To all,
This trip has “quickly” come to an end. I have been truly blessed with this trip with so many things to share when I get home regarding the work of the Lord here in Bogota and Ecuador.
Quito: The work at Quito is rapidly growing with the evangelism among the brethren here. What strikes me is the committment among one of the families (Fausto Leon) who lives in great poverty as a direct result of their love for the Lord. I had breakfast my first morning with them and noticed next to no food in their most simple home in the city. Mom and daughter shared one boiled egg with each eating a roll with some cheese. But, no complaints and all glory is given to God by this beautiful family. This congregation is in need of financial assistance because they are outgrowing their meeting place (the living room of Marcelo Lopez, their evangelist): they had 50 meeting in their home last Sunday. It looks like a brother in Christ is looking into helping them. We’ll see what happens, but there is more need financially for the continuance of this work…at least in the near future.
Bogota: My two days was meant for rest….and I have been getting it while here, but definitely not done with my labors here. Yesterday I met with Jorge Gaitan and visited and studied God’s word with them. Wow, they have literally taken the preaching on the family to heart. The whole family is now meeting daily to memorize scriptures and discuss its application to their lives. Crestina (Jorge’s wife) has begun memorizing Proverbs 31 on being a virtuous wife. I was in tears and getting a lump in my throat just thinking about how much they have been applying the lessons to their lives! Then, today, I met with another two families and visited with them. Also, another brother in Christ from the Chapinero congregation wanted to study God’s word with me….all alone….with no translator! Believe it or not, while my understanding of Spanish is so limited….I was able to have a study on Marriage and Divorce with this brother and able to understand his Spanish to answer his questions…with my limited Spanish vocabulary. I learned from another brother who knows English that his questions and my answers confirmed that I understood and was able to communicate with this brother from Chapinero. I guess I’m learning the language! Thanks be to God!!!
I will get up at 4AM and start my day and hope to arrive by 8PM (layover in Miami) and the good Lord willing - see my beautiful family - who have patiently waited and prayed for me while I have been gone. I want all of you who read this to know just how much I love my family and the sacrifices they have made for me to be gone for so long. May my Lord and my God bless my wife and children for their sacrifices. May God bless you all for your kind thoughts and prayers on my behalf (along with the safety and well-being of Reid Braswell and his family).
Much love,
Mitch
To all,
The trip is winding down and I happened to see a mirror…wow, I look completely worn out, and feel it, too! In fact, a couple days ago I was pretty sick from all the travel in the bus and didn´t preach that night…I was told not to because the ride up into the Andes was a trip in itself, cold, and the odor from the hard working Quichua families just getting in from working in the fields. Anyway, I stayed in Ambato and went to the Thursday night Bible class…sick, but near the restroom. I´m am well now, but ready to get home.
Puyo: By now, some of you may be wondering what the title has to do with this blog post. Well, I fell in love with the little church in Puyo, Ecuador. There are about 22-25 members that make up this little church which is the gateway into the Amazon jungle. The children and adults - when they sing to the Lord - just makes my heart jump with joy. They also listen to the word of God so well. Further, there are about 6 teenagers in this little congregation and all are serious about devoting their lives to the Lord and are preparing themselves to be godly spouses. Parents have been teaching their children well as there is great respect for adults. I just love the little children that go to each and every person to greet them and shake their hands. They also listen to the sermons (two hours worth) with all quietness and seem to listen well. I will share much more about this small group when I give my report back in Fayetteville. But, anyone wants to be encouraged by a group of Christians should come to Puyo.
