project: ECUADOR

Blessings and Surprises

ccfjourney — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:50:28 +0000

Hello everyone. Today started off at 8 am which is when we ate breakfast. We had a buffet type breakfast but it was only different kinds of bread and drinks. We did our first drama at an Elementary school. This was the grossest place that we have performed yet. A good chunk of kids accepted Christ after we finished our dramas. The next place we did our dramas was at a little community close to the school. We thought that the school was the worst but this place was very sketchy. When we arrived we split into two groups and we went door to door inviting everyone to come watch our dramas. Performing our dramas today at this community was a big challenge. Satan was making it very hard for us to do our dramas. There was this man who had no arms and looked really beat up and he was very drunk. He did not want us to be performing, so he would stand up and start talking in the middle and of course we had no idea what he was saying but it was very distracting. Finally a couple of the men there got him to leave long enough for us to finish our dramas. But next thing we know he is coming back and this time he brought his pet iguana. The iguana was tied on a rope and was just tearing up this mans legs. Someone tried to take the iguana away from him because he was just swinging it around and was freaking out all the kids. The man tried to headbutt the guy and was kicking his bike and he continued to yell. Although Satan put this bump in the road, we got over it and we still shared Gods word and many people accepted Christ as their Savior. After our dramas this lady brought us some fresh pineapple and we devoured 2 of them, so she sent 4 home with us. It was the best pineapple I have ever had. For lunch we had American food. We ate at KFC…woohoo. Of course it was not exactly the same as our KFC, but it was still good. After KFC we came back to camp and there was a soccer game going on and all the nationals at the camp we playing. It was a lot of fun to watch. Tonight for dinner we ate chicken and steak with veggies and rice. The rice was no surprise considering we have rice every meal, but it was good anyways. Today was a very interesting day with many blessings and surprises.

-Lexi Anglin

Ecuador pt. 10

ccfjourney — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:17:19 +0000

Hey everyone this is Jordan checking in. Today was a very busy day. We found out this morning that we could not go to a school that was planned because it shut down due to a swine flu epidemic. So my dad had the idea that we should repaint the lines on the basketball court. At the beginning we were attacked by countless fire ants when we were edging the court with machetes. We finished the court and now it looks like new. After lunch we performed our skits five times at a high school to about 400 students. Many kids came forward to make decisions afterward. It was great to see all the kids that came and to hear the principal overjoyed and thankful that we came. To me this trip has been a real eye opener. In America, we have it really easy and take a lot of every day things for granted such as warm showers and toilet paper, but the people here are the same. They still need to hear the word and unlike Americans the people are much more open to God because they are not distracted by a lot of the things we have in America. I am so thankful to everyone that has given for me to come. This has been a great opportunity for me.

Day of surprises

ccfjourney — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:44:32 +0000

So it seemed that the devil was determined to blockade the Gospel from going out yesterday, whether it be by distractions from drunken men or dogs fighting right in the middle of the Gospel presentation. As usual, we could not have expected what was in store for us. We had thought that we were finally going to be able to get into the high schools, but due to something with the government and mandated exams, we were forced to come up with a new schedule. God works out everything for His own will though, and we were able to see 100 people accept Christ, more or less. We were able to present our dramas to the elementary school next door to our camp–somewhere we have never been. We also went to two parks where God really did a work. At the second park there were more older people that came forward for Christ, at least that is how it seemed to me. Tears threatened to pour down my face as I saw the first old man come and kneel on the concrete steps of the outdoor park, making an example of humility for the others behind him. Then we were able to go to a small neighborhood. We were all unsure at first, but then the pastor who lived there who had invited us to come said that he had been praying for someone to come to his neighborhood for two years. We saw around 20 of his neighbors accept Christ and he is now opening his home to a Bible study. So all in all, we never could have guessed that morning where we were going to end up, but God led us where He had planned all along.

