God provided a travel paper from the Embassy for Corene. Praise the Lord! She will be on the plane with the team early Sunday AM. God truly is our providing Father.
Blessings,
Tom and Cynthia Bogart
International Missions: June 2007 Archives
From Tom and Cynthia (Grace Chapel Missions Directors):
Yancy and Corene are going to the U.S. Consulate early this morning and hopefully they will get a favorable response by the grace of God and an answer to our prayers (Corene had important papers stolen while in Ecuador and may not be able to leave the country as scheduled. In fact, she's been told she can't even get an appointment with the officials who could give her new papers until almost a week after the rest of the team leaves).
Debra Evans has been diligent to get through to a senior supervisor of Continental Airlines and they may have figured out a plan B. Pray whatever plan the Lord provides, that Corene will be on the plane Sunday and home.
The rest of the team is going to Milagro Escuela – a school that is part of Meri Fenske's home church down in Ecuador (she lives with the pastors and ministers in the school) – and then an outreach in Yaguachi. Pray for continued ministry anointing. Pray for strength, as the team has been ministering for almost 2 weeks. Let them see some of the fruits of the labor and rejoice in the Lord over it. To God be the Glory.
Tomorrow will be their last day of ministry and they will be having a full day of fun by taking the boys of the Shalom Orphanage to a swim and amusement park. May it be a Big Day of Fun for all. Pray for continued time for relationships to be developed with the boys and our team, also with Anita and her helpers. Pray it will be a day to refresh everyone!!!!! Pray for protection, safety and divine health. Bless all the food everyone eats, bind food poisoning.
The team will then go to the airport and leave just after midnight, this is a long day and pray for them to be refreshed as they sleep on the floor and seats waiting and on the plane trip to Houston. May they all get through customs and have no delays in their flight to Phoenix. And all arrive safely home at 9:46 AM Sunday morning.
Thank you all for going through this prayer journey with our team. You will share in the rewards that God has and will bring forth by their ministry to the people of Ecuador – our brothers and sisters of the Kingdom of God.
From Yancy:
Well, we are in the home stretch, and I must say I feel renewed and invigorated. The visit to Babahoyo just filled me up to overflowing and I’m ready for our last dash to the finish to complete this mission trip. However, I wasn’t feeling this good on Tuesday morning after our “rest” day on Monday.
Monday nearly killed me. We had an awesome time together as a team reflecting on the Children’s Workers Conference, and then praying for each other. It was a great time in the presence of the Lord. However, the rest of the day didn’t exactly go to plan, and what was supposed to be an early morning all day trip to the beach instead ended up as a trip to the mall with a brief beach stop. Oh, and did I mention how cold the beach was? Freezing water complete with cold gusting wind…lovely. The day wore on and just continued to sap my energy.
Tuesday morning we load up and headed out. I was exhausted, and I was not looking forward to the nearly two hour drive back to Guayaquil and nearly two hours to Babahoyo. And why do I mention all of this self pity stuff??? To contrast it with the rejuvenating experience I had at Pastor Oscar’s church in Babahoyo.
I slumped out of the van, grabbed my camera, and headed off to the stage where the local children had gathered and were waiting for us. We were met with a wall of excited kids, eager to shake our hand and give us a warm greeting. The feeling was overwhelming, even more so than at Escuela de Santa Rosa.
Children rushed up to my camera, everyone wanting their pictures taken. One girl in particular, Genesis, took a shine to me and was my little shadow for the rest of the evening. She was always just at the edge of my peripheral vision, smiling at me.
Unlike a number of the kids who would push away other children so they could be in the spotlight, little Genesis was eager to take her picture with other kids. Or, she would find some of the younger children and make her way up to me so the little child could be video taped. BTW, if you watched today’s video and you’re wondering which child is Genesis, well she appears twice in the video. She’s the little girl in the black shirt on the left in the last shot of the two girls at the end of the video.
Anyway, time was marching on, and as we arrived late it was apparent I was losing light fast (a critical necessity for film work) and the stage area did not have the lighting I would need to record all I needed. I had planned, like the other videos, to simply chronicle what we did in Babahoyo and give viewers a little glimpse into what happens on missions.
