Posted in Ecuador

We are well past the second month of our rainy season and it has definitely lived up to it's name! We have gotten lots and lots of rain. Our back yard squishes like a sponge when you walk on it (which we don't do much these months). Here in the city it gives us a nice respite from the heat and humidity. We have had a much bigger problem though, with mosquitos and flies this year. Daughter Anna has been a particular target.  At one point in time last month she had 20+ bites around each ankle. I've been trying to encourage her to wear shoes and socks, but neither one of my kids has ever been into wearing shoes in the house.

The countryside around Guayaquil has suffered tremendously from the rains which have caused major flooding. As you fly over the land you can see acres and acres of farmland under water. There has been a great loss of crops which is having a devastating effect on the economy here. Not only have hundreds of families lost their homes, but they are losing their only income as well. Prices are bound to go up making it even harder on the families who have lost so much already.

My husband Guy has spent a good deal of time helping people out. We have a network of house churches in many of the affected areas (..hm....makes you wonder if God knew what was coming!). We have been able to get funds to these house churches who have been going out into the areas where they live to distribute food supplies. Many of those they are helping have been unable to get help from the government (who is also working to help these people) or other groups. The church in this area know where the people are who are the most needy. They also know where to buy to get the most for their money in their areas. We will continue to help out in this way for as long as we have the funds to do so.

We would appreciate your prayers for the church that live in these areas as well as for the people they are ministering to. I am posting some pictures I found on the internet that are better than any we have for you to see.