Go! Gain Ground!

We are standing on the threshold of a new year. We are peering out of the end of the year 2010, and facing a new land called 2011. Listen to the Word of God: “Be strong, and go in and posses the land. Prolong your days in the land which the Lord swore to give . . . . For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden. But the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys which drinks water from the rain of heaven. A land for which the Lord your God cares, the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.” (Deuteronomy 11:8-12)

CHRIST’S Coming–King to Commoner

 

I want to wish you a CHRIST-FILLED CHRISTMAS. That’s right – not a Merry Christmas, not a Happy Christmas but a blessed Christmas. My love and prayers for you come from Ecuador, but they reach you wherever you are – in Canada, Ecuador, South Africa, Australia, United Kingdom, the United States of America, no matter where you are, may the love of the Babe of Bethlehem and the Savior of the world, reach you.

Moments on Mountains – Scripture Search

 

Doctor Curt has kindly outlined two studies for this post, one on mountains found in the Old Testament, “Moses’ Mountain-top Experiences”, and one from the New Testament, “Mountain Climbing with the Messiah”.

Moments on Mountains - New Testament

I have just rapelled down a vertical cliff after examining some of the mountains found in the Old Testament. Now let us look in the New Testament, how Jesus was associated with mountains. We will spend some moments on the mountains with Him.

Moments on Mountains - Old Testament

Have you ever climbed a mountain before? There is a difference between climbing and hiking up a mountain. I have hiked up mountains – quite a few. Actual climbing? I think I would regard my first “climb” up High Rock as a climb, especially the last third up that mountain, when we hit snow. It was grueling, slipping, sliding, crawling and clinging onto my son, Shannon. But I made it! I had one thing that literally drove me to conquer this mountain – to congratulate my son on his success graduating and achieving excellent results at the University of Washington, U.S.A. In other words, I had a purpose – an aim, even at the age of 66 years.

JOY on your Journey

Is this JOY? Someone’s birthday whom you love? No, that is not joy!

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 17

Come to Cotacachi with your camera. There is always something happening. Always a feast of fiestas! Work stops and everyone comes out to play and enjoy the jovial and colorful displays. It’s different! It’s stunning! It’s normal for Cotacachi!

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 16

Animals! What can we learn from animals? How do we react when we meet up with people different from us? The calf is willing to get a little closer to this new ???? friend. One approaching, the other apprehensive. Who do you depict? The calf or the dog? You are looking for a friend, but the one you are approaching is retreating. You feel rejected and keep your distance. Or are you apprehensive of some stranger trying to step into your private space?

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 15

Building in Ecuador is unique. Steel rods are used throughout the structure. Every piece of steel is cut on site, and the steel columns assembled. I have never seen such hard-working and industrious people in my life. You almost get the feeling that you are the Egyptian and the slightly built men are the Hebrews, as seen in the Scriptures.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 14

We are standing on the terrace of my Casa Amarija. The sky is clear, and God’s wonderful creation is looming up in clarity before us – the Cotacachi Volcano. Let me zoom in a bit.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 13

Two Christian Churches in Cotacachi! What wonderful news! Looking closer you will see this.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 12

I attended my first Spanish Church Service on 14 November 2010 at the “Amigos en Cristo” Iglesia. Pastor Bill was to preach his first Spanish sermon. I went along to support him. Quite a daunting task, I would imagine. Many years back Bill went to Spain for a year, and there learned quite a bit of Spanish. God always has a plan in mind. He never sits around and wonders what to do with His children next. He has an aim for everything He does with us.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 11

I prayed for 18 months that someday there would be a church where I could go here in Cotacachi – an English Church. It was the end of June this year (2010), that a missionary friend handed me a little flier, advertising a first ever English Church opening – and it is just down the road from where I live. Does God answer prayer? He always does – always in our favor, even if we consider His answer unfavorable. It is not! It’s for our good.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 10

How old are you? Would you carry wood like this? I wonder if we consider how fortunate we are that we have the means to afford transport. This scene is a picture of poverty, hardship and desperation to make a few cents. I wish you could have seen how difficult it was for these two aged people to carry those burdens on their backs! It appeared that the aged gentleman was blind, and was following his “guide” – but still working. “Count your blessings; name them one by one, and you will see what the Lord has done! How often do we do that?

