Sunday is Gameday!

Our purpose here, in Ecuador, is to support and encourage the local church in the towns we visit. While construction projects and playing sports can do this to an extent, the heart of the Church is the proclamation of the Gospel, reaching of the lost, and stimulating the growth of Church members. In El Chaco, we have had the privilege of joining with the church’s leadership in accomplishing these tasks.

Nate Knyfd preaches, Kate Tresize translates
Photo Credit: Tim Tresize

Beginning with the Saturday afternoon excursion to San Luis, LIFT was in full-bore ministerial mode. Our worship team, comprised of Rob May, Jordan Sandwick, Drew Walker, and Lauren Cottings joined the regular worship team of the Chacoan church. Contributing instrumental and vocal talents, the diverse worship team led praise in both Spanish and English. This unique worship experience culminated with a simultaneous singing of “Open the Eyes,” or “Abre mis Ojos,” in both English and Spanish; a small taste of the worship of heaven as two languages praised the Lord in harmony.

The church also handed over the responsibility of delivering sermons to the LIFT team. Abraham Howell was the speaker of the Saturday night service. Abe spoke on the importance of fleeing temptation, while Rick Borman, establisher of El Refugio and our guide in Ecuador, provided translating services. Borman also translated for Brian Hebert on Sunday morning as Hebert waxed eloquent on I Corinthians 9: 24-27, where Paul writes on the importance of finishing the race. Nate Knyfd also spoke at a Chaco-church-plant in the small, poor and neighboring village of Chontaloma. Knyfd spoke about forgiveness, and how it is the “lifeblood of the Christian heart” with the translation support of Kate Trezise. Rob May, Liam Campbell, Caleb Burke, and Jacob Biedebach also contributed in the public speaking arena as they delivered portions of their testimonies to the congregations of El Chaco. Directed particularly to the youth, these messages managed to challenge the audience to examine their faith.

The worship team leading praise on Sunday morning
Photo Credit: Tim Tresize

LIFT’s drama, children’s worship, and child ministry teams also got a chance to contribute to the excitement of Sunday’s activities. While not behind the pulpit, the members of these ministry conglomerates ministered greatly to the needs of the church.

Lauren Cottings, Ariana Hydro, and Julia MacCready
instructing children on crafts
Photo Credit: Tim Tresize

By all appearances our attempt at aiding the church in El Chaco went well. Our time with the congregation ended with dancing, picture taking, and soccer as both Americans and Ecuadorians reveled in the unity and fellowship of the family of Christ. The El Chaco church also surprised us as they gathered around our group to pray blessings on us, our time in Ecuador, and our future strivings for the kingdom of Christ. They then presented us with necklaces and bracelets the members of the congregation had handmade with seeds exclusive to the El Chaco area. These gifts were presented to us so we can remember we have friends in El Chaco and to pray for the church. With or without the jewelry, I am sure all members of our group will always remember the hospitality and fellowship we experienced in El Chaco.

N. Arthur Knyfd