Jumping back into the Ministry
I landed back in Ecuador on August 8th and jumped right back into the ministry! It felt so good to have the time of resting in the States, and I returned feeling so energized and ready to come back! Since coming back, we have had two events to help the children of our Amadas (women in prostitution who we have made contact with and are working with in some way). In Ecuador, school typically starts sometime in August, so with the aid of Art Serve International/SmartBox and Education Equals Hope, we were able to provide school supplies to over 100 kids! It was such a blessing to be able to be part of the team who was giving out these supplies.
Little Blessings
I am overjoyed to announce that Krispy Kreme and Starbucks opened in Ecuador this month! I keep saying that the second Chick-fil-A comes I’ll be happy here for life! But on a serious note, it has been really nice to have a little piece of home in a foreign context. My friends from the States and I have enjoyed these blessings immensely.
Important Ministry Updates
As mentioned in one of my earlier emails, Hannah, our previous director, returned to the States in July. Since then, we have been under the leadership of Patty. She has been doing a fantastic job leading us, especially as we go through a difficult season. We were told in early August that End Slavery Ecuador is significantly underfunded. We have had to make drastic changes to our ministry for the time being, but ideally we would love to get back to full funding and normal operations as quickly as possible. While the changes we have made are effective in keeping our ministry operational, they are not a long term solution. Please, please pray that the Lord will multiply what we do have and will bless us with more in the coming months. If you feel as though the Lord may be prompting you to give to this ministry, please pray about it. I am so blessed to have your support and be fully funded.
Praise Reports
• Spanish continuing to grow and build on itself
• Ecuador has truly started to feel like home and I’m so happy here
• Forming my own personal relationships with the women in our ministry
• Becoming more involved in ministry and outreach
• Amazing friendships
Prayer Requests
• For our team as we walk through this time of uncertainty
• That the Lord would multiply our current resources
• That we would receive funding and be able to resume operations
• Several of our Amadas recently gave birth, please pray for health for them and their precious babies