Three Fires in Three Days

(The full article follows the photos below.)

Members from the Nazarene church trying to put out the first fire which was behind their property and moving towards the mission Work & Witness property and the Fischer's home.

One photo of the fire as it was moving behind the Work & Witness center.

A picture after all three fires which shows how close the fires came to our property.

The roofs in this photo are the Hall's garage and house. Again, you can see how close the fire came!

Throughout all three fires, Landon often served as a sentry to help us know which way the fire was moving or how close it was. Although he's posing a bit silly here, he took this responsibility very seriously, and was a big help.

On Sunday, 9/13, at around 1:00 p.m., we received an urgent telephone call alerting us to the fact that a fire was raging in the forest that backs up to the Work & Witness property (which is where we live). Stan, Mary and Landon began watering as soon as we heard the news, while Sherri began loading her car with a few valuables such as our passports, computers, baby pictures, etc. We also gathered the gas tanks around the property and relocated them to a safer place.

The fire was coming down the hill that leads to our property, and many people were helping put the fire out behind the Nazarene church that sits next to our property. (See photo 1). Soon after, we were joined by the Howard family and Dwight Rich. Sherri also began taking off all the curtains in our house and began taping the insides of our windows to prevent smoke from getting through the windows. Although the Fischer family was away with a team, we were most concerned about their home because the fire seemed headed in that direction. Also, they have two huge trees that are very close to their home. We just continually doused the area with water. After about three hours, the firemen arrived and stopped the fire. We knew, however, that because it was so very dry, another fire could start at any time.

Sure enough, the next evening, the winds picked up and the fire began where it had ended on Sunday. Stan estimates that at one point the fire was 40 feet wide and 100 feet tall as it marched towards us. Again, we started dousing our property, focusing on the Hall’s backyard since this was where the fire was headed. (See photo 2.) This time, however, everything was over within an hour because the firemen got to the fire very quickly and the winds died down suddenly. We were thankful for God’s protection yet again, but knew that the conditions were perfect for yet another fire.

The third fire came on Tuesday around 1:30 p.m. Sherri and Landon were the only ones at home, and they heard someone whistling very loudly outside of their home. When they went to check, the guard from the neighborhood across the ravine was signaling yet another fire. Sherri couldn’t believe her eyes because this one was already very intense and it was closer to their home than the other two had been. She and Landon flew into action even though it was only the two of them. She called for backup, though, and within 20 minutes a team of men was there to help. Photos 3 and 4 show how close it came to the back of the mission property. (These are taken afterwards. The roofs in the foreground are to our house and garage.) Thankfully, God’s protection continued to cover us, and the firemen were able to put out the fire before it actually reached our property (though it was really, really close). Then that evening God sent rain and we were thankful to the point of tears. (There is a rumor that Sherri did a “thank you God for the rain” happy dance, but she’s not confirming it.) It has rained everyday in the following days, and we are thankful for God’s tender mercies to our family during this time.

We are so very proud of how hard our children fought the fires with us. They both immediately manned the hoses and wouldn’t give up, even after several hours on the first day. Landon also served as our sentry as he’d climb up on the roof and give us updates on the path of the fire. (Photo 5.) We are also thankful for our Nazarene family that just dropped what they were doing and rushed to help us. This included both Latinos and North Americans. There were no barriers—everyone did what they could to save the property.

Stan speaks at 10th Anniversary

On Sunday, 8/30, Stan preached at the 10th anniversary service of the Spanish-speaking Otavalo church. (All of the other churches in this area are Quechuan indigenous churches.)

Pastora Marcela shared a moving testimony about the current church's location. About 11 years ago when the property was purchased, many people in the town could not understand why that particular location was chosen because it was not in the center of the town, but rather in the unpopulated outskirts. But God knew! Over the years the town has grown and now the church is centrally located with five neighborhoods located around it. The Pastora praised God for His foresight and direction. She also expressed thanks to the two Work & Witness teams, made up of team members from Texas, Arizona and Kansas, that built the church ten years ago.

