Trip to USA

We know it’s been a while since we have sent out a newsletter, but we had so many face to face meetings with all of you on furlough. We just got busy when we got back and did not get one out until now. We have been blessed while serving 10 years now in Ecuador. With that said it had been 10 years since we had been on an official long furlough. Daina and I have traveled back and forth, sometimes together, but for the most part just one of us at a time. So as many of you know in June we were blessed to take a three month furlough. It was a little complicated but we came to the point that it doesn’t depend on us it depends on Him. So we left ministry here with the owner of the ministry, “Jesus Christ”. We had such a

blessed trip starting in California and visited many of your churches and many friends. We got to go camping and just enjoy His glorious creation.
One of the highlights of our time in CA was that we got to complete one of the desires of our hearts. 32 years prior for our honeymoon we were supposed to visit Yosemite National Park but never got to do it because the park was closed then due to flooding. 32 years later we were blessed with the time to return and we believe we were able to appreciate the majesty of that place even more now; God is so good to us.

We traveled from CA to GA by car with Daina’s parents. We were blessed with the time we

were able to spend together. We made a stop in Fredricksburg, TX and visited the Fredricksburg UMC who blessed us with a B&B that allowed Amanda and Elimelec to spend four days with us as well. Again God is good to us. After visiting with many in TX we traveled on to GA to visit Kellyann, Rodrigo, RJ, Natalia and Gabe. We also visited several churches in the area. While in GA, I was privileged to be able to help out doing a few home improvement projects at Rodrigo and Kellyann’s new home. They had moved from Woodstock, GA to Lilburn, GA to plant a new church. All in all this was a great furlough and you all had a big part in making it all happen through your prayers and support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Well done!!

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5

Expanding up and out

We have learned over the years that ministry is unique in that it is not static. It is constantly changing and moving as the Spirit moves it along. Ministry at Door of Hope is no exception; for example ten years ago we started with dozens of little ones and now those little children are adolescents and teenagers. So as this change has occurred we have moved in that direction as well. We have rented a
small room in town (Door of Hope Annex) that we can use to meet with these youth and spend time with them in the Word and in relationship with them during the week. Daina plans to start an English Club and we plan on teaching a Bible course in this location. This is enabling us to get more exposure in the community than just here at the Door of Hope. We would appreciate your prayers as we continue to grow and work to expand His Kingdom.

Our week at a glance

We thought that you all might like to know what our programed week looks like. That way you can better know how to pray for us and The Door of Hope.

Monday: FLET class in Quito second level.
Tuesday: Sabbath
Wednesday: Breakfast Club at the annex with Jr highers.
Thursday: Compassion program with local grade schoolers.
Friday: Prep for Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday: Children and Youth program
Sunday: Worship

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it”. Proverbs 22:6

“AWA”

Some of you know that in May I was blessed with an opportunity to go into the jungle area of Ecuador and visit with a people known as “AWA”. It was an incredible experience as a missionary. They live in small communities along rivers. The particular community I visited is called Basarien located about 3 1/2 hours on foot from the main highway. They are so remote that when we arrived the first question was “why are you here? No one comes here.” This led to sharing that I am a missionary sent by God. The next question “who is God?”. These folk live in small isolated communities where there are still pockets of this people group that have not heard who God is much less how much He loves them.

After a small message they decided that we were ok and that we could come back and share more with them. After returning to Ecuador in October I went back. We had planned on getting there earlier than the last time and having more time to share. Before turning off the highway it started raining and continued to increase as we hiked in. By the time we got to the community it was raining so hard we could not cross the river to the main part of the community so a family allowed us into their home. After being welcomed the questions began; so we answered and shared with this family of about 20 people. We arrived about 4:30 pm and started sharing until close to midnight. These folks were so interested in learning more about God and His relationship with us that we forgot we were tired and wet.

The next morning we crossed the river for a very quick visit since the rain let up in the morning but it was only a short bit, it started again. We had to say goodbye for now and promised to come back. The coming back has been the complicated part. From our house its 5 1/2 hour drive in car, then the 3 1/2 hour hike in, 9 hours to travel one way. That’s the first complication. The second is its very exhausting; the rain and intense sun alone, but the bugs that just eat you alive. Both times I have been there it has taken two to three days to Puerta de Esperanza 3 Tim and Daina Datwyler January 12, 2016 recuperate. The third complication is waiting for the community to fulfill a couple of things I asked for, a list of families by name and a list of children by age.

