It had been suggested to me that I begin a blog about my development projects here in Ecuador. My hypothesis is that community development can be a tool for spiritual change, and possibly even for church planting. So, here I am in Ecuador with lots of projects up my sleeve, looking for God's hand in several communities.
The first week in August Mike and I began working in San Luis de Pigulca, near Otavalo, Ecuador along with a work team from Horizon Presbyterian Church from Greenville, SC. They were doing Vacation Bible School and helping with a small construction project on the community house. I helped out with VBS, but I also began a participation project in the community. What is great about Pigulca? What has already been successful? What are community members' dreams for the future? What a wonderful time of discovery in separate meetings with the women and the men of the community! God has already been at work! How can I help them to discover this? Just by helping them list all the things they have already accomplished was a beginning. They are very proud of their Quichua culture, and many of their practices and traditions. I pray that the Lord will help Mike and me to help them by encouraging them in their own development, both individually and as a community.
The picture above is Inti and Nancy, a young couple in the community. Nancy has their son, also named Inti, on her back in the traditional way to carry small children here. They were an active part of community meetings.
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