Today was awesome day number 2 in Cuenca, Ecuador and day one of heavy labor at the church. Bright and early we arose ate breakfast and headed to the church. It was not long before suds were dripping everywhere, the hum of the lawn mower rung in the air, and the clink of the hammers ere in full motion. Our tasks ranged from cleaning the inside of the large church tent,  putting down new wood floors, digging holes, tending to the garden, mowing the lawn, sweeping up trash and dust, and moving stones. Though some of the tasks may sound pretty gruesome, the power of the Lord was in full throttle! One team member revealed, “ I was so surprised that God revealed so much to me, while washing the walls of the church tent.” For others, it was a testimony of how fellowship does not only take place around a dinner table. Sometimes it takes the form of smack talk while installing hardwood floors, or laughter between locals and group members over the difference between funny mistakes like Buenas Nachos vs Buenas Noches. They are simple moments that break down the ice between strangers and can be transformed to friendships and open hearts to hear the gospel.

                  At night, we went to a training meeting for small group leaders. In a room of many new faces, there was a refreshing warm that many felt when greeting members of the small group that we visited yesterday; it was as if we were family members.  We were opened with great Spanish lections from the one of our own members Matthew Esquivel preached on how to form a personal prayer relationship with God. He opened with prayer and a prophetic word for two families within the church. With the help of Pastor Steve as a translator ( and an eager audience that in unison corrected words that were lost in translation), he was able to provide the message without fear of the language barrier. By the end of the sermon, the message touched the hearts of many of the small group leaders and guest. Through the moving of the Holy Spirit, there was a special call to the altar for women who wanted prayer for a greater revelation of the Father’s love. Five to six women came to the alter for prayer and prophesy. Even in carpool rides home with local Ecuadorians, team members testified that they had the opportunity to discuss the sermons with them and even prayed for some to receive healing. We stand in faith that God will perform breakthroughs in their lives.

Special prayer requests:

                  Please pray that the church leaders and women receive a deeper revelation of the love of the Father.