With all this said we still believe that God is calling us to reach out to these folks. The enemy is very astute and uses every means to deter the message of Jesus Christ from reaching the darkest corners of this world. So please join us in prayer, binding him up and casting him out of this community. He has a strong hold there and it needs to be broken and can only be done through prayer.

Drought

While traveling in CA we could not help but notice the years of drought and its effects. In the ten years we have lived here the last two have been very dry at least here in this mountain region. Now that we are in a new year it is taking shape as no exception. Other parts of Ecuador are receiving rain but not much here in the mountains. This means that irrigation water is limited and although we put in a well, the water table is lower than normal. All in all, many have lost crops or not planted at all. We have lost several trees due to the drought.
In November, a team from Marietta FUMC came and helped us with our irrigation project. This included the well, pump, irrigation pipe and a pump for the drip irrigation system; also digging ditches to help get water from the well to the orchard. They also visited homes of some of our church members. They even got to cut down and dig out a few tree stumps. The Saturday they were here we had a church work day so they got to work with our kids and their parents. They were a great blessing to all of us. Please pray for rain, we need it so badly.

Christmas 2015

December came quickly this year for some reason or at least it seemed like it. For years we have worked with the children and youth of this community. We did this even before we partnered with Compassion International. But due to ever increasing prices, what we could buy ten years ago for the same amount is not the same today. So we have had to cut back on Christmas gifts for our unsponsored children.

This year a member of the Marietta FUMC team was so touched by what God is doing in the lives of these children. He was moved to make a generous donation toward all of our children that are not sponsored for Christmas gifts.

So this year we were able to give the same gifts to all of our kids that come. Making it possible for all that came to our Christmas celebration on the 19th of December go home with a new blanket, pillow, candy bag and a chocolate bar. God is so good at providing the needs of His children and we are so blessed to be a part of it.

Prayer Requests

• The “AWA” ministry could move forward in sharing the gospel.
• The breakfast club would grow in number and spiritual depth.
• English club outreach
• Establish women’s ministry
• Additional classroom space
• Refinish and expand the playground
• RAIN

Ways to get involved .

• Buy a window for the ministry center 6 windows $200 each.
• Storage bench with cushions for Club house $300
• Bookcase $100 each
• Cabinets for ministry center $150
• Desks $50 each

Any donations for these projects should be sent to:
The Mission Society Designated DATWYLER SPECIAL PROJECT ACCOUNT

Promises and Rewards in a Shoebox

Oct. and Nov. in many churches marks the beginning of ‘Operation Christmas Child’ project when so many joyfully and sacrificially fill a box or 2 or 10 to bless children around the world. What a blessing it is for churches the world over receive the boxes as a means to share God’s love through God’s family. In February Puerta de Esperanza picked up 150 boxes. We extended an invitation for the opening celebration of a 12 week children’s discipleship course after which each child who completes all requirements would receive a certificate. We just told them it would be a special Saturday they should not miss and to invite their friends.
The response was overwhelming, 95 kids (many new) and 25 parents came for the party where we played, prayed, sang and learned from our puppet team. We presented the workbooks ‘The Great Adventure’ provided with the Samaritan Purse shoe boxes and asked the kids to promise to be faithful to come for 12 Saturdays. then we gave a wonderful shoe box gift to each child. There are no words for the delight and unbelief as all of them opened their boxes together at the count of 3. That’s when the room burst loudly with joy and excitement.

This made me think of how God gave me the greatest gift in Jesus even before I said yes to Him. Would the kids still complete their promise AFTER the reward? Yesterday was our first class and we are delighted that each age level group was full with kids eager to learn more about God and His plan for each of them.

Please pray for these kids and the group leaders who work hard each week so Christ will become the real source of hope for a lifetime. Thanks to all who cared enough to fill a box or 2 or 10.

“But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion. Luke 10:33

Planting Trees

For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit. Jeremiah 17:8

I can remember when Tim and I were young and we bought our first house. It was a new house on bare dirt so it needed lawn and a tree or two. We investigated (this was before the internet) which variety would grow the fastest, we wanted instant growth and shade without having to wait long. Fast forward 25+ years where we find ourselves once again with a place but this time much older and excited about planting trees, even from seeds, to watch them grow, slow was fine by us,,,,,now. This made me ask why, when we had more years to live, did we not want to commit to waiting for a tree to grow but now,with fewer years to enjoy it, do we jump right in to plant?