Beach Day woohoo!!!

ccfjourney — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:11:07 +0000

Greeting friends and family for Ecuador. This is luke and i am so happy to share what we did today.Just warning you im am not the best proper writer. KToday we ate breakfast at 7am. wow it was early. the guys decided to wake up at 7 because we have had late nights like every night. so we left at about 8 and as usual are bus was late. But being flexible is the name of the game. so we loaded up on the bus and headed west to the pacific ocean. It took about three hours to get there but everyone slept so it was all good. when we arrived we unloaded the bus and jon bought some shades for really cheap. i got some sweet bombers shades for like 5 bucks! it was cool. the girls( Lexi, Colleen, Taylor, and Amanda) got their hair braided.everyone else went to the shore and drew a soccer field in the sand. it was so much fun to play in the sand. i don’t know if i can post pictures tonight but i can most likely show you all some time. it was so beautiful. But there were some things like guys in speedos that were not so pretty. but other than that it was very awesome. Dad this is for you, i stood where the waves crashed in and i just stood there and soaked it up. the girls took some pictures and a video. i will have to show you when i get back. so after that everyone jumped some waves and got knocked over by some. Also swallowed a lot of salt water which that was just awesome.
Some men had a raft and a boat and you could pay like 2.50 a person for a ride but with my skills i bumped it down a few bucks. the boat or the rafts were most likely not made for the ocean. the boat almost flipped a few times too. the raft held 5 people. they were Taylor, karl, Jordan, Lexi and I. all of us almost got ejected a few times especially Taylor. Dang she got some major air. Colleen was in the boat and got some pretty cool pictures and a video. It was so worth ten dollars for five people. we laughed a lot and that is very important. We just chilled there for a while and soaked up some rays. the team had a great time. After the beach we started our journey home. it was like a three hour drive. But we made it home safely. Be praying for open hearts for god to work. It has been and amazing trip so far. the team is amazing. i am so glad i made the decision to come. also be praying for safety and just patience. I can’t wait to talk to you all. Sorry no pictures i am rushed because we have devotional study now. thanks for listening.

-luke dinger
Ecuador ’09

To scooter, dude i haven’t found a shrunken head but if i do i am totally getting it.

seeya bro,
luke

Typical Sunday

ccfjourney — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:12:40 +0000

Hey!! This is Taylor Smalley and I’m going to share with you a little about our day. So here goes nothing…Today we were able to go to a church here in Santo Domingo. I’ve discovered that church services here tend to be a lot longer than in the US. (We found that out the hard way…) So today we were prepared for at least 3 hours of listening to someone talk about things that you wish you could understand, but you can’t because you don’t speak Spanish. But luckily we didn’t have to pull out our means of entertainment because today they let us go and play with the kids during the service! The kids were so cute they’re so much fun and I love hearing their little voices speak all that Spanish. So most of us hung out with the little ninos (spanish for kids) for about 2 hours. And even though we got peed on and hit with belts it was really neat to see how they were exactly like the kids we work with at church. So after church we went to the mall and ate *dun dun dun* AMERICAN FOOD! But unfortunately it didn’t compare to our fattening, chlosteral raising, and heart killing food at home…and neither did the ice cream we ate for dessert (which was not off the street, Mom). So after that came the best part of the day, going shopping at the market in Santo Domingo. The market here is not the typical tourist market, it’s actually a practical market for the locals. So we didn’t do any major spending, but we did get some pretty cool stuff…and also some pretty sketchy stuff. Such as a soccer jersey Luke (Dinger) tried to buy that said “Englan” instead of “England”. Haha but everyone’s favorite purchase of the day was made by Jordan (Eldridge). The prize winner is a CD of christian rap music sung completely in Spanish. Yeah it’s pretty legit. So I’d imagine that we’re going to be jamming to only that for the next week… Then we just came back to the camp, ate dinner, and chilled. A pretty uneventful, relaxing, yet rewarding day.
My coolest expirence on the trip so far was last night when we went to a church in the ghetto of Santo Domingo. While we were setting up I spotted four little Ecuadorian chicas (girls). and since my love for kids overrides everything else I could’ve or should’ve been doing at that moment, I went and started talking to them. We (Colleen Kretzer, Lexi Anglin, Luke Dinger, and me) ended up falling in love with these kids as more and more came. I got to sit with them during our performances and one precious girl even sat on my lap. But the coolest thing about it was when it came time for us to leave and all the kids kept giving us hugs and waving to us until we were completely out of sight. And it was then that I realized that is exactly how all the inner city kids I’ve worked with acted. And then I started thinking how cool it is that I can go all the way to Ecuador and the all the kids want is the same thing kids want in the US, to be loved and have that loved expressed to them in a positive way. I’m so thankful for the oppurtunity to unconditionly love those precious kids and it’s so humbling to think that God would chose me- Taylor Smalley- to reach out to people all the way in Ecuador. And I’m so excited to see what His plan is for me over the course of my life. Today was an awesome day full of many answers to prayer and many reminders of how amazing God really is. I can’t wait for tomorrow when we go to the Pacific Ocean!!

