A Blessing Shared

We worked at Talin church on Wedneday. Patricio and his family were there when we arrived, already working. So, they helped us with our labour, too. We cut down tall grass with the machete, and we also layed sand and more rocks in our walkway at the church, as it was not sturdy and becoming very muddy. We worked really hard that day, and it was worth it. It looks great now.

Before we left Talin that afternoon, Lucia wanted us to stop by their house for a moment. She said she wanted to give an offering to the church. And she gave a big one, a sacrifice for her. She gave us a beautiful live white chicken. We love chicken, but the Word of God teaches us to give to the poor, to share our blessings with those who are less fortunate than us.

So, when we got back into Puyo, we went by Maria's family's house. Maria lives with her parents, and 10 siblings in their home in Puyo. They have no running water, or electricity, and no indoor bathroom. We asked them if they'd like to receive a chicken, and they were so excited! They smiled, and said, "Oh YES!!" and ran out to the truck to get it!

Lucia did a good thing today. She wanted to bless us and the church, and she did. The blessing came not in us eating the chicken, but in just being able to share it with someone else!

By Susan Templet

I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

Yesterday in service at our Puyupungo church, as we were singing, "I have decided to follow Jesus", I noticed 11 year old Rachel worshiping the Lord. Her eyes were tightly shut, her hands raised in the air to Him. It was as if no else was there, just her and Jesus in the room. As I continued singing, I thought to myself how beautiful she looked in her worship to God.

After service I told her that I had seen her sincerely praying to God while we sang that song, and I asked her, "Rachel what were you thinking about at that time? or what were you feeling?" She said, "Hermana Susana, I was just thinking that I never want to go away from the Lord, I never want to go away from Him. Ever".

Oh, my heart just swelled because Rachel has only known God's love in the last 6 months. Before that, her family never served God, or never even knew about Him. And in such a short time, He has done miracles in this child's life.

Such wise words from such a little girl. I never felt more proud. And I thought, "Me, too, Rachel. I never want to go away from God either. Me, too".

By Susan Templet