Prayer and Praise Points(Updated 1/22/2010) Praises:1)Nancy came through her heart surgery very well. There is already a noticeable improvement in her health.
2) The church has begun the formation of membership and a leadership board.
3) The women are meeting faithfully and have received several visitors.
4) The men's group is preparing for the election of deacons and elders. 5) The Cuenca mision trip resulted in a new missionary being called to serve there. 6) The Bible Institute students have concluded the semester well. 7) New ministry doors are opening in Cangaguapungo. 8) The rolling black-outs have been suspended indefinitely. 9) A new Bible study has begun with a member of the Tourism Club. Prayer Requests:1) For Vicente and Dilia as they enjoy their marriage commitment.
2) For Gloria as she prepares for full-time ministry in Cuenca.
3) For the next semester of the Bible Institute.
4) For open doors for a cell group in Cangaguapungo.
5) For the salvation of many members of the tourism club.
6) For church as they prepare for formal membership and naming of a leadership board. 7) For provision for property on which to build a church in Primero de Mayo. 8) For scheduling and preparations for our departure on May 1. | 
“Bienvenidos en el nombre de Jesucristo!” The greeting echoes off the concrete of the church walls. The grumbling exhaust of passing trucks and the incessant drone of vendors selling their wares just outside muffles the sound, but not the significance of the statement. This is Ecuador, a small country on the northwestern part of South America. The simple greeting in the name of Jesus Christ might seem incidental except for the fact that less than a year ago, no one in this community would have uttered such words. A year ago, a ministry team of Americans and Ecuadorians came with a message of peace and hope. Home Bible studies began with several families. As the message was understood and people were saved, these families began meeting together for fellowship and worship. A church was born. Though still in its infancy, the maturity of this small band of believers grows every week. Soon, leaders will emerge, and the American element no longer be necessary. That is church planting in Ecuador, and God has called us to be a part of it! 