An elderly man, who is also a founding member, played two special songs on his harp. (See photo 1.) During the sermon, Stan challenged the church to go into its next ten years as a church of faith. He then led the altar call in which the entire church responded. Many said afterwards that God has spoken to them through the sermon and knew God would meet their needs. (See photo 2.) It was a great day of celebration, and we were excited to be a part of it. A photo of Pastor Marcela, her husband, Oscar, and their two boys are pictured in photo 3.

The congregation enjoyed a cake reception after the service.

Introducing Rocky Balboa

Our new puppy, a miniature schnauzer!

Miracle on the Pan American Highway

           “Don’t panic.  I’m okay.  God is with me.”  These were the first words Sherri heard when Stan called her to say that he’d been in an accident and had hit a pedestrian.  Fear gripped her heart because the traffic laws in Ecuador are very severe and rigid.  If a car hits a person, the driver is always at fault and taken directly to jail.  We’ve known several people who have had their cars impounded and spent up to a week in jail before the courts settle the matter.  It is the country’s way of insuring that the guilty party will pay for all damages.  As she tried to pray, all she could utter was “God, I don’t understand.  I just don’t understand.”  Her mind filled with the thoughts of Stan in jail, missing his son’s 6^th grade graduation and camp-out, wondering if he would be out in time to fly to the States the next week.  Did he need money?  Food?  What was happening to him?  Meanwhile, God was performing miracles all around Stan.

            Stan was driving from Shell to Quito.  In addition to coming back for his son’s graduation, he was bringing Mike, a Work & Witness team member, back to Quito because he was very sick.  They were traveling the Pan American Highway when a young man stepped right in front of the van without looking.  Stan braked hard but couldn’t avoid hitting him.  He went flying in the air and eventually his body dropped about forty or fifty feet away.  Stan’s first thought was that the guy was probably dead.  “I’m going to jail.  But what will I do with Mike who speaks no Spanish?”

            Immediately, a crowd formed around the van.  Some were screaming and crying; others were talking excitably and pointing.  As Stan tried to pull off the highway, one woman got in front of the car thinking he was leaving.  Another man tried to take the keys out of the ignition.  Almost immediately, there were four policemen at the scene asking for his driver’s license and registration and asking questions of the people who witnessed the accident.  Praise the Lord, many of them said that the young man didn’t look but just ran out in front of the van.  In the meantime, the policemen picked up the man by his arms and feet, tossed him in the back of their pickup and took him to the hospital.

            Stan told Mike to put on the mask that the hospital given him and to start praying.  (He was given a mask in case he had swine flu.)  Meanwhile, Stan began to make calls to people who had connections with the police.  One friend works for the U.S. embassy.  He told Stan to be prepared to go to jail for some time.  Then a policeman told Stan to get out of the van because he was taking him to jail in the city of Latacunga.  Stan explained that he had a student who was very sick, who didn’t speak any Spanish and needed to go to Quito.  Stan also mentioned that his son’s 6^th grade graduation was tonight.  The policeman told Stan that he wouldn’t be going to that and that they would be impounding the van.  This was another problem as the plans were to return to Shell the next day with the van to pick up the team.

            After receiving the initial phone call, Sherri called her sister in Texas to ask for prayer.  Sherri had to collect herself and break the news to the kids when she picked them up from school.  Upon hearing the news, Landon asked how far away his dad was and what time did he need to leave there in order to make the graduation on time.  Then he said, “I want to go to the car and pray now.  Dad will be at my graduation.”  Sherri didn’t have the heart to correct him and sent him on his way.  Mary responded similarly as she began texting her friends to start a prayer chain for her dad.  The kids didn’t want to accept the fact that their dad would be in jail for a few days at best.

