The much anticipated summer has arrived and with it a flurry of activities in and outside the home. As we enjoy this season of reconnecting and renovating we are struck by the incredible mystery that Christ would call us friends. We see this summer as another reminder of the Father’s desire to lavish his love on us, for no other reason than he enjoys doing so.
Reconnecting: Family Reunion
Shortly after classes wrapped up at the Alliance Academy International (AAI), my (Dave’s) brother Steve, sister Carla, and her two sons arrived in Quito for a family reunion. This was Calvin and Jonathan’s first journey to their ancestral lands. We loved showing them the diverse beauty of the Ecuadorian countryside.
Renovating: Dave's Classroom
After a decade of teaching, I am renovating my classroom and teaching model. I requested to extend my "World Religions and Cults" and "Heaven and Hell" courses to a full year. This will give me the space for more creative engagement with the course material. I also plan to use a "flipped classroom" of student-led investigation, while using learning centers to empower the students.
Renovating: Support Levels
After 12 years on the mission field, we see a gradual downturn in our support levels, as life changes naturally prevent some donors from giving. At the same time, our family of six’s basic cost of living continues to rise, particularly educational expenses. We find ourselves with a shortfall of about $1000/month.
Currently, about 90% of our monthly support comes from our original donors, who started their giving twelve years ago. We are profoundly grateful for that faithfulness!
Our hope and goal now is to increase partnership with friends who have seen our ministry firsthand from living, working and visiting with us in Ecuador. If you are an Ecuador friend, would you please prayerfully consider monthly partnership with us to help make up our shortfall?
Thank you!
