Yesterday was a powerful day for the members of the GO Ecuador 3 Student Team. We were able to do a ton of things. From baking cupcakes to going to the beach to sharing the Gospel; God’s presence was felt! One of our team members, Carlee Baker, was able to come to Ecuador last year, and she felt God put it on her heart to minister to the young women of San Jose, Curia, and Bolivar. For over a year, she has planned what to say to these girls, what illustrations to use when talking to them, and what Bible verses to encourage them with, and today, her plans finally came to fruition. We invited the teenage girls of the town of Bolivar to come and hear what Carlee has wanted to share with them for so long. For two hours, many of us shared our testimonies with these girls and hoped to have deeply impacted them. It was particularly incredible to see the team working together today; we truly have been put together by God for a specific purpose. Over the short time this team has known each other, we have substantially bonded. Each member has their own specific set of skills that has equipped our team to serve the people of Ecuador. We can’t wait to see what God does next!
– Emma Conatser
Hola Amigos!!
Over the past 4 years in which I have been involved in Ecuador missions I have learned incredible things about God’s overall plans for the life of each and every creation he has placed upon this Earth. I myself have been blessed with the incredible opportunity to reach out to citizens of Ecuador multiple times. God has placed a love for missions on my heart that continues to reveal itself constantly. He has shown me His relentless love for those who continue to proclaim the Gospel. He has shown divine intervention in every aspect of my life and in no way, shape, nor form do I deserve it. But most of all he has shown his Grace. Through our faults, God continues to approach us all with open arms. Yesterday I was given the opportunity to assist on the construction of a woman’s house in Bolivar. Her name is Rosa and she has 8 children. Each of them are overwhelmingly precious and special in their own ways. Her house is a 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom. There are 4 beds for 9 people. Yet the family will go throughout their day with the most enthusiastic smiles, and endless hospitality. As I was working on her house, my friend and I decided to buy each member of the family a coke. When we actually came back from our trip, and gave them the drinks they became overjoyed. I have never seen such a reaction to a gift as subtle as a coke. One of the children actually began to cradle the coke as if it was a child.
John 15:12 says “My command is this. love each other as I have loved you.” We are called to show compassion, love, and grace to all who are around us. The days that I have spent in Ecuador will forever be my finest. God has revealed himself in ways that I couldn’t explain. I could never forget the relationships that I have formed over the short amount of time that I have spent here.
– Cody Ellsessor
WOW! WOW! WOW!! You guys have touched my heart so and I know that our Heavenly Father is smiling on each of you!! Love you lots Bella and can’t wait to hear all of these stories!! Praying for you all!! xoxo