For several years now, I have had an inexstinguishable love in my heart for a country called Ecuador. The first time I came here I felt as if I could live here forever and be completely content. Well, after coming here three times on short-term trips to various parts of the country. The idea started to sink into my heart about coming here for a longer period of time. For a while, I thought this was simply my heart´s desire and not in the will of God, so I began looking at other options for study abroad, a requirement to complete my major at my university. But every attempt to look at different places failed. Every single one. So, I gave in and knew that this had to be in the Lord´s plan for things to be like this. So, here I am. I am sitting in an internet cafe in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The country that I will call my home for the next five months. I am so excited about the journey that the Lord has set before me, and I´m amazed at how he has already shown me His sovereignty in the details.
As I left on this journey, I began reading a book by Elizabeth Elliot called In the Shadow of the Almighty. Elizabeth´s husband, Jim, paid the ultimate price for his faith as he was speared by the Waorani tribe in 1956. One of the first quotes in the book from Jim has really set the tone for this trip and my attitude. Jim said ¨He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose¨. Such a profound statement and one that can be used to truly examine our lives. Am I living like this? Am I willing to pay the ultimate price for my faith? I think this is a question we have to be ready to answer in whatever situation or place we are living in. The truth of the matter is there are thousands of people right now around the world that are breathing their last breath and stepping into eternity without knowledge of our Lord and Savior! This is a matter worth dying for.! Oh, Lord, may we die more to ourselves every day so that you can be more visible in us so that Your mission can be accomplished!!
Already, in the few days that I have been here, I had the opportunity to see two precious girls give their hearts to the Lord and have shared the Gospel with several others as well. God is SO GOOD!!!
Some prayer requests: Please pray for me as I am adjusting to the culture and to life here. Please pray that I would keep the posture of a learner. I am by no means an expert of Ecuadorian culture and I don´t want to pretend to be so. God doesn´t get the glory when we act that way. Also, please pray for my family as they adjust to life without me there. I know it is hard for them and for me.
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you in every way this week.
Blessings,
Amber
