Moore from Loja: Late September

Queridos amigos y familiares,

  So we have been in Ecuador for almost 5 weeks now, and it has been excellent so far. Kim and I are really developing a connection with the family we are living with, while also cementing the ministries that we are involved in. Our main focus is teaching English, helping with the kids' ministries, and building relationships with local Ecuadorians. From these misitries we are opening the opportunity to talk about the Lord and help direct people to the local churches in the community. It is fun when an English lesson on Louis Pasteur leads to a conversation about the Lord's wisdom found in the Bible and His promises to us. My Spanish is improving as well "poco a poco," although I probably could hold a better conversation with a 3-year-old rather than an aldult. Some of you may be thinking "whats's new." (Editorial Note from Kim: our short-term coordinator has expressed her amazement at the speed at which Doug is picking up Spanish, and I tend to agree with her, so ignore Doug's comments above).

  I am reading a book right now called "Don't Waste your Life" by John Piper. I would highly recommend it. It is a quick read but very potent. Likewise, I have found investing time in the Bible every day to be a blessing that is missed when the opportunity does not present itself. I would encourage you all to spend time meeting the Lord each and every day even if it isn't for very long. The great gift that we all receive through the work of Christ is to spend time with and commune with God. Remember the veil has been torn in two.

  Our family here was gracious enough to take us out to their finca (country house) in Vilcabamba this past Sunday to see where they like to relax and get away from Loja. Vilcabamba is about 40km away and a nice drive down the mountains. While Loja has been a little cold and rainy, Villcabamba was a nice change with a slightly warmer climate. Freddy has some guinea pigs that he keeps as pets at the finca. While guinea pig is actually a delicacy here, Freddy prefers to keep them as pets. One of the great things about getting to visit Vilcabamba is the fresh fruit that they grow there. Oranges, sweet lemons, bananas, papayas, plantains, mangos, mandarins, coffee, avocados, etc. We spent some time harvesting some fruit that was great to taste and also to have to eat later.

  For those who have comitted to pray, please pray for the working of the Spirit in Loja, pray for Lorena the maid here, Paul and Natalie (who are having trouble getting pregnant), and our continued perseverance for proclaiming the word, faith in Christ, and wisdom. If there are any of you that need prayer please don't hesitate to email us or give us a call. I signed up for skype (douglas.pigeon) if you want to try and call sometime.

May the Lord bless you every day.

-Douglas