Guayabamba: This small congregation of about 40 Quichua Christians live up high in the Andes (probably between 12,000-13,000 feet up in elevation, very thin air!). I was told to be careful how I breathe while preaching as I would get a sore throat from the thin air. Well, I tried…and still got a sore throat. The ride to this high elevation was unbelievable: First, we waited about 1.5 hours for our ride who picked us up AFTER services began…then began at least a 30-35 minute drive to the meeting location. Imagine, riding in this thin air with ash in the air, along with exaust from all the traffic…in this thin air. Next, I´m riding in the back of an old pickup truck that we´re not sure when it will die, but it is on its last leg. The sun has gone down and it is getting very cold….FAST! I guess you had to be there. Back to the real story: The Quichua´s are really laid back and ¨countryfied¨. This culture of theirs is such where time is not that great of value. Thus, our 7PM meeting at 8:10 at night. The women and children sit on one side and the men on the other. Also, I was asked to preach the Word in the most simplified manner so they could understand as there is not much in the way of education, let alone spiritual education. Yet, by the time I was done preaching and ready to close the service, one of the men asked to speak. What he had to say about the sermon/Bible study (I ask a lot of questions during the sermon and wait till brethren respond…to be sure everyone understands what is being taught). I was so touched by his/their response, it made me well up inside and desire all the more to preach to them in the future. Wow, much more could be said about preaching to this group of Christians, but let me just give thanks to God for all His children throughout the world!
Quito: Reid and i have just finished our two day preaching for the new church in Quito. This church got started as a result of brethren leaving ¨institutional¨ practices. Since last November this church, with much evangelistic labors, has grown from about 20 members to about 40 now. In fact, today, the church - which meets in Marcelo Lopez´s home had 50 people in his living room! The brethren were good in listening to our preaching and now our work here in Ecuador has come to a close.
Tomorrow, before we take our evening flight back into Bogota, Colombia, we´ll go up to the height of the mountains overlooking much of this part of Ecuador. If there was more time we would have gone another 20 minutes further north to the ¨middle of the world¨ (The ecuator). For me, the best trip right now is the bed…a real one (that is another story!), but give thanks to God for all the experiences I have gained while here this year.
One last note, give God the glory in all you do… there is much work to do in the U.S. and many of us are asleep because we´re too wrapped up in the things of this life).
Much love,
Mitch
Much has continued during the last three days. God is so good to us! May His name be magnified above all names and that the world may see Him through our meager efforts here on earth.
Puerto Napo: This small congregation has been a joy to work with but also has taught me that patience is key. This is a country congregation where learning takes longer and thus patience is needed in terms of spiritual growth. But, there is love and harmony among the brethren here….with an unusual proportion of teenagers compared to adults. The congregation is about 30 in number with about ten teens! Anyway, that prompted me to curtail the sermons more toward parents´ expectations toward teenagers and courting practices in preparation to marriage. On Sunday, we wrapped up with a morning service with our good-byes with hopes to see each other again.
Archidona: This is the first time Reid and I have been here. It is a very small congregation (about 12 in number) about 20 minutes north of Tena. It was a joy to preach the gospel to encourage them in the faith. We were here only for the evening service.
Santa Rosa: After leaving Archidona we headed straight to another blip on the map: a small town called Santa Rosa - in between Tena and Puerto Napo. This mosquito infested location was where one of the brethren (Vicente) has been working to build on to a house for a family. He has been studying God´s word with these families who have Pentecostal beliefs. We went to study with them Sunday night on the 2nd floor of this building…looks like a place they are using to come together to worship God. Anyway, I was told we were going to study on tithing but before I knew it I was asked to teach them about God´s word for their salvation. Shocked, but ready to go, I proceeded to go through the scriptures (starting with the day of Pentecost, Acts 2) then backing up to see if Peter on that day preached exactly what Jesus commanded His disciples (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:14ff; Lk. 24:44-47). After I was done Reid spoke for another 25 minutes (not sure all that was said). I really thought - based upon their demeanor - they were ready to fulfill God´s will, but alas nothing happened in their response to the gospel call (Acts 22:16, etc.).
