CREATIVITY AT WORK
from sketches to masterpieces
There is a seat at the table for you
“There is a seat at the table for you.”
I think that is a universal desire. To belong, to be included. To feel special in the eyes of our Father.
In Ecuador, oftentimes we are faced with heartbreaking images. We may be traveling in an Uber and happen to look over to see something that will stay with us and even haunt us for days. There is one particular situation of a street man that will stay with me always, I think.
The test we face consistently is to believe that God’s goodness and mercy is enough for all. Why is it a test and a challenge? Because when we speak that truth, we have to own it, believe it, and then powerfully say it. There is a huge gap of poverty and affluence here, like in many places. But sometimes the contrast is jarring.
Recently, we had a few workshops for women entrepreneurs. They already had small business endeavors that were jump-started by a small loan from the ministry, Pan De Vida. They make their product and sell it on the street. My missionary friend, Sylvia, said the average wage is about $5/week.
I couldn’t wrap my mind around it.
It was our third workshop and it was presented as adding a skill set to their business. We taught them painted paper and collage techniques that can be used to create greeting cards. The part that excited them was that these cards would potentially be bought in-house and sent to Austria to be sold to the believers there that had supported Sylvia and her family. It is to be a full circle of love.
During the hours we spent together, the women realized that they relaxed and began to develop community, not competition, with each other. Many Ecuadorians (nationals) and Venezuelans (migrants) don’t get along.
But one of them said, “I forget about my problems when I am being creative.” and another said, “I can feel the Holy Spirit when I am making these cards.”
Our time with them came to an end, and many of them asked when our next workshop will be. We were so humbled by their amazing ability and I really feel that each one has something valuable to teach the others.
I struggled, wondering if these cards could actually help them overcome poverty. It was overwhelming and a wave of doubt was looming. One of the ladies showed me a unique skill she had in making gigantic paper flowers but she had stopped when she came to Ecuador from Venezuela because no one was interested in what she had to offer. She makes some really amazing bread now, but I encouraged her to not give up.
I was stirred by the idea of how many times these women hear the word, “no.”
So I began to speak to them about collecting as many “no’s” as they could with joy because in the midst of them would be a “yes” that could make all the difference. Who knew I could give them business ideas?
Then I said, “There is a Yes for you. There is a way for you to provide for your family, do you want to know how I know? Because you have breath in your lungs and that means that God has a plan!”
I hope I don’t sound too sentimental, but I began to have chills run through my body at that statement. The scripture says that “surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” I bet it’s harder for some of us to believe than for others, but I could tell that these women took a hold of it for dear life and we are so grateful for the opportunity and privilege to share it here in Ecuador.
Thank you so much for your support,
Nancy & Freedom Rodriguez
The Minga
I Was There
Think about the stories that were told to you by your elders, or by your friends. It causes an intensified interest if the person says, "I was there when it happened." Now you begin to formulate more questions about the event because you have someone that can give a personal account of what they saw, how they felt, and how it changed them.
Truth be told, there were times when we have asked ourselves, "why go?" Typically, there is not an upgrade to your career when God calls you to go to a foreign place. It is difficult to find programs or seminars that will tell you to sell or give away most of your belongings to start over.
What did we have to rely on for this to be a worthy venture?
The Calling
We are called to spread the Gospel like honey over warm bread so that others may taste and see that the Lord is good. I use that analogy because the first step in reaching people is to truly love and appreciate them before you even share anything. You will feel God's joy over them like warm bread and then you are able to share His heart, sweet as honey.
And we are called to do that in different ways and in different places. Your physical position is important because your spiritual position is so great. I love the story of Jacob at Bethel. He struggled for a blessing that was already his inheritance through Abraham. He ran from his own attempts to receive the blessing, having stolen it from his brother. And finally, he was in the middle of nowhere with only a rock to lay his head. A rock! Just like our own efforts sometimes bring us to a standstill or a hard place. And yet Jacobs's position in the Living God had not changed.
A dream and a vision revealed a flow of blessing coming and going from heaven to earth. Not only was his identity renewed and solidified, but the place of struggle also became a portal known as Bethel, House of God. That hard rock became the foundation for blessing. It became a pillar blessed with the oil of the Holy Spirit. It's as though the physical and spiritual position became intertwined, the calling and inheritance solidifiedThink about the place where you are, your city, and your sphere of influence. Those are so intentionally chosen by your Heavenly Father.
