WHERE IS HOME ANYWAY?

If you want to hear a missionary hem and haw, try asking that question. It's one we've been asking ourselves for the last few weeks as we've moved into a new apartment and are also preparing to go on "Home Ministry Assignment" in the U.S. this summer.

First, our new digs: After house-sitting for the last year and a half, we've finally moved into our own place. Now the kids can destroy our furniture instead of someone else's! For the first time in our married lives, we've bought a fridge, stove, washer and dryer. It's said that "stuff ties you down," and in a good sense, we feel that by furnishing our own place, we've crossed an emotional threshold toward making Quito our home. We've even got a spare bedroom, so ya'll come down to visit now, ya hear?


Second, even as we've been settling into our new home, we've been dreaming of going "home" this summer to the U.S. As a missionary kid, Dave learned that "home is where the people you love are." So we'll be going "home" to see those we love in IL, MN, CO and KS.

The summer ahead of being "pilgrims" reminds us that our true home is in Christ. What a comfort to know there is a place where we will always belong!

SUMMER ADVENTURES

Even as our eyes glaze over while dreaming about U.S. playgrounds, Wendy's Frostys and thrift store shopping, what we most look forward to this summer is visiting our friends! Here's is a brief overview of where we'll be. Please let us know when we can take you out for a meal or outing. We will continue to check our e-mail address (see bottom of the page) and can give you phone numbers of where we'll be if you drop us a line.

June 18: Arrive in Chicago
June 22: Share at Palos Bible Church in Palos Heights, Illinois
June 23-28: Reunion with Beth's family in Minnesota
June 29: Share at Hope Christian Church in Shoreview, MN
July 12: Leave MN for IL
July 13: Share at Trinity Vineyard in St. Charles, IL
July 21-31: Reunion with Dave's family in Colorado
August 1-3: Attend seminar at IHOP in Kansas
August 4-13: In Illinois


JOURNEYING TOGETHER

In the final days of the Alliance Academy school year, Dave has heard from a number of students who are eager to take his Bible classes next fall. We are encouraged by their interest and hope you are, too, since our work here is a team effort with you!

Recently our average support has been running about $200/month under target. We also are at a point where purchasing a car makes sense both for our family's needs and for more opportunities to connect with students outside of school. If you could help with a monthly pledge of support or with a special gift for a vehicle, please contact HCJB Global by phone, internet or mail. Thanks so much!!!

AMUSING OURSELVES TO DEATH

How do you get students at the Alliance Academy all riled up? Make a moral judgment about their media choices. When Dave questioned the influence the rapper Eminem - a popular listening choice - had in the lives of his students, they vehemently denied the music had any negative effect on them. Posting a picture of Paris Hilton on the board for a discussion on media, kids vigorously jumped into a debate on whether it was a "waste of time" to follow her life. When asked about their free time, most students say they spend at least a few hours every day surfing the internet.

(I love my computer, but I want to love God more!)

Imagine if they spent those passions for God! So we asked ourselves, "Are students seeing in our lives a powerful and enticing work of God? Or do they see what some students have told Dave: Christianity is boring?" We know that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power," (1 Corinthians 4:20), so we started praying that this power would be more evident in our lives and in the lives of the students.

The book of Acts is full of examples of God acting powerfully and Dave has been challenging his students to act as the disciples did, to pray right away for someone when they are hurting. It is an answer to prayer to see students making the connection and getting excited about God. One student reported that he prayed for his mom and her migraine went away. You could almost see the light bulb go on for another student as she said, "I finally get it! You actually want us to DO what we've been reading about!" YES!

Please keep praying along with us for spiritual awakening in the students' lives.

PRAYING TOGETHER

We are honored to have you join with us in praying for the following:

- We're moving in May! After 16 months of housesitting, we're finally getting our own place. Please pray for a smooth transition and that we can find affordable furniture and appliances.

- Dave took a tumble in the Turkey Bowl (flag football tournament at school) and got a bad muscle injury. Please pray for rapid healing for his leg.

- Beth took a hiatus from worship leading after Aaron was born, but has started leading music again in women's Bible study. Please pray for her as she balances mothering three kids with her music ministry.

-Aaron needs both Ecuadorian and U.S. passports to be able to travel with us this summer. Please pray the paperwork for this gets done quickly.

- Luke turned two on March 29! He has been extra clingy since the baby arrived, so please pray that he would feel secure and that Beth would have extra patience in caring for him.

- Family changes since Aaron's birth have been a stretch for Levi, too, who has been acting out at preschool. Please pray for peace for him.

- Praise God, though, that both boys seem to enjoy their little brother Aaron a lot. Our three musketeers bring us great joy!


(l-r: Luke, Aaron and Levi)


(Saavedra family at Easter)


(Luke dives into birthday presents)

NATIONAL NEWS

A volcanic eruption. Massive flooding. Political tensions. What do they have in common? They've all been happening here in Ecuador in 2008.

(Below: Tungurahua erupting)

(Photo: REUTERS)

Through January and February, the volcano Tungurahua, which means "throat of fire," increased its activity, shooting columns of ash into the air. The volcano is about 140 miles from where we live in Quito, far enough away that we are safe. However, we do ask for your prayers for the several thousand people who had to be evacuated from their homes. For a video of HCJB Global's response, follow this link.