I stood quietly outside of the church looking at the sun slowly beginning to set over the neighborhood…wondering what to do. Then I could hear a faint whisper tell me to look around, and ask me what did I see? I could see ramshackle homes obviously built with whatever materials were available. I could see barefoot children playing in the streets with ratty looking clothes. I saw poverty…I saw tremendous need. “That is why you are here.” The voice whispered in my ear.
Continue reading Team Report 5 - You Must Make A Difference.
"You Can Make a Difference"
Tomorrow the team will be ministering in the park at Babahoyo.
- Pray for boldness for the team to share the Gospel.
- Pray for the people to be drawn to the team and to have ears to hear the Gospel message.
- The team will need protection. Pray for them to be wise and discerning.
- Pray the interpretors will translate by the anointing of God.
- Pray for continued health and protection.
Let us all rejoice for what God is going to do in that park beforehand and give Him praise for what He will do with our team by His powerful Grace. Let's anticipate the inevitable, supernatural, intervention of God. Let's expect miracles.
Let us give thanks for the obedience our team has demonstrated and ask the Lord to bless all the endeavors they have ahead of them this week.
Today is a beach and refresh day.
- Pray the Lord would reward all the team's hard work during the conference.
- Pray the team's evening devotional time will be a refreshing breeze of the Holy Spirit.
- Pray for travel mercies for the team as they drive back to Guayaquil tomorrow.
- Pray that God would give the drivers (Warren, Bob, and Yancy) discernment and wisdom on the road.
- Pray for continued good health for the team.
From Yancy:
Have I ever mentioned what amazing kids we have at Grace Chapel? Well let me say that if I didn’t that was a huge disservice on my part and I must humbly apologize. Our kids are simply awesome (just please don’t let them know you heard that from me or I will never hear the end of it)!
This weekend was the Foursquare Children’s Workers conference in Ecuador. Over two hundred school teachers, children’s ministry workers and leaders from all over Ecuador came to the Las Conchas hotel in Salinas over the weekend to attend.
Our kids had a job…to assist in serving meals and helping with preparations for the conference, ministering, and performing in some special events. It was very hard work, and by the time Sunday rolled around the kids were exhausted.
I must admit I was glad to be behind the safety of my camera for those three days. But watching through my viewfinder it was clear the kids were up to the task. They performed their jobs admirably and did so with great attitudes. I am very proud of these kids, and you should be too.
Of course my job of simply chronicling our mission team’s experiences became a bit more complicated when I was asked by Pastor Danny to present a special video for the leadership at the conference. He wanted to present an overview of the events at the conference and some well wishes and reflections from our team. I was honored to be asked and burned a little midnight oil Saturday night to complete the task.
But, ultimately at the end of the day all of the hard work and efforts from the whole team (from Warren and the cooking crew, to Bob managing clean up, and the ladies preparing dishes and cleaning) it was more than worth it. The thanks we received at the end of the conference was overwhelming. We were treated like royalty. Everyone wanted to thank us, have their picture taken with us, exchange email addresses, or just simply shake our hand or give us a hug.
Reflecting on this weekend’s events it really just struck me how often the Lord gently directs us along our course even when we are completely oblivious to what is going on around us (call it the Calvinist in me). Now, let me tell you all a little secret; for those that don’t know, I served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Republic of Panama for almost eight years…both of my children, Gabrielle (the oldest) and Kiersten were adopted in Panama…so I have experienced Latin America before, this is nothing new to me. Now for secret number two; just a couple of weeks ago I was not looking forward to going on this mission at all. I really didn’t know why I was going, or what exactly I was supposed to do.
Continue reading Team Report 4 - My Heart Is In Latin America.
Kevin & Lizz,
Hi guys! I love and miss you guys soooo much! The experience here has been overwhelming but exciting. We went to a school today; the kids were so precious and sweet. Our conference starts tomorrow. Have a great time at camp, I can’t wait to see you.
Love
Mom
Hey, Ecuador is great and we have had a great time getting to know everyone on the team better. I especially think we bonded in the mud bath. To Victor and Cody - I miss you and wish you were here. I love you and thanks for all your prayers.