In November we celebrated 9 years together with you serving in Ecuador. A few have asked, “Why so long in one place with the same community?”We don’t have an easy answer nor do we understand God’s timing. We do know He has asked us to put down roots and stay awhile. It’s as if He is saying the flower garden of evangelism is beautiful and the vegetable garden of preaching gives food to the soul but there is soo much more. God loves the life and color in flowers and gardens but what He wants more than anything now is a forest of deeply rooted trees. We hear Him saying to plant a tree from my seed which I will cause to grow. Then plant another….. water them, fertilize them, protect them, watch them struggle and grow. Wait and watch He says, this will take time. The roots of my Word and love must go deep so my children can be strong and stand firm through the winds of trial. So they can offer shade to those in need, even until they produce fruit for ME.

Have you ever planted a tree? Some of the people God has given us to love are transplants. They struggle with the water of God’s word as if they were desert dwellers not knowing their need to go deep. We have many children(seeds) whom we have known since they could walk who trust us and God with their whole heart but lack the size and strength to go deep yet. we are caring for all of them as we praise God for His great care of our fragile hearts which cause our roots to dig even deeper and our arms(limbs) to reach up to Him in praise.

I have much more to say about God and trees, perhaps I can continue this theme as we communicate this year. Meanwhile I must thank you all for helping plant many gardens here in Ecuador, let’s stay with it to give God his forest!

There are seasons in our lives when God asks us to give Him everything and follow Him without reservation. Then out of obedience He blesses us with what we entrusted to Him and more.

Prayer Requests

– Kevin, Esther and baby James due April 30
– Financial resources to continue with ministry.
– All the children, youth and adults learning more about Jesus and changed lives.
– Youth ministry
– Music classes
– Unity and forgivness.

Connections

November through December were very busy months here at The Door of Hope.We had a visit from our Vice President of field ministries Jim Ramsey. We were able to talk and share with Jim the vision God has given us for His work here in Ecuador.

We were blessed by a visit Thanksgiving week from an old friend John Dodds from Fredericksburg, TX. He had been traveling and ministering in Central and South America. He was headed to Nicaragua to work in a prison ministry so our kids decorated placemats with blessings for the prisoners and made bead crosses. It was a great way for our kids to connect to the church on a global level.

In December John and Colleen Eisenburg, Mission Society missionaries serving in Paraguay on their way for furlough in the US. They so blessed us by helping to take photographs of our ministry as well as just some great times of fellowship. We as a church were able to pray over them and bless them as they continued their journey.

Emanuel…. A long awaited decision.

Daina left for a visit with Kellyann’s family on New Years eve. After all the activities from the prior months and the chaos that followed, it felt very empty here. I had prepared a message for the first Sunday of the New Year, prepared the music for worship, cleaned the sanctuary and prepared communion to celebrate together. The hour grew closer for service and then almost past an hour still no one had shown up. I had really given up hope and felt like I had gone to a lot of work for nothing. About the time I was to lock everything up a young man named Emanuel showed up very upset. He and his wife, who is a member of our church, had been fighting for several days. He had helped with the construction of our house and we had always shared Jesus with him but he wanted nothing to do with Jesus. So he came to me that Sunday seeking his Savior. I shared Jesus with him once again and he surrendered his heart to Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His countenance changed almost instantly and he went from hopelessness to a life filled with hope overflowing. This is the short version of this story that God is continuing to write. To Him be the glory.

Ways to get involved .

Buy a window for the ministry center 6 windows $200 each.
Storage bench with cushions for Club house $300
Bookcase $100 each
Cabinets for ministry center $150
Desks $50 each

Any donations for these projects should be sent to:
The Mission Society Designated DATWYLER SPECIAL PROJECT ACCOUNT

A-Mazed

The believers life is like a maze. There is a beginning and there is a goal with borders to move within. We feel excitement as well as frustration as we seek to maneuver our way to the seemingly elusive goal. We may go along for several turns only to find no way out. We retrace our steps to try a different way, many times to find another wall. At the next turn you don’t encounter a wall but a deep, wide river with a path on the other side. To cross or not to cross this obstacle is the question we ask with an ever increasing desire to reach the goal. (At this point I am asking myself if an entire book is needed to ex-plain my thoughts.) The decision to cross makes you doubt your wisdom and you fear for your survival.

Now on the other side wet, exhausted and very thankful, you take the time to enjoy the amazing view. It was worth the risk. You continue your journey and after a few more turns you find yourself way up high overlooking a canyon which looks down over,,,,,,,,,,more maze! By now you get the picture.