Building Dedication

ccfjourney — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 01:07:11 +0000

Hello from the field of Ecuador! My name is Billy Kuzma, and I’ve had the awesome privilege of being a part of this mission trip. Having taken a trip here three years ago with Pastor Jon, I had some preconceptions as to what to expect. Yet, during the time I’ve been here, God just continues to amaze me again and again, working greatly among the people of this nation. Today we had an opportunity to attend the dedication of a new church in the town of El Carmen. We were able to present our dramas as part of the service there, as well as participate in the worship. Although there is a language barrier between us, it was so refreshing to be able to connect with the saints here through not only music, but with a unity of purpose: a desire to see souls brought into the Kingdom of God. The service lasted over three hours, but during that time I was able to witness the zeal and dedication that these people have for their King. It was amazing to see how God has used our trips over the years to continue to work among the people. In the new church, we were able to see at least four different families who were saved as a result of our dramas and ministering. It was just an amazing experience being there sharing in that time with them.
Afterwards, we were able to see a quite different sight. We traveled to a rougher part of town that appeared steeped in poverty. Seeing these kinds of things not only makes you appreciate the blessings that we have, but it also moves your heart with compassion for these people. Meeting in a church, we were able to present our dramas and the gospel message to a large group of children who had gathered there. It is an incredible thing to witness the hope that the message of Christ brings; whereas before, many people had nearly nothing in terms of worldly wealth, they now walk away joint heirs with Christ, possessing eternal riches that far outweigh anything this world can offer. Being able to witness such a beautiful thing is the whole reason we are here. I’m excited to see what else God will work through us during our time here.
On another note, I wanted to say how awesome it is traveling with such a God-centered group. Coming over, I really didn’t know any members of the team except for my sister, Crystal, and Pastor Jon. Yet, God has given us great opportunities to get to know each other better, and to be an encouragement to one another. I know that they have inspired me greatly to dive deeper into my walk with God, and I’m looking forward to the time that I will continue to have ministering alongside of such an amazing group. I thank you all for your prayers; believe me, God is answering them with a great soul harvest!

In Christ,
Billy

Luke and Emily playing at church dedication

[caption id="attachment_27" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="New funny skit with our Ecuadorian friends"][/caption]

Dramas at church dedication

[caption id="attachment_29" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Kids who came to see the drama"][/caption]

Dramas in the Schools

ccfjourney — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:35:56 +0000

Today start pretty early this morning. Breakfast was at seven-thirty and we were supposed to leave at eight. We were all ready and outside at eight waiting on the bus to show up. It did not show up until about eight-thirty. So we finally got on the bus and we were on our way to our first drama of the day. We got the the first high school, get all of our stuff unloaded and then realized that our whole prop bag bag was left at the camp. We packed all of our equipment back on and reloaded the bus. Gieramo went back to the camp to get our bag while we waited on the bus. We finally got our bag and we could not put on our dramas at the first school again until twelve so we went to and all girls high school in El Carmen. It was so amazing to see how much love and care those girls wanted and needed. From the minute we got out of the bus they were screaming, laughing and talking to us even though we had no clue what they were saying. All of the girls would swarm you, and make a group with you in the middle. All of them were talking at once to you and they just wanted you to take pictures with them. After hanging out with them for a little while we played some music and started our dramas. At the time the invitation was made it was so awesome to see how God just worked through us and the speaker to tug on these girls hearts and for them to come to the Lord and be saved. About one-hundred and fifty souls were saved today in that high school alone. After that it was time for them to go back to class but they wanted every last picture and autograph that they could get… especially with Luke, Karl and Jordan. The second school that we went to was another high school. The kids were not quite as attached there, but the all wanted pictures. So many more lives were saved at that school, and it is so cool to realize that you have been chosen to be used my God to further his kingdom. At the second school between seventy and eighty kids accepted Christ. It is so hard to believe that I am a part of this amazing experience. After that we were done for the day so we loaded our stuff and left the school. Right outside the school there was a man that was selling these things call Bon Ice. The were kind of like Pop Ice only there were so many more flavor and they were way better. The only thing better than them being really really good was that they were only ten cents… What a deal. Today was a great day with many blessings and lots of fun.