Torrential rain has also been causing problems for thousands of Ecuadorians, particularly on the coast, where flooding is severe. The president declared a national state of emergency and HCJB Global has been coordinating with other ministries and churches in relief efforts.

(Below: Donations ready to be packed at HCJB Global in Quito)

Along with sending health care workers and community developers (specializing in water projects), our mission has been collecting food and toiletries to make relief packages that can sustain a family of five for a week. Trucks from our mission, each carrying tons of goods, continue to drive down to the coast. For a really terrific video of the relief work (created by fellow HCJB Global missionary, Martin Harrison) follow this link.

(Below: Relief packages await transport)

Finally, we are relieved that political tensions have eased after a successful regional summit of Latin American leaders in early March. The crisis was triggered after a raid in which the leader of a rebel group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC), was killed on Ecuadorian soil by Colombian security forces. We are so grateful the dispute over sovereignty was peacefully resolved and we ask your prayers for continued peace in our nation here and throughout Latin America.

FAMILY NEWS

As the nation has been dealing with various crises, we've faced a few challenges of our own. The entire family has been battling illness for the last month, including a respiratory infection that landed Luke in the emergency department twice.

(Below: Luke gets some TLC from Tia Rachel)

Fortunately, Beth's sister, Rachel, was visiting from the U.S. during the worst of our illnesses, so we had extra hands to help out. It wasn't the vacation Rachel had imagined, but it sure was great timing for us! And fortunately, we were functional enough to squeeze in a little sightseeing and fun.

(Below: Rachel stands on the equator at Mitad del Mundo)

(Below: Beth & Rachel enjoy the view at Pululagua)

Pop Quiz Time!

In this new semester, Dave is teaching a favorite topic of his: Church History. After polling the students, he found the majority in his class have not yet taken World History. What better way to learn about the development of civilization than through studying the church's influence?

To gauge the knowledge base his students were starting with, Dave gave a pop quiz on the first day of class. A few students scored a few correct answers, but most were pretty mystified. It's a fun semester of learning ahead!

Itching to take the quiz yourself? An excerpt is below. Maybe you'll find you want to join Dave's Church History class, too!

Church History Quiz!

Match the number with the corresponding letter (answers at the bottom of this post):

1. Luther
2. Destruction of the Temple
3. Abba Antony
4. Charlemagne
5. Augustine of Hippo
6. John Wycliffe
7. Julian of Norwich
8. Council of Trent
9. Gutenberg
10. Henry VIII

A. Mass production of Bibles
B. Counter-reformation
C. Church of England
D. Medieval mysticism
E. Confessions
F. English Bible
G. Christmas Day 800 A.D.
H. Diet of Worms
I. Desert Fathers
J. 70 A.D.


Reading Time!

Christmas just kept going for Dave when he learned last month that the Covenant Bible College of Ecuador (CBC) was donating their entire library to the Alliance Academy. While we are sorry to see the CBC leave Ecuador, we are thrilled by their generous gift to our school. Dave had to leave behind a large portion of his personal library when we moved here, and he has often bemoaned the loss of those great resources. Now they have been more than replaced! There was even a complete classroom set of a book he planned to use for his church history class - and it is an updated edition from the copies the AA owned. God is so good!


Preschool Time!


(Above: Levi digs play time at Pirulitos, his preschool)

Levi has been enjoying attending a Spanish language preschool, which he began in August. His teachers report he is coming along well with language acquisition and has lost his accent. If only Beth could say the same about herself! Levi is also learning about Ecuadorian culture and holidays and making lots of new friends. We are grateful for the quality of his teachers and programming. We plan to start Luke in the same school this coming August and it will be interesting to see which language the two of them choose for their play times.

(Below: No school for Luke or Aaron yet, but lots of fun learning at home!)


Answers Time!

1. H 2. J 3. I 4. G 5. E 6. F 7. D 8. B 9. A 10. C

SO GRATEFUL!

What can I do but thank you? What can I do but give my life to you?
A hallelujah, hallelujah!
What can I do but praise you? Everyday make everything I do
A hallelujah, hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
- Paul Baloche & Graham Kendrick lyrics

With immensely grateful hearts, we announce the arrival of our son, Aaron James Saavedra, born January 18, 2008 at 12:10am. He weighed in at 7lbs 12 oz and has dark hair and dimples. The whole family is enjoying getting to know him (including both sets of grandparents over the next few weeks). Big brothers Levi and Luke are quite pleased with our new addition and eager to hold and hug and kiss him. Thank you so much for your prayers and love for us. We are truly blessed!

Hallelujah!

MORE GRATITUDE!

With great thankfulness, we celebrate one year of service in Ecuador this month! As we reflect on our work with HCJB Global and the Alliance Academy, a real highlight has been Dave’s Biblical Discipleship Class (pictured below).

The class evaluations these students gave so encouraged us that we want to share some quotes with you, too. Thank you for being part of building into the lives of these young people!

I felt Discipleship was one great life lesson, not just a class.