The journey as a missionary is much the same. I have to say that I am a-mazed at each step. I can look back at all the seemingly endless dead ends in the form of sharing at churches while seeking support only to find they are more interested in the color of the pew cushions than God’s goal to reach the na-tions, partners who decide not to continue support due to many reasons, no e-mails for an entire month, family illness +/or death, eviction, watching your grandkids grow up only in pictures, car trouble, inflation, disputes, complaints and jealousy. The turns of progress are also encountered along each step in the voices of worship, disciples growing, giggling kids, kind words, special gifts, big hugs from little ones, healing miracles, visits and long walks on the beach, grandkids and loving prayers.

I have to say I continue to walk a-mazed. A-mazed by God’s generosity in meeting so many brothers and sisters in Christ even if we walk together for just days and then part ways. A-mazed by your love for this common missionary. A-mazed by God’s provision in so many forms. A-mazed by my husband Tim who God has given me to walk with through this mixed up maze. A-mazed that God uses me and you to reach His goal of saving lives. I know this has been a long way around to saying thank you and you are a-mazing to me but the simplest things are not always so simple to express. Again, thank you and Dios los bendiga grandamente.

Needs, Needs and more Needs!!!

God is Good all the time, all the time God is good. With His goodness comes incredible needs to do the mission He has called us to do. This is so true with the ministry at The Door of Hope. We feel that we need to expand ministry here in several different areas but this requires resources that we do not have. We want to plant and to teach growing different crops but this requires having more irrigation water. Thus we need to drill a well and pump water. We want to build a greenhouse to do this as well. Our new clubhouse classroom still needs windows and a door. We need tables and chairs and bookcases. There are a great number of needs but this is a result of ever changing and growing ministry. If you would like to help supply one or more of these needs we would greatly apreciate your help to grow His Kingdom here.

More than Conquerors VBS 2014

80 Kids+15 Puppets+ Capes+ Old Testament Hero=Indescribable Blessing

35 parents came to the closing presentation of VBS 2014 named “More Than Conquerors”. After pre-senting all the helpers and teachers we had a glorious time playing and telling the story of Joseph fol-lowed by the 11 and older group singing the story, 7-10 group danced and sang followed by the young-est ones with an active song. We finished with an all out party declaring I Am Free and Jesus Is My Su-per Hero. We sure hope you enjoy the Photos of the 4 day event. Thank you for making this event pos-sible. The joy was electric when they put on their capes and ran through the orchard.

Blesed in the Unexpected

A youth team from longtime supporting Cumming UMC spent 2 days ministering here at Door of Hope. They blessed us in many ways then invited me to see what they have been doing in the jun-gle. I had never been there and it sounded exciting so I was packed and on the bus with them the next morning. I cannot express how much more Ecuador is than our little corner of the Andes. The diversity, beauty and culture continue to keep me in awe of God’s creativity in loving us. I met (and served with) with some amazing people. I served alongside the youth to pour a foundation at a Christian school run by a missionary family with great vision. The school not only serves the local students but also serves as a base and resource for several public schools and communities. We helped in 2 of the many outreaches of Jungle Kids for Christ, one we reached by a river canoe. I also met with the leaders of the struggling Methodist church there. We are trying to figure out how we can find a way and resources to accompany them in reaching their community. This is when a small bus would allow our Puerta team to be in mission with other Ecuadorian believers. I praise God for His generous heart toward me with this little vision trip to Misahualli which refreshed my spirit. He also reminded me of the great marvel that is Ecuador and the plan He has for the people.

Our new Clubhouse

What began as a bathroom project for children’s ministry that turned into a ministry office that turned into a class-room project is almost complete. Before Kevin and Esther’s wedding over a year ago we started building a bathroom facility adjoining the ministry kitchen. This sum-mer we finally got the roof on the second floor and framed and sided the walls. The walls inside have been var-nished and the outside is to be done soon. We are using this classroom space even before the building is com-plete. This seems to be the case as ministry needs ex-ceed our ability to complete projects. We are still in need of windows and a door. God has provided so far and we are trusting Him to provide the rest of the finances to complete the clubhouse.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

