Summer Tour 2008 "El Reto"

Just when you thought you could basically figure out what ministry looks like at El Refugio, we'll throw a twist into the mix. Right in the middle of summer we hosted one of the Ecuadorian adventure races called "El Reto". The race consisted of three parts, the first was literally running up and around our mountain (quite an achievement when you remember we are at 10,000 ft.) bicycle riding and then orienteering. We hosted the event to develop some good community relationships. Even with all the craziness with the racers, every once in a while it's fun to have a change in pace. Below racers take off from the starting line.

Loved the contrast in this picture

Racers poised against the horse backdrop

Summer Tour 2008 "Father Son Team"

Program Director Juan Carlos Cevellos

Each year the emphasis for the Father/Son Team shifts from climbing to jungle adventure. The cool thing this year was the group included three generations, Grandfather, father and son. The time was spent reconnecting with each other, but more importantly with God. Juan Carlos is shown above chatting with the Grandfather from the three generation group. Plans are already underway for the Father Son Climb for the summer of 2009. Any Father and Son combos interested can contact us and we will get you signed up.

Summer Tour 2008 "Southern Baptist Kids"

"Southern Baptist Retreat"

The next group to arrive for the summer was the Southern Baptist kids from all over Latin America. Once a year the Southern Baptist Convention treats the adult missionaries to a time of rest and refreshing in Quito, while the kids spend their time here at El Refugio. Since this was a retreat group, we basically provided housing, food and most importantly programing. The leaders of this group always go way over the top to really make the kids feel love and cared for during their time here.
This would be a good time to mention Israel, an Ecuadorian who worked as an intern under my position for the summer. Wow, what a blessing he was to me and the ministry over and over again. He exhibited a true servants heart as he served in any capacity required. Israel was completing his internship for the University here at El Refugio, and we hope in the near future to find a position for him here full time. Pray for God's leading and provision in his life for this to happen.
The reason I mention him now, is he attended one of the sessions provided by the Southern Baptist leaders. The speaker spoke on how each of us has a different love language, and the next day Israel was so animated about the session, he had never heard of such a thing. What a privilege to be a part of his life as he testified how this message really impacted his life. Later in the summer I also witnessed him patiently talking with one of our bus drivers and delivering the Gospel message with wisdom beyond his years.

Summer Tour 2008 "Geneva Youth"

"VBS with kids from local barrios"

The next work team for the summer arrived 3 days later. This was our largest group of the summer. Geneva Youth arrived with 48 Juniors and staff. Combined with our staff we fed approximately 70 for every meal. Housing was fun. El Refugio has 3 dorms that can sleep 10 each. We then put 4 girls in what we call Casita Juanita, 4 guys in the boy's intern house and the remainder in Casa Grande, where we set up bunk beds. One of the challenges with a group who comes each year is to offer something new. This year we held our first annual pig roast. When all was said and done we fed over 100 people. Fun.

"The first annual Pig Roast"

Geneva Youth has been coming every summer for the past six years. One of the amazing things about this group is how we could see their time investment and the benefit of coming every year. The Youth Pastor had prepared the kids before they arrived and while they were here participated in a devotional each day from James. Each night ended with time by the camp fire debriefing the day, what each of the students had learned and what God was teaching them.
While Geneva Youth was here they completed several work projects, held a VBS on property, and for some of the kids the trip culminated in the jungle, where a baptism was held.

"Baptism in the Jungle"

One thing we learned is you can not out give, serve, or love the Geneva Youth Team!

Summer Tour 2008

Receiving instructions for the Ropes Courses

Ivet Castro, Director of La Red

For some reason, we have found since serving in Ecuador it feels as if time has simply sped up. Really, it seems like a heartbeat since we started the summer of 2008. For those active readers of our blog, you’ll remember we closed the kitchen down for the month of May to clean and organize.

Our first “official” group of the summer was a retreat held at the end of May, for one of the ministries connected with Youth World called La Red Juvenil (The Youth Network). To learn more about this ministry you can go to: http://www.youthworld.org.ec/lared.htm