Church Newsletter – August 2011

Dear Church,

We just returned from Ecuador and it was one awesome trip! I wish that

all of you had been there with us.

Here are a few of our experiences:

• We saw the Amazon Jungle & Rainforest in all its beauty!
• We saw high snow-capped mountains.
• We saw an active volcano.
• We saw monkeys and parrots in the wild.
• We saw every type of fruit growing naturally in the wild.
• We saw the Equator.
• We saw and met some the most humble and kind people.

I thank you, Church, for allowing me and encouraging me to go and lead our church on these short-term mission trips. They do so much for our  faith and lives. Some of my most memorable and impactful moments as a Christian have been in my times spent on mission trips. I ask you to consider going with us on next year’s trip.

Here are a few observations of what God is doing in Ecuador and why you should go?

• God is saving people from the traditional Catholic religion to a true personal faith in Jesus.
• God is establishing churches in various areas where these new believers can unite together.
• The missionary there needs more and more help. Short-term groups need to continue coming, but there is also a great need for people to go full-time.
• While people are being saved and churches are being planted, there is a major need in the area of training ministers. There is very little work being done to equip a pastor.
• For this reason, the missionary there is trying to begin a Bible College. We need to pray for this to be established. It is almost finished being built. They are waiting on accreditation. But also once it is created, they will need people to come work it. That is a huge need.
• There are many young “20 somethings” who are called by God to serve Him. They are working hard for the Gospel of Jesus in Ecuador.
• Finally, the camp there is a real force for Jesus in both the mountains and jungle of Ecuador. We were so blessed to be a part of this great work.

So, Church, I want you to seriously consider going next year. We are beginning to plan the trip now. I am praying a big prayer that at least 25 will go on 2012’s Ecuador Mission Trip. Will you please consider going?

Your Pastor,

Josh