August was a very busy month here with the medical mission, VBS and of course a few earthquakes just to keep us on our toes. Between the first and second week of August we had a series of earthquakes, tremors and aftershocks that gave us all a pretty good shaking. Although some of the earthquakes were pretty severe there were only a couple of fatalities and a few minor injuries reported, very surprising due to the fact that the epicenter was so close to us. One thing that we did have a lot of though was landslides. This in itself is not all that bad except for the fact that the landslides were so big that it has closed the highway that connects our community with Quito as well as one of only three roads that connect the north of Ecuador with Quito. So long story short, is what was about a 40 minute drive to Quito has turned into a 2 1/2 hour drive. Because of this we only go to Quito when we absolutely have to and not many come out to visit us either. As a result of the road closure the community of Guayllabamba has been almost completely isolated because it depended on tourism on the weekends for its businesses so now most of the restaurants have closed and dismissed their employees. Needless to say they are not buying food to cook with so those vendors have lost business as well. As you can imagine the economy of Guayllabamba has been devastated by the earthquakes. The bad news is that the road will be closed for 14 months, the good news is that when it does open it will be four lanes all the way to Quito. Please keep our community in your prayers as we face these trying times. Please pray that all of us affected by these circumstances remain faithfully trusting in God for our care.

Summer of Blessings

June was the start of great visits with some really special friends. As you may have read already we had a visit from Cumming UMC, Cumming GA. Then toward the end of June we were blessed with a special visit from Ted Wasson in advance of the team he was part of from Ooltewah UMC, TN. Ted was a great help in helping to prepare for the arrival of the Ooltewah team. Ted is a true servant of God, we did a lot of things that were not planned, in fact the project he came to help with we never even got to. In spite of best made plans we did get what God had planned done. When the rest of the team from Ooltewah arrived in July we dug ditches, buried drain and water lines, sanded siding boards, poured concrete and built walls. But the best and most productive thing we did was build relationships with the community. Home visits were a big hit and en-joyed by all. It gave our friends from Ooltewah an opportunity to see how the folks in Chaquibamba live and it gave our folks here in an opportunity to bless the folks from Ooltewah.

In August we were blessed by a visit from our son-in-law Rodrigo’s parents Joaquin and Rosy Cruz. They had planned on going to the Dominican Republic for a medical mission trip but it was cancelled so Daina asked them to come to Ecuador. After some time praying they changed plans and came to serve here for 10 days. Joaquin and Rosy made a makeshift clinic out of our office and gave health checkups to all the children that we could round up, all of our youth and a good number of adults. Rosy and Daina also had a mini women’s retreat one Sunday. Joaquin gave a course on first aid and disease prevention. But the best was when we teamed up some of our folks from Door of Hope with Joaquin and Rosy to help in a little community called Chumillos located high in the mountains near us at around 12,000 feet. It is a very small and remote area. I met the pastor of the church there and his father-in-law in a theology class I was leading. So we loaded up in the truck and headed up the hill. Joaquin and Rosy saw about 30 families that day. Our folks from Door of Hope played and ministered to kids and performed our first on the road puppet show. We even made some home visits and health checks. Later in the afternoon we all worshiped together and had a great time minis-tering together. God has so blessed us with ministry partners and family that are so willing to give and bless others. To Him be all the glory.

Good-Bye Summer Leisure

Our summer is shorter and starts and ends later than yours. Our summer was full of movie nights, english classes, extra time with kids and youth, all mixed with the ups and downs of life. By the way the ‘leisure’ part was not our lei-sure, it was intense at times but comfortable for them. Also 5 have been trained as kid’s Bible teachers. With the passing of summer and vacations came some changes. Kevin and Esther moved to their new apartment in Quito which leaves us short handed so we are excited for the addition of Erika Lanchimba as tutor to 4-7 year olds with Compassion International project 162. We are still sifting through some organizational bugs as we have fun seeing some fruit for God’s tree. Please pray with us as we convey and display His great love toward each child and family. We are learning as much as the kids are but mostly we need to help them with critical thinking skills as well as teach them honor. The new clubhouse has allowed us more effective and sane time by working in smaller groups to focus on needs at each age level. Your prayers and financial support are having an impact in this community.

BE PART OF PUERTA

TIM’S VISIT TO THE USA

As many of you know I had the privilege to be in the US to visit with family and friends from Jan.-March. I started out my time at the world gathering of The Mission Society held in FL. There were missionaries from nearly every field The Mission Society is in, about 200 missionaries in all. This was a great opportunity for us to rekindle old friendships and make new ones as well as worship, celebrate and strategize to reach more of the lost and better develop disciples.
After the gathering I traveled to Atlanta, GA and was blessed to have Ed and Susan Sherrell host me in their home while I was in the US. Thank you ever so much Ed and Susan and may God richly bless you both. I was hampered or delayed in making some of my planned visits by severe weather but I managed to get the majority of the scheduled meetings completed. I traveled to churches in several states; South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. I was blessed by so many of you during my visit. I am sorry that I did not get to visit with more of you while traveling but my calendar filled up as quickly as the ice storm froze the roads. It was also amazing spending time with Kelly and our rapidly growing grandkids.
I want to say how much I greatly appreciated the hospitality and love you shared with me. This is confirmation that you are ours and we are yours, you are a vital part of what goes on here at The Door of Hope. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we continue to partner in ministry for the King.

