Baptism Service

Baptism Service
Originally uploaded by S Hall.

After service yesterday, everyone boarded 2 big buses (and we followed behind in our car) and went to "La Cueva del Leones" (the lion's cave) which was a mini resort area with a swimming pool. Once there, they held a baptism service in the pool with 10 people getting baptised. After the service, people swam, played soccer or basketball, and had a picnic. It was a really nice day for the church.

Church Singing "Happy Birthday"

Church Singing "Happy Birthday"
Originally uploaded by S Hall.

As we were leaving the picnic, Rita (the pastor's wife) found out it was Sherri's birthday, so she called everyone around and they sang "Happy Birthday" to her. Then they lined up so that each one could give her a birthday greeting. Although Sherri doesn't usually like attention, this was really nice.

Tribal Chiefs

Tribal Chiefs
Originally uploaded by S Hall.

On the weekend of August 11th, 300 teens and young adults attended Alerta Juvenil (Youth Alert) 2006 at the Nazarene Seminary. They were challenged to deepen their walk with God and examine His call upon their lives. All of the missionaries, including the kids, helped in some way. Stan was constanting setting something up or taking something down to accommodate the many activities throughout the weekend. Sherri and Mary helped prepare food and serve meals. Even Landon helped by folding napkins around the silverware and entertaining students with his jokes.

On Saturday afternoon the group played this crazy game. Everyone was divided into 3 tribes. Each tribe had to make a fire, cook a chicken, make a Teepee and dress up a chief and his family. This is a picture of the three tribal chiefs and their wives. While all of this was happening, tribe members could steal people from other tribes, so there was a lot of chasing and general craziness going on!

New Sound System!

New Sound System!
Originally uploaded by S Hall.

Recently a W&W team from the Missouri District surprised us by bringing an awesome sound system to us for our ministry. We've already used it in street evangelism. All kinds of outdoor ministry opportunities are now possible because of this gift. We'd like to personally thank Dr. Jack Eyestone and the following Missouri churches for their generous donations: Cape Girardeau, Eldon, Fredericktown, DeSoto, and Union. We also want to thank Pastor Bill Burke who spearheaded this secret project and made it possible. Our MO District brothers and sisters are incredible and we are so blessed by their support and love for us.

Kids love balloons!

Kids love balloons!
Originally uploaded by S Hall.

Last week our family worked at a VBS at the Inca church (a new church plant). Here Mary and Stan are making balloon figures for the children. Stan also did magic tricks and we passed out tracks.

This church ministers to a poverty-stricken area where drugs, alcohol and violence abound. Please pray for these children and their families.

The Beach

Our view
Originally uploaded by S Hall.

Recently we were blessed to be able to go to the beach in Northern Ecuador (Tonsupa). This incredible view is from the balcony of our condo. We spent our days swimming in the ocean or one of the complex's pools, collecting seashells, reading and eating our meals on our balcony. It was exactly the rest that Stan and Sherri needed and the fun that Mary and Landon wanted. God is good!

Going on a Whale Hunt!

Going on a whale hunt!
Originally uploaded by S Hall.

One of the highlights for Stan and the kids was a boat ride out to find whales. They saw several humpbacks. One small one swam about one meter from the boat, and they saw several others swimming at a distance. Both the kids enjoyed the very choppy boat ride especially when they went airborne a few feet!

Chiva

Chiva
Originally uploaded by S Hall.

In northern Ecuador we encountered a chiva which is a bus that has seats on the inside (and this one was packed) and then people literally hang on the sides, tops, or wherever they can. Sometimes they'll have goats or other animals on the outside as well.