Chow!

You know you are in another country when… a group of 11 enter a crowded church service and the entire first row jumps up and insist you take the best seat in the house…. You watch 10 people hop into a small 4-seater cab… When a pedicure cost $6.00

Hola! Sunday was our last day in Ecuador. Today brings a full day of travel. Sunday we had a wonderful time shopping, having lunch on a river bank walk, playing cards and a sweet, sweet time of communion as a team with our missionary host.
However, one highlight was being able to attend a large Ecuadorian church. We listened to 1,000 voices worship followed by an anointed message on “Turning your problems into opportunities.” This message touched me deeply. As the pastor spoke (and I understood bits and pieces!) all I could think about was the various communities I had visited and how hard it has to be to stay positive, yet this was a very uplifting and joyful Sunday celebration from the music and dance to the words that were spoken. Our sprits joined in even if we didn’t speak the language and the presence of God was thick around us.

I was asked to say a few words to the congregation. With the help of The Holy Spirit (and my trusty interpreter!) I greeted the congregation and explained we were from a church called “Hope” Our goal is to bring hope to our Charlotte, NC Community. What a privilege and a joy to be in their country bringing hope to the boys & girls of Ecuador as well. Every Sunday at Hope church we have a scripture that is a blessing that we pray over our people as they exit. (I went on to read that scripture as a blessing over this church body as well.) Ironically, it was probably at about the same time that our Pastor in Charlotte was reading this scripture over our Hope Church… Isn’t it wonderful that we are all part of the same church body! How God must love Sunday’s as he receives the praises from people of many lands and languages

Romans 15:13 I pray that the God of hope will fill you completely with joy & peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confidence hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Chow….