LET’S PLAY SOCCER

The last few months have been filled with joy for the youth program here at Puerta de Esperanza. Last month we organized a soccer tournament with another Compassion project where the youth had a great time playing.
The girls team and the boys team from Puerta de Esperanza came up winners. After the tournament was
over, the youth from both projects played together and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. We are hoping to do another tournament this year to continue building friendships between the projects.

UNITED EASTER SUNDAY CELEBRATION

This year our church was given the honor to host a mountain district united worship celebration for Easter Sunday. This was quite an undertaking for our church as we are still small and young. Only about a month prior to Easter we began preparing by cleaning, building, renting tents and chairs, and purchasing food for the most important celebration of the year.
We lit the brick oven Saturday morning to begin the process of this great celebration and prepared the marinade for the chicken. Sunday morning arrived and just as the scripture says, the ladies arrived early in the morning as the sun rose. They peeled potatoes, cut vegetables, sang and talked. We had a small sunrise service to worship our risen Lord and prepare our hearts for this opportunity to serve in this blessed place.
About 9:30 the first bus arrived full of joy filled worshipers. Busses and cars kept coming until we were full to the brim with about 450 were in attendance. They represented 10 of the 12 mountain churches. As most of you know and those that have been here 450 is a huge crowd for us. We sang, prayed, worshiped and celebrated that Jesus is alive and that he is not among the dead but among the living. Then we ate.
This was a great time to gather together for worship and fellowship. All left very satisfied and full in spirit and full in bellies at about 4 pm. Praise God for His presence and love for each of us.

FEED MY LAMBS

That was Jesus’ command to us so we are getting ready for great things. 6 girls are taking up the challenge to be trained to teach kids by meeting weekly after a few hours of homework. It is exciting stuff and I am so pleased to be able to lead them through it. They are learning to prepare a lesson from any scripture and bring it to life through stories, games, questions, puppets and other activities as well as present the kids with a way to apply a Bible truth in their life. Like I said, it is exciting.
We will be put to a test this weekend as we support an evangelism outreach event with a church about an hour north. We are in charge of the kids’ tent for 6 hours. It certainly will show what God wants to do and hopefully encourage the girls to search out ways to use what they are learning.
Please pray for us and them as we dream big and then get our hands and knees dirty for God’s glory until all have heard that Jesus is LORD.

ON THE MENU AT KIDS CLUB

The miracles of Jesus hit close to home as we watch the amazement in little faces as the stories unfold each week for the past 3 months. We finished with the greatest miracle of Jesus coming back to life and shared how He was the first of many to rise from the dead. Worship times have been especially awesome with some of our youth leading and teaching new songs with a twist of dance moves. Many of them were here to present their moves and voices for the Easter celebration. To God be the glory.
With our smaller group on Thursdays with Compassion sponsored kids, we continue to help with homework and extra lessons in life. Two groups have been working hard while having fun learning English. We sure laugh A LOT! I sure wish we had more time so we could move faster and they had more time to practice. They are doing great. I hope to teach them a song in English next month to sing to a mission team in June.
We continue to serve 3-4 nutritious meals/week to various groups. We made one meal extra special with a dessert made by each child, empty tombs with crackers, caramel and Oreos. They went a bit nuts as each had a very difficult time deciding whether to eat it or take it home because they were so cute and they wanted to share with their moms. Their teachers keep asking what we do here because they have noticed a creativity and enthusiasm among our kids. Our kids shine on the sports field too. They seem to be more creative, athletic and stronger than many of the other kids in their grade. It must be the trips walking to our house as well as the very energetic games we play together. We just pray for them to treat each other as teammates while here at the Door of Hope as well as at school and home.
Thank you all for contributing to the wonderful life we GET TO live out for the Kingdom way up high in the middle of the world with a most amazing group of Ecuadorians.