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 9

Hi! I hope you had a good rest and that you are relaxed. It’s always good to be caught by surprise, rather than anticipating what you always feared. Just come with me. If you ask me to explain, I won’t even look in your direction. Just enjoy the rides!

Causerie Called “Cotacachi”- Part 8

Anything could have appeared in the news at any time in Cotacachi. A bank robbery (I doubt that), the cops were alerted; there was a fire and the fire department was called out; the new Post Office that opened recently, or when someone has passed away. Their “death notices” are impressive. A picture is published of the deceased in the newspaper,with a short resume of the person’s life. This is the sole news outlet here in Cotacachi – barring of course the verbal variety.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 7

Un Policia? Si, el es mi agente de policia. He is my personal cop! This little man, badly crippled with arthritis, is a real delight. I refuse to cross the street unless he directs me to do so. He is so precious – always friendly, always a smile on his dial. His favorite pastime – watching people walk by and directing traffic. So he is my mascot for introducing you to some of the public services offered in Cotacachi.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 6

Medical and Dental services in Cotacachi are extremely reasonable. Once again the facilities may not be what we are accustomed to, but their equipment is ultra-modern and their expertize excellent. We are going to look at certain of the services that are available here in Cotacachi.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 5

By now you must be famished. You’ve walked about 6 blocks, so I am going to take you around to view a variety of food outlets. Just in case you overindulge, we have to backtrack to almost where we started out in  Calle10 de Agosto. We have arrived at the fruit and veg “mercado”.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 4

If ever you have seen industrious people, it is the Quichua people. Every moment that they have, you will see them working, weaving or whatever their hands find to do.Take note of the embroidery on this lady’s blouse. It is done mostly by hand, the most exquisite work. Young girls learn at an early age to follow the typical cultural trend –  to be productive, and as close to perfect as you can be in their handiwork.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 3

Wow! You took a long time to come back to me. Let us go and do some shopping in this town famous for leather and music.

Causerie Called “Cotacachi” – Part 2

 

Ok, I’m back. “Welcome to Cotacachi”! – To a “Tour of the Town”

This part of Calle 10 de Agosto is quite rough, but soon you will see the more “modern” Cotacachi. Just watch your step! If you trip and fall, it is not the municipio’s fault, it’s yours, because you do not look where you are going. Also remember, pedestrians are less important than traffic. Dodge and dash wherever you can. We have three traffic lights in the town – a real “high light” for Cotacachi – we are so impressed with them that we even take pics of them!. What a bunch of spoiled brats you are!

Causerie called “Cotacachi” – Part 1

I live in a small town called “Cotacachi” in Ecuador, with two huge inactive volcanoes in full view – the one is called “Imbabura” and the other “Cotacachi”. On a clear day the views of these volcanoes are stunning. Before I drag you off to see the volcanoes, I invite you to accompany me as I take you through a “tour of the town”, and then we will take a look at the stunning scenery surrounding this little town, famous for its leather goods and music. Put on your running shoes – there is a lot to see.

Friends From Afar – Part 1

 

 

 

I have a FRIEND who comes from a far off Land. In fact, He called me His friend. Listen to what He said, “I have called you My friends. . . .you are My friends if you do whatsoever I command you . . . Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends” (John 15:15;14;13). And that is exactly what Jesus did! He stretched out His arms on the cross and died for the sins of the world, so that we could become His friends.