Corene
Wow! What an experience. I absolutely love the people and the country of Ecuador. For me it brings a flood of memories of my years in Panama and my love of the various cultures throughout Latin American.
This is actually my first missions trip, although I have participated in tons of church outreach events over the years, but being out here away from home really brings out the true meaning of The Great Commission. There is so much work to be done out here, and so many people with great needs (both physical and financial) that it can be a bit overwhelming for some. I know some on the team have been taken aback by the depths of poverty here in Salinas and in parts of Guayaquil, and it has really affected them. It’s hard not to be moved by the pleas for money or food from some who so obviously need help. So, please pray for those on the team to remain strong and focused on Christ’s love, His grace, and His compassion for those in this part of the world.
Speaking of our team, did I mention what an awesome missions team we have down here. All the way from little Maddie (she’s six…she told me…many times), to our fearless leader, Pastor Rae Bergen. Over these few days we have grown close to each other. I’ve gotten to know people from the church I don’t ordinarily talk to, and I’ve gotten a chance to get to know some of the amazing kids we have at Grace Chapel.
While I have enjoyed every day I’ve been here, today was by far my favorite time in Ecuador. Today we went to Escuela de Santa Rosa (a Foursquare school here in Salinas). What an amazing experience. We were greeted by dozens and dozens of smiling faces who were just genuinely happy to see us. Our kids did an amazing job putting on a puppet show, a mime performance, and playing games with the school children.
Being behind a video camera it is sometimes difficult to feel you are participating in an event. It’s almost like you are standing at a distance, or watching news unfold on TV. But today, it was hard not to feel like I was part of the team as children rushed up to me to smile or wave at my camera.
The funniest thing though was to watch how the kids in Ecuador are just like our kids back home in the U.S. They would fidget, or quietly whisper to their friends while our drama team was performing, only to be caught by their teacher who would dutifully tell them to pay attention. Some would run to the bathroom (probably one too many times) or try to take a peek behind the curtain to make sure those puppets were really just puppets and not real people. Even though we are some 6000 miles away from home moments like those suddenly make home feel not so far away.
Anway, well wishes to all back in the searing heat of Arizona…it has been downright paradise here, slightly overcast in the mid-seventies to low eighties with a nice cool breeze blowing in from the ocean. Oh, and big hugs and kisses to my wife Debbie, and my youngest daughter Kiersten. I love you and miss you both!
Yancy
Hello Arizona! Much love from Ecuador. So far, it’s been wonderful here! We went to a mud bath (see video) which was a BLAST! Oh my…it was funny! Today we went to a school where we taught the kids about the forgiveness of Christ! We also played the “Let’s Make A Deal” game, the kids were so excited about the prizes that we almost got tackled by half the crowd! LOL!
Fin
Gabby
Mom, Dad, Philip, and Michael
Hey guys! I miss you guys and I can’t wait for San Diego so I can tell all my stories and hear about camp. Mom and Dad, I have remembered and swallowed my pills every day and my retainer is still with me! I love you both.
Philip – I wore your Dobson shirt yesterday and I can smell your Old Spice. Haha.
Michael- Your blanket has been so nice to have. Thanks again Head.
I love you guys!
Lauren
It was my first time on an airplane! I had fun but the meals on the plane were bad. We visited Leo’s house, the neighborhoods on the way were poor. We also went to a mud bath, it was FUN!!! Mañana is the conference.
Bye!!!
Matt Collins
The conference begins today and goes through the weekend. Pray for:
- Unity
- Anointed worship, speakers and workshops.
- Glorifying fellowship
- Travel mercies
- Presence of the Lord and anointing of the Holy Spirit
- All needs would be ministered to through the gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Service attitude of conference workers, especially team from Grace
- Divine health
- Strengh
- Everyone would find their sufficency in the Lord Jesus Christ
Today the team works on all the last minute preparations for the children's workers conference.
- Pray that everything goes as planned.
- Pray for a special anointing on Rae and Meri as they go over their teachings and for any other leader that is going to teach.
- Pray that the worship team will bring the presence of the Lord and the Holy Spirit into the room and that each attendee will be refreshed and lifted up in their worship. May the Lord be glorified!