BRITHANY

It all started at Tuesday night Bible study when someone asked for prayer for a girl in a nearby town who was run over by a truck. Upon further questioning I found out it was a 7 year old who was part of our kids for 4 years until she moved away but many of her cousins are faithful to be with us every week. It was heart breaking as I asked some of her family about the accident. She was not conscious and her parents signed a “not responsible for death” clause with the hospital. This usually means that survival is less than 20% possible.
We lifted up an army of prayer warriors all over the world and prayed fervently for God’s will.
2 weeks later she was well enough for visitors so Esther and I went to find her. By the grace of God they let me in to her room where I met her tearful and thankful mom. I gave Brithany the pile of cards the kids made for her as well as a coloring book and brand new crayons. I explained how we had been praying for her and that it was a miracle she was alive which her mom was well aware of. The doctors had said she could be home in about a month so I told her that pastor Tim would be home in 5 weeks and I wondered who would make it home first. Brithany raised her arm and waved as she choked out through the tubes that she would beat Tim home.
Sure enough 3 weeks later she was released and a few weeks later her uncle brought her to kids club. She still can’t walk but her surgeries have gone well and she is getting stronger each week. The most precious thing was the smiling (overjoyed) response of all the kids when they saw her. It was amazing because the day she came we were talking about Jesus healing a paralytic and reviewing many of His miracles and we all looked at her and understood God’s great love and power to heal. Thanks to all who joined us in praying for our little miracle, I can’t wait to see what God has planned for this little life He saved.

BE PART OF PUERTA

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Door of Hope

FEED MY LAMBS = 40 GRADUATES

40 Sunday school teachers trained and already in action to raise up little disciples of Christ in 25+ churches. For the first
time in Ecuador this new course from FLET was offered to a group of indigenous churches of Pichincha. It took 4 months
meeting twice/month for 6 hours. We began by studying what the Bible says about teaching children, what does a good SS
teacher look like, what are the needs and characteristics of kids at different ages. The course than took us to effective teaching
tools and techniques to be used in developing a 4 point technique to develop any Bible story. Each student had to prepare
and present each of the 4 points to me or Tim and the rest of the class. It was amazing and they learned so much.
One highlight was 10 year old Jenifer who came to every class to help her grandmother who can’t read. They worked together
to learn and added much emotion and attention to all the students. Teaching this course was one of the best and
fruitful things we did this year. I plan to repeat this training with several more groups in the coming year. Pray that these
seeds will produce abundant fruit for the King for many years to come.

BRICKS AND MORTER

Almost 3 months of building brick by brick results in not just a beautiful building but sooo much more.
1. New, improved and larger worship area.
2. Space to divide groups of kids for more effective learning.
3. Better attention without distraction from passers by and late arrivals.
4. No more flying papers and craft supplies.
5. Less cleaning time due to blowing dirt and leaves.
6. Brick oven = fellowship and blessing.
Receive a big shout, hug, and applause from all of us a Puerta de Esperanza and Compassion International EC 162 for all you do to
make improvements possible to grow God’s kingdom.

JOIN WORSHIP AND BAPTISM SERVICE

On the 15th of September we had the privilege at the Door of Hope to host a joint worship service with the Methodist
church of Quinche. We worshipped and celebrated baptisms together followed by a fellowship meal. The Bishop of
the Methodist church who is also the pastor in Quinche, Pastor Silvio Cevallos and myself baptized 24 brothers and sisters
that day. The water was frigid but the hearts were warm. It was a great experience for both congregations to celebrate together
and to grow deeper into relationship with one another. Doubly exciting to celebrate the church’s second anniversary.
What a way to celebrate God’s movement in the Kingdom and His love for each of us.

TIM´S PURSUIT…TO MOW THE GRASS

It all started 2 months ago with “I just want to mow the lawn.” (the entire lawn is still not done) He mowed
with the lawn tractor for 30 minutes when the steering went out so he stopped, took it apart, welded it and was
off again. 20 minutes later the pulley broke so he got the push mower out which has seen better days. He
tuned it up but still didn’t start so he took out the older mower, stripped some of its parts to get one mower
working….nope…3 days later he was at it again after driving 3 hours to get parts. The part for the tractor is the
wrong size but he got the push mower running enough to mow the ministry areas before the Christmas parties.
The grass is getting tall even though we have not had much rain. He then tried to fix the old weed eater
but it did not want to be resurrected either. As you can imagine, this 2.5 acres has consumed several machines
and a good portion of Tim’s patience but we will not give up just yet. And it all started with a noble desire to
cut the grass.
He has also spent countless hours (days and weeks) keeping the overworked truck running. Now you have
heard of a few of the reasons he is always so tired and skinny. At least we have victory in Christ!