Biblical Discipleship equipped me with tools I had no clue existed.

My life has taken a whole new direction. I am a lot happier and I now strive for a closer relationship with God.

I was able to “wake up” from my boring Christian life. The fire to chase after God has become a reality.

I started to see Jesus not only as our savior and powerful God, but as a close friend, a friend whom I could trust with even my greatest fear, even my greatest secret.

I spoke to God more often and expected an answer.

I learned to be uncomfortable for Christ.

...that I could actually walk around praying for others, asking God to heal them or help them was something that was hard to grasp, yet my heart jumped with joy while I did this.

Practicing solitude was challenging and exciting because I could finally start to listen to God’s voice.

I would also like to continue praying…“Lord, help me to love how you love and feel what you feel,” since I really want to be Christ’s arms and mouth to people.

You are an inspiration to me to run hard after [Christ] because I also want to have the peace that God has given to you.

After this class, I realized that Jesus is calling for me, waiting for me, and most of all, is calling me his beloved.

WE'RE THANKFUL FOR YOU AND YOUR SUPPORT!
PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH!

A WALK IN QUITO

What’s it like to stroll the streets of Quito? Every week day morning, I (Beth) take in the sights and sounds as Luke and I escort Levi to preschool. Come along with us for a snapshot of our neighborhood.

On wet mornings (which are rare even in rainy season, when it mostly rains in the afternoon) we catch a taxi, which costs one dollar. U.S. currency is used in Ecuador, alongside some Ecuadorian coins. Better have exact change, though, since many taxi drivers (and most small businesses) carry little change and hate to part with it! Purchases may even be turned down if you only have a ten or twenty dollar bill.

Most days, it’s sunny and we take the thirty minute walk up the hill. I push the stroller on a wild ride over uneven paths, curbs and grass. There’s no uniformity since homeowners are in charge of their own sidewalks. But city maintenance takes care of the boulevard down the middle of the street and we enjoy the year-round greenery and flowers. Many homes are bordered with big bushes of mint, bearing yellow and pink flowers.

If you’re hungry on the way, there are plenty of breakfast options. Quito has loads of bakeries with tasty bread. At the end of October, they traditionally carry “guaguas de pan” or “bread babies” to commemorate deceased family members and celebrate All Saints Day (Levi shows off one he made at preschool). Street vendors offering breakfast – anything from potato soup to eggs – are popular with commuters. Watch out for flying water, as bowls are rinsed out on the street between customers.

We say hello to lots of security guards as we stroll. Most apartment buildings and almost every business hire them, so we’ve gotten to know quite a few on our twice-a-day walk. They stand all day in front of concrete walls, topped by wrought iron, barbed wire or broken glass (as Dave & Luke point out). The building material of choice for homes here is also concrete, as it withstands rain and earthquakes well and keeps an even internal temperature. Houses don’t have heat or air conditioning, since it usually stays between 60-80 F.

Our walk can get pretty noisy, as we are passed by honking trucks, announcing they have gas (which powers appliances) to sell. We also hear vendors hawking their wares over loudspeakers, driving by in pickups heaped with bananas and pineapples, or toting chicken or goats. Luke is fascinated by the loud advertisements, as well as by the roaring airplanes that pass every few minutes to the airport, just a few miles away.

Thanks for coming along!

DAVE'S DAILY DUTIES

God asks no man whether he will accept life. That is not the choice. You must take it. The only choice is how.

—Henry Ward Beecher

Dave would really appreciate prayer for encouragement in his teaching. He is encountering a lot of apathy – something all teachers deal with, but which is especially disheartening when the subject matter is our beloved Christ! It is wearing on him to stand before students day after day, passionately presenting what is most important in the world to us, and to be rewarded at times with bored or blank faces.

Thankfully there are bright spots and we pray for more of them! A student recently told Dave that even though the chapters he assigned from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “The Cost of Discipleship” were a challenging read, he was so moved by them that he is choosing to read the whole book as part of an English assignment. Another student is fasting from the internet as part of a unit Dave is teaching on spiritual disciplines and she commented to him about how valuable the re-evaluation of her time has been to her.

HCJB GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS

We are honored to join you in supporting the multi-faceted outreaches of HCJB Global missions. Some mission highlights for 2007:

- In August an 8.0 earthquake rocked neighboring Peru. Our mission hospital sent a medical team that treated 1,300 people and was able to pray with a number of them for salvation.

- Training sessions and church conferences were offered to 6,000 pastors and leaders throughout Latin America by Apoyo (Dave's father's ministry) in cooperation with HCJB.

- Our mission's city and jungle hospitals and community clinics here in Ecuador provided more than 340,000 patients with physical and spiritual care.

- Resources were provided to radio partners in 47 countries, empowering local believers to reach their communities with the great news of Christ. This included distribution to remote areas of newly designed solar powered radios, pre-tuned to partner's local FM stations.

STAYING IN TOUCH

As always, it is a great delight to hear from friends. And now we are looking forward to seeing friends, too, as we plan a trip to the U.S. for summer of 2008. Please let us know if your church or small group would be interested in hearing from us while we are in Minnesota and Illinois.