Puyo: Yesterday we packed our bags and took a 2.5 hour bus trip to Puyo (where we are now until Thurs.). We are meeting with another small group of Christians but I will share with you that last night, after a family visit with spiritual discussions, we worshipped together with all the Christians and I was in tears. This small group of about 20 sings their hearts out unto the Lord, and wow…I am teary eyed just thinking of our praises to Him last night. With their permission given, I will audio the singing tonight and maybe tomorrow night to give you a small sample. It may not do justice to actually being present but hope it will uplift you as it did me. I am teaching on the Family series here as I have done at every other location. They were receptive to both my and Reid´s teachings.
Wrapping up: We are preaching an average of about 3-4 hours each day, so our days are very full of visits, sermons, and Bible studies. Our health continues to be good, aside from some gum problems Reid is experiencing from the chicken meat in the jungle (Huambuno). We are well and on the last three locations before heading back to Bogota, where I have another 2 days of Bible studies lined up. Lord willing, all will continue with much fruit unto our blessed God in heaven. May He give the increase to the praise of His name!
Love,
Mitch
To all,
Time is flying by and yesterday got back from the inner jungle: Huambuno. Let me back up and begin from where we left off in the previous post…My memory has much of this all blurred together but here goes!
Riobamba: I think I mentioned that we headed to Riobamba in the last post. Well, we spent two days preaching high in the Andes (although Riobamba itself is in the valley up in these mountains). The brethren were very encouraged by the lessons and asked us back. I end up preaching an extra service and we were able to go to an ash filled hospital (maternity section) preaching salvation to the native Quichuas. We made our way to Tena and began preaching that night in Puerto Napo, a small congregation that meets on the porch of one of the families (Vicente and Esparanza).
After that initial night we then took a 4×4 taxi into Huambuno and spent the following three days preaching there. Our arrival seemed rather cold, especially with some of the brethren. That night was even colder (no, not temperature wise). But, although we were only there for a short three days the Christians seemed much more receiving and open to our teaching. By the time we left, other than one of the Christians, all seemed much more joyous with brethren asking when I would be able to come back. I pointed to James 4:16…”If the Lord wills….” I said I would come back again with joy to see them. To give some of you a history about the work in Huambuno: The gold mining company from Colombia has come into their area and started their mining. Many of these families use to live on as little as $50/month per family and are now able to make about $300/month per person! Just three family members working in the mining process can bring in about $900/mo…nearly 20x more per month than many families made just recently. This prosperity is good and an absolute blessing to them materially speaking. The difficulty comes when such materialism changes their focus from God to self….the very opposite of what Christianity is about! Such has caused much of the coldness in the hearts of many Christians in Huambuno and surrounding areas where the mining has moved to.
After Huambuno, we traveled back and are now working with the Christians in Puerto Napo for three days. Last night was our first night and we´ll have two more studies with them this afternoon and tonight (about 4 hours more teaching today), then another service tomorrow morning before going to another nearby town called Archidona to preach there in the evening. The small church in Puerto Napo is made up of many teenagers (due mostly to larger families in the congregation) so when preaching on the family I am speaking much to them in preparation - Lord willing - for their future marriages. Tonight I will talk about Building their Character and another lesson on Courtship.
On a side note, the country of Ecuador is celebrating the Festival of Fruit and Flour….kind of like the Feast of Ingathering you can read of in the Book of Leviticus. It is a time of celebration and we were the recipients of it on a couple occassions. One boy through an object….not of water or fruit….but harder, that fortunately didn´t hurt anyone in the taxi. A few more miles down the road and another boy threw - I think - a water balloon that smacked the window of the taxi truck! Some of the water got in and gave us from wet refreshment! Then, when we got into Puerto Napo (from Huambuno) little Gloria Cumbicos - whom some of you know is a little girl many of us in Fayetteville have helped with her surgical expenses due to some major ailments she continues to endure during her young life - was ready to throw a bucket of water at/into our taxi when Reid called her and begged her not to throw it at us slowly passing by! When she realized who we were she just smiled and let us pass without giving us a good soaking! Anyway, that is part of the celebration that is going on here in Ecuador.