            After convincing the policeman that Mike was really sick, he allowed Stan to go to the hospital before going to the police station.  The plan was to determine the condition of the young man and proceed from there.  The police wanted to drive Stan in the police truck but finally agreed to let Stan drive his own van with the policemen sitting in the seat behind him.  Stan recalls, “Because the hospital was about a 30-minute drive away, I purposely drove slowly to the hospital hoping my ‘connections’ would beat me there.  We talked about the policeman’s family.  I pleaded with him to tell his kids to look both ways before crossing the street.  I talked about the Lord and how we never know when it is our turn to leave this earth.  Throughout this time, I also made and received numerous calls trying to get help.”

            At the hospital, Stan asked the doctor how the young man was, and the doctor responded, “Not good,” and shook his head very gravely.  Stan asked the police to show him the young man and asked if he could pray with him.  With their permission, he walked over to the bed and said, “I’m really sorry for what happened, but I braked and there was nothing that I could do.  I’m a pastor and believe that Jesus Christ heals people.  Would you like me to pray for you?”

            A wonderful thing about the people in Ecuador is that they have a fear of God that doesn’t exist in many places in the States or the Western world.  Instead of distrusting Stan, he simple said, “Yes.”  Stan asked him where he hurt.  He said his head and back.  Stan prayed, “Lord, we are in a crisis and we need Your help.”  Then he specifically asked the Lord to heal his head and back.

            As Stan walked out of the emergency room, he was surprised to hear, “Hola, Stan,” because the name “Stan” is a hard name to say in Spanish.  The stranger continued, “I’m Freddy and a Christian.  What do you need?”  Earlier Stan had talked to Pastor Rodrigo, one of our pastors from Quito, and Rodrigo told Stan that a Christian brother was on his way to the hospital.  Stan was amazed how quickly the stranger arrived.  Then, almost immediately, a dignified man walked up to him and said, “Good afternoon, Stan.”  He was the Colonel of the Firefighters in Latacunga and another Christian that God had sent to help.

            Shortly thereafter, Stan received the news that there didn’t appear to be anything wrong with the young man who earlier went flying through the air and rolled on the concrete before passing out.  They needed to wait for a few more tests.  After another 45 minutes, the doctor certified that nothing was wrong with the patient; however, he recommended that Stan pay him one day’s work as recompense.  Stan happily paid the young man for a whole week.  Then the police gave Stan back his license and vehicle registration.  Stan thanked them and his new Christian brothers.

The number of miracles God performed that day were staggering.  Stan never made it to the police station—no booking, no jail time, and no fines.  Even more miraculously, the young man fully recovered within about two hours’ time.  When Stan and Mike were on their way back to Quito, they saw a rainbow.  Mike reminded Stan that it is a symbol that God always keeps his promises.  Landon’s faith statement came true:  they arrived at the graduation just minutes before the ceremony began.  God’s faithfulness endures forever.  Amen.

Family Update

God Is Changing Lives!

“NILI was amazing!  I’ve never been able to hear God so clearly. Changed my life COMPLETELY.  Glory to God.”  These are just a few of the comments from the last group of NILI students.  Advise for future NILIs includes:  “Don’t miss a chance to do God’s work.  Listen to what God is telling you.  If you allow him, he will change your life.”  God is at work through NILI, and we stand amazed.

Through NILI (Nazarene International Language Institute), North American university students come to Ecuador seeking a Spanish immersion program that provides various travel and culture experiences.  But, praise God, they’re reporting that an encounter with God has made the biggest impact on their lives.  The NILI program is far more than an academic program.  The students eat, room and fellowship with our national Seminary students who are preparing to be ministers.  The NILIs are actively involved in ministry events that often confront their levels of faith.  All the glory belongs to God.  Pray for Stan as he directs this program and his staff who work hard to make it a program of excellence and integrity.

Testimonies Abound!

Testimonies tell the story of God’s work around the world.  Check out our web sites for personal testimonies and Jesus Film testimonies.  Our family blog is www.hallupdate.blogspot.com.  Our mission blog is www.andeanadventure.blogspot.com.  In addition, Sherri emails the prayer requests for the mission every Friday.  If you would like to be a prayer partner, email Sherri at thehalls4@gmail.com to request the brief weekly mailing.