TIM TO USA

Once again Tim will be on the move in the USA. His trip will begin in FL for The Mission Society Global
Gathering in mid Jan. He will then base out of the Atlanta area until mid March. Several churches have asked
him to share but there is still room to make your request. Please contact us via email to set up a time to hear
about a first heart account of what God is up to in Ecuador. We are trusting God for new support since the
reality is we have many aging supporters and there are MANY opportunities out there. Daina. Kevin and
Esther will continue ministry in his absence so keep them held up in prayer. The battle rages for the hearts and
minds of kids, youth and adults all over the world—we need your help more than ever.

“Never tire in doing good, for at the proper time you
will reap a harvest if you don’t give up.”

We have had a busy season of teaching, preaching, blessing and building. 4 Christmas celebrations with lots of
new faces and hearts to plant seeds in. We made progress with bathroom walls and an office for Compassion
with a roof which will be the floor for a youth meeting area in 2014. We thank you all for the part you play in
keeping us here to be your hands and feet which will impact eternity. You always ask us what we need so here
are a few things. RAIN, youth room, computer lab, library, a well so we can plant and grow what we serve the
kids 3-4 meals/week, cabinets and storage, cabinetry workshop. I hope that is a good enough wish list in addition
to funding training and discipleship. God is amazing, you are amazing so to God and each of you we say
THANK YOU for allowing us to serve with you.

BE PART OF PUERTA

The Danger in Abundance

Heavy rains make the grass grow—along with it the weeds grow even faster. Be diligent to pluck out the weeds before they take over. Or the job of cleaning the weeds can get so overwhelming that you just learn to enjoy the weeds and forget about the beautiful lawn or flowers. The same is true for us when He showers down His blessing. Are you comfortable?

This has been a great month of ministry in Ecuador for us with lots of exciting things happening. God has been on the move in powerful ways with vacation Bible school, evangelism, visits and preparing God’s people to teach His children.

BIBLE SCHOOL

We started the month with VBS with the help of Dewey and Diane Howard from Ooltewah, TN. , Graham and Sharon Nichols from Ecuador as well as Kevin and Esther from Chaquibamba. Without the help of all of these folks and many others that have not been mentioned we could not have done this. We had about 80+ children each day and we learned how Daniel loved God with all of his heart, mind, strength and soul. We had a lot of fun learning, playing and singing. We closed the four day VBS with a worship celebration with our children and their parents, closing this time with prayers for each family. We give thanks to God for all those who helped, as well as those that continue to sustain us in prayer.

EVANGELISM

Many of you know that our son Kevin is studying at the Nazarene Seminary. One of his classes was evangelism and which required a practical application. The professor and entire class chose to come to Chaquibamba. The afternoon of Friday the 23rd they started making visits to homes in different sectors of our community. They invited many folks to the Jesus Film that they would be presented in the evening in the same volleyball court we began ministry in 6 years ago. We had about 100 folks show up to the movie, some new faces and some old ones. We had a few accept Jesus for the first time. Praise God for these Seminary students and their call to share God’s plan.

VISITS

Many of you know that we were in Monterrey, MX before coming to Ecuador. We made many friends in Monterrey and continue to maintain these friendships. We recently received a visit from some of these friends. Elia Rosas, Marco Antonio and Gabriel were here in Ecuador attending a seminar. They contacted us and asked if they could visit us before returning so I picked them up and we had a great time reminiscing and praying for one another. We have been so blessed to have made many friends that we can call our brothers and sisters in Christ all over this world.

PREPARING GOD’S PEOPLE TO TEACH HIS CHILDREN

As I write this Daina is doing something she loves to do. She has the privilege to teach 50+ how to teach God’s word to children. She is teaching to a group of indigenes Quechan Indians. They represent 20 some churches. What a privilege it is to get to be a part of helping these disciples preparing to make disciples. God is so good, and we have the privilege to be a part of His goodness.

THANK YOU

Thank you so much for your support and your prayers. It is such an honor to be partners with you in ministry here in Ecuador. Please continue to hold us and the ministry God has given us in your prayers.
FRUIT4THEKING, Tim and Daina Datwyler

BE PART OF PUERTA

The Danger in Abundance

Heavy rains make the grass grow—along with it the weeds grow even faster. Be diligent to pluck out the weeds before they take over. Or the job of cleaning the weeds can get so overwhelming that you just learn to enjoy the weeds and forget about the beautiful lawn or flowers. The same is true for us when He showers down His blessing. Are you comfortable?