Much love,
Mitch
Wow, this will be short and sweet but I just had to share with you what the last two days have been like. First the overall work has been like this: 26 sermons and Bible studies in the last 7 days (somewhere about that many hours in speaking…but our voices are still strong….hey, my loud mouth and much talking has turned out for good in the work of the Lord!) :-)
Here in Ambato, aside from preaching on the Family, I had the opportunity to go into Quichua country for a Bible study…one of the brethren said a few words and then turned to me to start the study. I was kind of in shock because I had no idea what was said (I only understand about 20-35% of conversations). Reid took it from there and talked to this family about their souls. Thinking we were done and headed back to Ambato, we ended up at a mom and pop grocery store to have another Bible study! Here was a woman and man - so much of this world - but while the locals (especially children on behalf of their parents) come in for transactions, we are having a study about their souls and the need for them to put away the world and become servants of Jesus Christ. We would have gone to a third Bible study in Querro (higher up in the Andes) but needed to get back for our Bible study in Ambato.
Anyway, we´ll be headed into the jungle after we go to another Quichua location: Riobamba - about 7 miles from the infamous Tungurahua. These are really poor Christians who farm the mountain sides. We will have some wonderful studies with them.
Love,
Mitch
P.S. - excuse the fast, probably less than clear writing. I wanted to get this out as soon as I could!
To all,
It is late (11PM) and I am to get up at 4am in preparation for our trip into Ecuador. I feel compelled to give you a quick update regarding the week here in Bogota. It seems the series of lessons on the Family have been taking extremely well by both congregations. In fact, brethren from both congregations are asking that the last two days of my trip - when I make my way back from Ecuador into Bogota - will be spent in studies in a couple different family homes. They want to have that as a time of visiting and questions and answers about the Family sermon series. So, I am thankful that the Lord has blessed the labors here with great interest and desire to practice His word in their lives. Of further encouragement is the open invitation by the church in Chapinero to come back to preach the gospel to them and have made a plea to the church at South Fayette (where I live) to send me back down to Bogota. As for the church at Orquideas, they have become my extended family of whom I have grown to love. There is MUCH work to do here in this metropolis of over 10 million souls. It is a very hard work being able to spread the gospel here with such great moral corruption, but with the Lord all things are possible.
As for the upcoming trip into Ecuador I learned that every day is booked solid and that while I had an invitation to preach in Machala (as I did last year) there is simply not enough time to preach at all these locations over the next three weeks. Most of labors will concentrate - for the sake of time - in the Andes mountains among the Quichua Indians, as well as in the Amazon. BTW - I haven’t heard any news about the Tungurahua erputing like it did last week so we should be safe traveling via the public bus at the base of the volcano to get into the jungle (keep your prayers going on our behalf for safe travels).
All my love, Mitch.
We have had two days since my arrival late Friday night. On Saturday I got shots in preparation of going into the jungle in Ecuador (Hepatitis A and Typhoid, plus the Yellow Fever I took a couple years ago). That night I preached to a literal packed house (we meet in the garage that turns into a meeting place for the Christians here). The meeting place could “comfortably” (a relative term which would still be crowded by our standards in the U.S.) fit about 18-20 people. We had nearly 30 as there were a number of visitors from the community and a few from different congregations in the area. I preached for two hours on the Family: If the Lord builds the House…and on Attitudes about the God-given roles within the family. There were questions and answers that took place with MUCH participation. It was edifying and much needed lessons (according to their comments).
On Sunday I preached another three hours: on The Women’s Desire for her husband, Husbands loving their
wives, and The First Commandment with Promise (so that everyone
understood the God given roles within the family). Each lesson had
questions and answers (throughout the sermons and at the end of each
sermon). Many were asked….especially about the women: what is
subjection, what is the difference between subjection and submission,
when do I know when I am suppose to be subject to my husband, etc. Both
Saturday night and Sunday we were packed in this little garage with
about 30 people…a number of them visitors from the community. Wow, it
was so encouraging…..there literally was no place to walk (no aisle)
and chair against the wall from beside the pulpit….every single
square foot taken for seating. My preaching and Reid’s translation - on
Saturday night - had to compete against the large stereo system that
played music from the restaurant across the street and from the large
trucks and sirens in the area. All the distractions left me at some
point during the sermons.