Colleen Kretzer

High School in El Carmen

[caption id="attachment_23" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Drama performed at an all girls High School"][/caption]

Drama

[caption id="attachment_21" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Emily and Luke at girls school"][/caption]

Ecuadorians accepting Christ in Santa Domingo park

[caption id="attachment_19" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Dramas in park"][/caption]

Dramas

[caption id="attachment_17" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Dramas"][/caption]

first drama day!!!

ccfjourney — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:04:04 +0000

Today was the first day that we actually got to perform the dramas in public… all of the performances went very well, and there were an estimated thirty to forty people saved! However it really stuck out to me how little these people have to hope for in their lives… looking at the older men whose faces were lined from hard work, and the shy little children like the shoeshine boy, I just wondered at the emptiness they must have without a relationship with Jesus. In our devotions today I was reminded of the power of prayer, and in living how Jesus lived, which basically meant ministering to others, but always consulting the Father for direction. Also something i’ve been thinking about lately is that God demands all of us. We cannot toy with the things that the world offers and try and pull off the church thing as well, it doesn’t work that way we can only serve one master, and if it’s not God then we are becoming slaves to sin.

some lighthearted moments of the day:
laura and some little boys had a gymnastic-off, laura definitely impressed them
jordan found some sweet looking shades…
we had some acrobatics going on on the bus ride
and lastly I tried to teach jon how to pronounce crepes de chocolat correctly… but he got confused and said ‘craypays day chocolach…” it was quite funny.

We are all staying pretty healthy, a little tired now, but no one has gotten super sick with the exception of some nasty bug bites. we are looking forward to performing the dramas for the first time at the largest high school in el carmen… so please keep us in your prayers. God is willing to do great things and we only have to ask him.

Emily

White Water Rafting

ccfjourney — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:35:06 +0000

It is only day two and the primary saying, ” be flexible,” has already rung true. Although we were expecting to do our rafting trip in the middle of the trip, we ended up doing it today instead. I must say the group did great with the transition. Today we started off with breakfast at nine. After that we got our swim suits on quickly and headed for white water rafting. On the trip we not only got to raft in some awesome white water, but jump off a cliff, play games, and eat snacks. The guides made sure to push everyone in at least once as well. It was great fun, and everyone participated in everything. Not only today at white water rafting, but as well playing games last night till eleven, we have had a great time bonding and working as a team. Its been cool to see everyone come together and support each other in the smallest things. As of right now its weird how it feels like church camp back home, besides the fact that there are a lot of people that don’t speak English. We are all really excited to get down to work tomorrow with our dramas.

While rafting i was trying to think of a way to put a little bit of insight into our Christian lives and the explorations still to come on the trip. As we went down the river i realized that the raft could be a metaphore for our christian lives. On the raft we were given a guide that told us what to do, and often what he told us to do didn’t make sense to us, but we knew we had to depend on his directions to keep us afloat. In the same way, we have to rely on God to give us direction in our lives even if we are unable to see the big picture. Also, when trouble came and you fell out of the raft you had to rely on your team to help pull you out, in the same way that other Christians can help you get back on track.

Fun Fact: Legit and sketchy are both the most used words on this trip and Jon’s least favorite.

Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts Sorry no pictures until tomorrow.

Laura

Travel

ccfjourney — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:31:06 +0000

We had an exhausting day of travel yesterday and today but we are finally here in Santa Domingo, Ecuador. We arrived in Quito at about 10:00 and by the time we went through customs, got our luggage, and arrived at the hotel it was 12:00. When we were getting of the plane we were all given masks to wear until they collected our health forms. I think we had the masks on for about 100 ft. Customs went very smoothly and we did not lose any luggage. We all slept very well and after breakfast was finished we loaded the bus and headed to Santa Domingo. Thank goodness for Dramamine. The road to Santa Domingo is brutal. Buses here have no problem passing on corners and the curves never end. Fortunately we arrived with no sickness, just a few upset stomachs. This afternoon we settled in and practiced our dramas. Tomorrow we will be going white water rafting. The reason we are doing this first is because the kids in school are having exams this week and we will not be able to be in the schools until next week. Thursday and Friday we will be doing the dramas in parks and at city squares. I could tell by some of the responses at our share time during devotions that our young people are already being impacted by what they have seen. Please continue to pray for us that God will use us in a great way and that he will provide protection for us.

Getting ready to leave

[caption id="attachment_5" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Waiting for our next flight"][/caption]

Trying not to spread disease

[caption id="attachment_7" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="The bus"][/caption]

Quito from our hotel

[caption id="attachment_9" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Notice the shirt this Ecudorian is wearing"][/caption]