Prayer Requests

·      Mary has been struggling with her health.  Her immune system is worn down, and she’s had bronchitis, a bad cold or flu since November.  She is getting shots to help build her immune system.  Pray that God will completely heal her system.

·      Landon graduates from the 6^th grade next week and Mary has a full week of final exams the following week.  Pray that they finish their school year well.

·      We will be driving from Colorado to Florida to Texas and all of the States in between.  A lot of miles, so we need God’s traveling mercies and a lot of patience as we live out of a suitcase for 9 weeks.

·      Pray for a spiritual revival in our field:  Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador.  Pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit among our workers and for more souls to be saved.

·      Pray for our Seminary students and for God’s wisdom and direction for Stan and Sherri as we work with these students.

Home Assignment Schedule

We soon return to the States for General Assembly and Home Assignment.  We would love to see you if we’re in your area! Here’s our schedule (so far):

6/14     AM            Florence, Colorado
6/14     PM            Colorado (open)
6/16                 Westminster, Colorado
6/21     AM            Poplar Bluff, Missouri
6/21     PM            Missouri (open)
6/23 – 7/3            General Assembly, Orlando, Florida
7/5       AM            Braedenton, Florida
7/5       PM            Florida (open)
7/6 – 10            So. Florida Teen Camp
7/12     AM            Wike, Arkansas
7/12     PM            Ashdown, Arkansas
7/19     AM            Northside Forth Worth, Texas
7/19     PM            Texas (open)
7/26     AM            Festus, Missouri
7/26     PM            Fenton, Missouri
8/2       AM            Neosho, Missouri
8/2       PM            Springfield, Missouri
8/9       AM            Durango, Colorado
8/9       PM            Colorado (open)
8/15 & 16:            Faith Promise, Gunnison Valley, Colorado
8/16     PM            Colorado (open)

We still have several dates open.  If you’d like to schedule a service, email Stan at stanleyrhall@gmail.com.  To call us while we’re in the States:  636-459-7834.

God bless you for your prayers and your support of our family and our ministry.

To add or remove a name from our mailing list, please send an email to thehalls4@gmail.com.  Thank you.

Mother's Day Lunch

For a special Mother's Day lunch, we went to Pim's which is a very nice restaurant in the old town section of Quito.  Pim's is located at the top of a hill which is called the Panecillo.  The hill also has a huge statue of a virgin with wings that overlooks the city.  Because the Panecillo is about midway between the northern and southern sections of the city, you're able to see an incredible panoramic view of the city.  Today the sun was shining, so you could see forever.  Incredible, fun day.  

Mother's Day Service

For Mother's Day we attended one of our favorite churches in Quito, Comite del Pueblo, which translates as Committee of the People.  This town is called that because it is an invasion community.  Thousands of people organized and "took over" this part of Quito almost overnight.  Much like squatters, each family took over a plot of land and settled there.  Now this "suburb" of Quito has one of the largest populations in a very small area.  The church is full of loving Nazarenes who know how to worship.  We always enjoy going there.

Today, several different groups performed either  a song or dance in honor of Mother's Day.  The adults danced an indigenous dance dressed as Otavalons (see photo 1).  A group of children performed a rap dance (see photo 2).  It was a great service.

More Glimpses of Ecuador

Pictures:

#1:  Mary and Landon at the indigenous museum on the equator near our home.  If you come to visit us, we promise to take you.  You'll be able to do several fun experiments which prove that you're on the equator.

#2:  Chimborazo:  You see this volcano when you travel to Riobamba, about 4 hours south of Quito.  Stan and Landon have climbed up almost to the top.

#3:  Cayambe:  Recently when driving around Quito, we got a rare glimpse of this beautiful mountain.

#4:  This cathedral is found on a town square in Riobamba.  When you travel through Ecuador you see the remains of the Spanish conquistadors that overthrew the Inca empire.  This is one example.