After that we spent the rest of the day at the Braswell’s for a potluck
(”vaca”, - said like “Baca” - which means “cow”). Nearly all - if not
all - the entire church made it. I was given many lessons in Spanish
and just enjoyed listening so I can distinguish words and phrases….it
was great. Then, when I remembered that services at South Fayette were
going on I tuned it in: listened to Larry head the Lord’s Supper, Greg
lead the song before the sermon, and the first part of the sermon that
Charlie preached. Of course, after about 15 minutes, many of the
brethren here were getting lethargic….nearly going to sleep because
they couldn’t understand anything Charlie was saying (they didn’t understand English)…I told them I
couldn’t understand him, either! (No, just kidding….I was literally
welling up with tears being able to “worship” with all of you back
home….what a true blessing!).
Last night I played “soylo” (not sure about the spelling but it means
something like male servant) when the women were “done” cooking and
serving. The soyla’s went on strike! I told all the men and women I
would be soylo and asked what they wanted. They wanted “cafe” so I made
instant coffee for the adults (about 15 cups of coffee) and Rosa took
pictures - I wasn’t sure if it was for future blackmailing purposes for
everyone to enjoy and laugh at my goofy outfit I wore as soylo.
The remainder of the night was to sit around - while American Futbol
was going on - learning more Spanish from all the willing “profesores”.
We had Bible discussions, laughed, they made fun of this Gringo from
the U.S. - then of the Mexicans (as one of the members here is from
Mexico), then of the Colombians (themselves). Fortunately for me, I
didn’t understand the half of what they said - didn’t laugh - but
smiled and thought: “ignorance is bliss” :-)
All in all the saints here, with their American brother in Christ, enjoyed each other’s company and have feasted on the Word of God, and some good Colombian food. Starting today I will preach at both Orquideas and Chapinero congregations (three sermons each day). Please pray for a strong voice, comfortable shoes for standing, and that the shots I took will do what they are intended.
Much love, Mitch
Wow! This trip is coming up so quickly…I leave this Friday. After encouragement from some of the women….especially my lovely wife, I guess I better start packing.
Here is an update of some of the locations I will be going to during this 4 week trip (more updates as the next 1-2 weeks unfold):
Arrive In Bogota, Colombia (Jan. 18)
- January 19-20: preach at Orquideas congregation (morning and evenings).
- January 21-23: preach at Chapinero during evenings
- January 21-23: Family Bible studies in the mornings.
Throughout Ecuador
- January 24-25: preach in Ambato
- January 26-27: preach in Riobamba
- Jan 28-Feb: preach in the Amazon (Puyo, Puerto Napo, Chontapunta or Huambuno)
- Other locations: Quito, Guayabamba, Quero, Loma Alta
- Possible locations: Machala, Las Palmas
Final Thoughts: Throat of Fire
On my first two trips into Ecuador I quickly learned that itineraries change based upon: civil unrest (national, city strikes) that make it difficult to travel within the country (blocked roads/highways; riots; etc.), floods (where talking about going into a “rain” forest), or other natural disasters (like the Tungurahua volcano - “throat of fire” that closes roads with major mud slides, burning ashes, or lava flows)Please pray that I would have a safe means of travel, good health (I’m not interested in the famous “Dengue Diet” - losing 15 pounds from a little mosquito bite), safety. But mostly, a good heart, love for souls, sincerity, truth, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Much love,
Mitch
I just received funds (thanks to the brethren at South Fayette church here and New Hope church in Athens, AL) to make another trip into S. America (Bogota, Colombia and Ecuador). There are a number of reasons for making this 3 1/2 week trip:
- Resolve seeming doctrinal conflict among brethren from different congregations.