Friends From Afar – Part 2

Alec Fisher

The first time that I met Alec was in 1994. He called on at the Cancer Center to tell me that his wife of 37 years was terminally ill with Cancer. He asked if I could take care of her. He pulled my call card out of his pocket, and said, “I see that you are a Christian organization, but I just want you to know that Angie is a very private person, and I do not want any Bible punching!” I smiled at him from the bottom of my heart, because I knew that Jesus was gentle, and that if Angie was to come to the center for terminal care, she would accept Jesus as her Savior.

Friends From Afar – Part 3

Jose and Lena – a brother and sister that I have claimed as my own children

Jose and Lena, my two precious children. No one will be able to understand the love that exists between us. The relationship that developed between us during one of the saddest times in your lives, will remain with me forever. How I praise God for the years that we had together. I love you even more, and miss you so very much. I long to share your heartaches and your joys. Distance may part us, but never the love that I have for you. I have always said, “If only your parents could see you. How proud they would be!”

Friends From Afar – Part 4

Nicki

 

 

 

Nicki – dearest girl, when I first met you, there was no smile on your face as is seen in your photograph. I saw this exhausted, heartbroken and shattered young woman. You were studying (distance learning) at UNISA, but what a tragedy you were enduring. Your Mother, your beloved Mother, aged 45 years, was dying of Cancer.

Family Fortunes – Part 1

Is my family perfect? No! For the simple reason that I am not perfect!

I, today, have placed each of the “gems” that God has given me, in the palm of my hand. I am holding each one up to the sun, and each one of them sparkles in my eyes. Today, I am honoring my precious family, and as I do so, it is with a mixture of emotions – gratitude, pride, longing, sadness, and splashed with dew drops of an intense love for each one.

Family Fortunes – Part 2

 

Son: Shane (Canada)
Born: 7 January, 1962 as a premature infant

Love him? Adore him! Proud of him? I praise God for a son of his caliber! I am experiencing mixed emotions as I write about you, Shane. We have had to endure really tough times together and many heartaches. Then you were conscripted to the Police Force for your military training. How well I remember the day before your 18th birthday, when you were on your way to the Police training camp. I stretched out my hand, and clung onto yours, as the train slowly moved away. I wished that it was a long piece of elastic and that I would never have to let you go.

Family Fortunes – Part 3

Enter daughters ……………. “grand” and “great grand”……….!

The “Day of the Dead” in Ecuador

 

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.” Revelation 21:4.

……….only for believers!

A picture of sadness? Yes, it is a picture of sadness. I had just, without intention, disappointed someone. It was a very real emotion.

Sorrow as a result of death, a very real emotion? Absolutely! How about death and never being raised to Eternal Life in Jesus Christ? That is “double death”!

Today throughout Ecuador, people come from near and far, and even far away countries to remember their loved ones who have passed away. How do they “celebrate” this day? Come with me as we walk through the crowded streets of the normally quiet, quaint Cotacachi.

Enter into Ecuador

Hi there, all the precious people that I know and love,

I am attempting a new trick and “old dogs” find it extremely hard to learn new tricks. Most of all I feel sorry for the poor family members who have to try and hammer their way through my rather dense skull. In order to confuse you a little more, I come from S.A. – that’s right from South Africa and from South America!

I had it in mind to send a monthly Newsletter from Ecuador, when Earl suggested I start a blog, and in that way it would be possible to give you more and sometimes daily information as to my activities here in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

I have only just started to develop, and I hope, conquer this new adventure. Please keep checking in. Shortly I will have more news for you. I plan to start from the time that Earl and I arrived in Ecuador.

Love you all – so very much.
Dawn

Evangelizing in Ecuador

 

 

I discovered this beautiful Christian man – Segundo - at the market. Whenever I went to the market he was studying his Bible. His Bible is part of his daily attire. He was so excited that I wanted to take his pic and read from the Word to the camera. That was ultra precious. I love him and we hug each other like brother and sister whenever we bump into each other. Sometimes people stop and stare..................and grin................ I'll keep them guessing. He is irresistible.