- Ask for a spirit of unity with all, especially our team from Grace. Pray that their devotional times will be filled with God's love and grace. Pray that they will minister and serve in that provision and not in their own strength.
Today the team is ministering at Santa Rosa School in Salinas.
- Pray the kids on the team will demonstrate the Love of Jesus.
- Pray that they will be able to connect with the school children and that the Lord will anoint the drama, games, and testimonies that they share.
The conference for children's workers is on June 22-24.
- Pray for the Lord's anointing and provision to be upon the conference speakers and everyone attending it.
- Continue to pray for those travelling to the conference.
- Pray for the conference preparations to go smoothly.
- Pray for the Lord to bless Angelette, the translator that went with our team from Comunidad de Vida.
Today the team travels to Salinas to prepare for a conference for the children's leaders of Foursquare churches from all over Ecuador.
- Pray our team and all the attendees have travel mercies, protection from the enemy (that nothing would keep one leader from being able to attend) and divine health for all.
- Special prayers for Meri and Rae as they continue to organize the details of the conference. For a special anointing over each one to bring the Mighty Word of the Lord to these leaders as they would share at the conference.
- Pray for unity with our team and the helpers from Ecuador for the conference. Pray for relationships that will glorify the Lord.
- Pray the Lord will anoint the team as they have their devotional and prayer time. Let them feel your presence Lord. Speak to their hearts and minds. Put "Your Agape Love" in them so as they would go out they would be ministers and servants for you.
- Ask the Father to send His Holy Spirit to refresh the team today, after the long flight.
- Pray all will continue through the two weeks with Divine Health.
- Pray for protection for the team as they are out sightseeing and shopping today. Pray each person would be mindful of their buddy and stay close to each other. Give them all discernment and wisdom.
- Pray for blessings over their prayer and worship time for today and for the days to follow. Let each person seek the Lord for His Mighty in filling of the Holy Spirit, to be a River of Living Water, and to refresh all the people that they will come in contact with each day.
- Pray for continuous guiding in Rae for leadership responsibilities. Pray each member of the team to complete each task they are asked to do with a humble spirit.
- Pray for unity between the team with Meri, Leo, Danny, and all others they will be working with for the conference and in outreaches. Ask the Lord to also anoint and bless Meri, Leo and Dany.
- Pray for Rae's request to our Lord that He will move in and through each person in a personal way. Pray for the kids to have an awakening of God's incredible love for them, so that they will minister out of His love and strength. Ditto for the adults.
- Pray for Warren, Bob and Yancy as they will be driving the vans.
Pray for Pastor Rae and the other leaders to have favor and divine wisdom. Pray for God's protection over the vans and the members in them. Pray for Warren, Bob, and Yancy to drive with discernment - as driving in Ecuador is a lot different than the US.
Pray for the team's devotion and prayer times. Pray that each member would seek the Lord daily and seek every opportunity God has for them to minister and serve in His holy name. Pray for divine appointments and divine miracles.
June 17 - Leave Phoenix at 9:45 AM
June 18 - Arrive in Guayaquil at 12:15 AM
June 18 - Sight seeing in Guayaquil
June 19 - Travel to Salinas
June 20 - Santa Rosa School in Salinas
June 21 - Prep for conference in Salinas
June 22-24 - Conference in Salinas
June 25 - Beach day in Salinas
June 26 - Back to Guayaquil
June 27 - Babahoyo outreach
June 28 - Laborado Escuela and Shalom orphanage
June 29 - Milagro Escuella and Yaguachi outreach
June 30 - Shalom Boys Fun Day
July 1 - Leave Guayaquil at 1:05 AM
July 1 - Arrive in Phoenix at 9:46 AM
A group of 20 people (9 kids and 11 adults) from Grace Chapel and Comunidad de Vida are headed to Ecuador for a two-week trip to spread the good news of Jesus' love in the cities of Guayaquil and Salinas.
Keep the team in your prayers. From June 17 - July 1 they will be visiting parks, schools, an orphanage, and participating in a national conference for children's workers.
Check back here for more information - including a travel itinerary, news from the team, photos, and regular video updates.
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