Ecuador by "Accident"

By April Luchenbill, Owosso, MII stood there trying to grasp the reality of what had been accomplished in the last week. Tears were flowing, testimonies of faith and transformation were being told, and Jesus was standing in the middle of it all. How could I, a shy, small-town girl, be a part of something so big? But there I was, among fifteen young people that God called together to proclaim the greatness of His kingdom. I stood on the platform of a church in Esmeraldas, Ecuador listening intently as the pastor and church members told us how appreciative and inspired they had become while spending one week with us crazy Americans. One week! As I looked out at the congregation, all the watery eyes and huge smiles, I realized the outcome of being a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

My intention was not to go on this trip to Ecuador; I had wanted to go to China or Africa with another organization. Little did I know that when God planted the seed in my heart to serve, He already had the intricate details worked out! Here I was, different than most of the other team members, yet a key ingredient in God's plan for Ecuador. I had been a part of teaching 269 children about the character and ways of Christ. I had encouraged parents and teens to love God and live out the principles of His Word. I had helped share the Gospel with people who had no idea how to get to heaven. As I cried with the children, hugged the parents, and said good-bye to Esmeraldas, my heart overflowed with the realization of God's love.

3 weeks. 15 Americans. 4 translators. 2 cities. 269 children. God's love was evident through and through.

April was a member of the team that served in Ecuador August 2-22, 2008. For more pictures and reports from the team, take a look at their blog.