- Warn, exhort and possible reprove brethren whose faith is being challenged by materialism coming into their region (wow, what a humbling task…coming from a materialistic society that has greatly influenced the Lord’s church).
- Visit, encourage and see first hand our churches are fairing in the Lord’s work.
- Visit and encourage brethren in areas I have not gone to before.
Grace and peace to you all,
Mitch
To all, I am now firmly planted in Machala to finish the trip. The jungle was very hot and muggy….here it is hotter (near 100 degrees F), but am not minding it at all. On Tuesday Reid and I were able to preach in Cuenca, which was difficult for various reasons: spiritually (as these brethren had questions over practices of institutionalism), physically (as our study took place in the midst of city traffic literally 15 feet away from honking horns from buses and taxis, along with pollution from the traffic….making it hard to breathe let alone hearing or thinking while trying to teach the scriptures)……… Last night I preached a series of lessons (on the family) to brethren in a garage like meeting location where the temperature seemed close to 95 degrees! Bless their hearts….okay, those in comfortable, temperature set environments….listen to yourself if you complain that it is too cold or too hot…and remember how it must be to hear God’s word under the conditions they must abide by here in Ecuador…….this afternoon we travel to a country congregation to preach some lessons before coming back to Machala to continue meeting with the saints here………This trip is quickly winding down and I am tired, yet more invigorated than ever (my big belly isn’t as big with all the work, walking, and sweating that takes place each day), maybe that is why I wake up each morning a little more refreshed than the previous…with more energy to study God’s word and teach it with more zeal……..
All of you back in the states continue to be in my prayers.
Love, Mitch
continued from previous post:
Hello all… I’m Mitch Davis and preach for the church of Christ in Fayetteville, GA (download or listen to our sermons). I will be headed back to South America to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me give you a little background as to the purpose of this trip and finish with a general itinerary.
First off, I had the honor and privilege of going to South America (see map) in the summer of 2005. My heart was filled with joy in preaching the gospel to a place where people seemed so eager to hear God’s word. The aim of that trip was primarily to encourage Christians in Bogota, Colombia and in the Amazon Jungle (in Ecuador). Additionally, the church here in Fayetteville (collectively and individually) help to support Reid Braswell and his brother-in-law, Jorge Gaitan. Both men preach in Bogota, Colombia. For this reason - along with the fortunate blessing of kind Christians who have made it possible for me to have the financial means - I am able to go back to South America and check on the work of the men we support and to offer them encouragement through the teaching of God’s word.
This trip is similar in nature to the first trip I took (with Jim Thayer of Stone Mountain, GA). It is to primarily strengthen the churches already established in the Lord. Some churches are struggling with some issues giving me an opportunity to build their faith in the scriptures. Secondly, there may be time in between dozens of sermons and Bible studies to preach the gospel to those who know not our Savior Jesus Christ. This is amazing when considering that well over 90% of all Latinos in South America are professed Catholics.
The following is a general itinerary of when and where I’lll be throughout the trip. 
- January 19 - leave for Bogota, Colombia.
- January 20 - 23 - preaching morning and evenings, along with some afternoon studies.
- January 24 - sight seeing (this is necessary by the government, or I’d have to pay a stiff tax). This will also serve as a day of relaxation for the upcoming trip into Ecuador.
- January 25-28 - Leave for Quito, Ecuador…travel via public transportation to Ambato for a four day meeting.
- January 29 - February 6 - In the amazon jungle preaching at the following locations: Tena, Puerto Napo, Huambuno (there may be other churches that may find out about our presence and ask me to preach there as well). While here I will also check on Gloria Cumbicos - a little girl with much and serious physical ailments - as Christians here are interested in her well-being. She and her older sister - Dalinda - are absolutely sweet and have stolen my heart!
- February 6-11 - In the Pacific coast and jungle preaching at the following locations: Machala (where Elias Davila preaches), Guayaquil, and Cuenca.
- February 12 - return to Bogota, Colombia.
- February 13 - return to Atlanta.