who is spending his retirement years volunteering at the AAI: "Wisdom! I have this ministry here in this fabulous school which requires wisdom which I do not have. Kids on their journey toward adulthood make a lot of crazy decisions and do a lot of crazy things. They come from homes that are broken. They have friends that influence them. They have raging hormones. They are immersed in a world system that opposes God and all things godly. They are locked into social media that is almost all g.i.g.o. - garbage in, garbage out. How does one get into their hearts and minds and spirits to point them to Jesus and motivate them onto a path of life and hope and joy and peace and love? It takes wisdom from God. It takes a team of people seeking wisdom from God. With HIM there is hope!"
- Please pray for Beth has she seeks to grow as a church leader. On February 14, she spoke at our church (in both English and Spanish services) on 1 Corinthians 13, and will speak again in May. The February recording is posted at http://www.vinaquito.com/index.php/escucha under ¡AMOR! if you want to listen. Also pray as she continues to host an Alpha series and as she meets with people looking for counsel and mentoring. THANK YOU!
