Dear Friends,

Another month of fun, joy, fulfillment, and blessing has made its rounds in our lives here in Ecuador. Since you heard from us last, we have seen and experienced great pleasure with family even farther into the Ecuadorian culture as well as had special pleasure in praying for and speaking God’s Word into the lives of even more people. All of this is mixed with some tough climate. We have been the past couple of weeks in the area of Guayaquil, coastal region and in our estimation it is too hot for life. The locals don’t quite agree with us though as they seem to be quite comfortable in this 100+ degree weather and humidity upwards of 80%. Once in awhile though we find an air conditioner and bury ourselves in its blast and have come to thoroughly enjoy cold showers.

Pastor Nelson, Jordana’s brother, had us spend an evening sharing our lives and God’s miracles with over 200 people in the church in Samborondon. It was truly a wonderful opportunity to give a gift of God’s love and encouragement to so many. Since that evening we have had the opportunity to speak to, pray with, and proclaim over several small groups from several churches in this area. Several testimonies have been shared of God’s recovery in many people’s lives after the times we have shared. It has been more than profound; it is revelation to so many.

While here in this city we have had numerous experiences with members of Jordana’s family and seeing them come together has been great joy. There have been several occasions for us to connect with members of the extended family that haven’t reunited in over 25 years. Some have shared their sadness and lives apart from family members and are working to reconnect a more close relationship with family members who really care for them. It is a tremendous joy to be used by our Father to bring hope to so many in this great family.

Osito has been such a blessing and joy through this entire time here. He is a party maker, as no matter who we are with, he assumes his gifted place, getting everyone engaged in laughter. His Spanish is so amazing, we pray that it is sticking with him so he can develop it even more as these next couple of months pass before we make our trek back home to Big Lake, He is looking forward though to come home so please pray for him.

Spanish is not coming along so well for Gene, of course everyone thinks he should be doing better, but he knows “old guys” don’t pick up new tricks to easily. Jordana is doing fine, getting stronger everyday. In spite of the hot weather, Jordana maintains such a great attitude with everyone and is always the spokesman for God in every occasion. She makes everyone see the best in life and reach out for more of God’s joy.

Ministry potential is ever increasing with every time we get to share with anyone. Gene and Kristin had an opportunity to visit a local orphanage and ministry there for a bit. It was a great opportunity to bring Jesus into the lives of a few kids and see a powerful demonstration of His love and beauty. A 14 year old girl, severally mentally challenged, suffers with extreme manifestations of demonic activities and it was such a blessing to see her free for the day as we prayed and experienced such peace and joy flood her life. We hope to get her to one of our camps in the near future.

With love from your ambassadors,
Gene, Jordana and Osito Engebretsen