The Minga
And so, here we are in Ecuador. We are positioned here, adapting to and experiencing this new, in many ways, foreign space, while not forgetting that we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places. Our senses are heightened when we meet new people.
Recently, as you may know, there was a natural disaster here. A landslide that claimed 28 lives. Many still missing. We helped out one day, shoveling alongside groups from YWAM and Quito House of Prayer. Personally, our efforts were a drop in a bucket. The mud was still sliding and constant and it was overwhelming. But we were there. And many of you prayed.
We worked on just the outskirts of ground zero. Here’s a BBC video to help you visualize it better: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-latin-america-60230560
On the Saturday after the disaster, literally, thousands of vesinos (neighbors) conducted a Minga, which means ‘a work.’ But what this word looks like in action is neighbors coming out together to clean a place and make it better. It was a common thing before the Pandemic. Perhaps one person can create little outcome, but thousands are able to make a big difference. And so, many people have bought their boots and shovels and they picked their place to pour their blessing. What a beautiful picture of love and service in the midst of the surrounding darkness and pain.
And we can tell you the story because although several kilometers away, "we were there to see it happen."
Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it .' He was afraid and said, ' How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.' Genesis 28: 16-19
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96:3
Thank you for your support and prayers.
Freedom & Nancy
A Purple Shamrock
It was on a difficult day that I found it. It was in the early days of our arrival and I had been frustrated with the not-knowing. Not knowing how to get somewhere easily, not understanding my current location, and the various streets you can take. The GPS arrow spinning as though it were on a pinwheel and not helping me at all. My husband Freedom had been away tying loose ends in the States and it was just the kids and me for about three weeks. I was feeling the weight of having to answer all the questions the kids had, with no one to consult. Well, without Freedom to consult and disagree with. We love disagreeing and the challenge of making our debatable points. Needless to say, I missed him.
I was weary and trying to get us home after a disappointing excursion because I kept getting confused trying to read the GPS. (Let me just say that using the GPS while walking is extremely slow, especially when you go in the wrong direction and you can’t tell because the arrow barely moves and doesn’t always point correctly.) It was bright and sunny in Ecuador. The equatorial position provides that direct sunbeam that burns you without you being aware but also excites and energizes you because you are never too hot. I must have been peering down at my phone trying to see the screen, whose light is no match for the daylight surrounding us. In my earnest attempts and in my frustration I looked down and my eyes lingered on a line, a crack in the sidewalk. There were several cracks and patches of grass trying to defy the density of concrete but something caught my eye. Were they clovers? There was something uncommon about them.
Suddenly, I forgot everything and became a child. “What are you doing here?” My kids looked down trying to understand why I was now crouching and talking to the sidewalk. I am very much in the habit of stopping to wonder and stare at something long enough to embarrass my family. “Look! This is a beautiful plant. It’s not supposed to be here. It will get trampled.”
It was a Purple Shamrock.
The tiny triangles were just starting to form, their stems so thin and fragile. I’ve only seen them in a pot so I wondered how they got themselves in this high-traffic, unsuitable place. “We have to save it, it doesn’t belong here.” I took out whatever I could find from my bag - a napkin and a small plastic bag. Kayla helped me pluck the purple clovers out and we found our way home to plant it. Not all its stems survived but some did and still others began emerging looking delicate for only a day or so before becoming strong unfurling their deep-colored, triangular leaves.
When I look at the plant now, it reminds me of that frustrating moment that turned out to be life-giving. I can’t help but wonder about some of the stories we’ve heard in our weekly Education = Hope meetings. Stories of kids who simply can’t learn at home because they have one phone for remote classes and they have to share it with several siblings. I’ve heard stories of kids who can’t go to school because, although school is free, uniforms, books, food, and transportation are not. I think of the hardness of life and the lack of resources that puts people in even harder situations that they can’t get out of. Looking at the now thriving plant reminds me to stop and notice a person or a detail. I remember that our small, nourishing acts can help someone else in a big way.
We’ve met people here, missionaries, that embody this act of plucking out and literally changing someone’s destiny. They pluck out the difficulty of not being able to afford to go to school, they pluck out the barrier of not having enough technology to support learning. They opened tutoring sessions where kids can come to use computers and have wifi. They have even plucked boys and girls or men and women off the streets and off of enslaving acts so that they can have hope and training for their future. They have left their home, or even their careers to follow this missional calling. They have, even through personal frustrations, stopped long enough to see the cracks that are choking, binding, and blinding. Over time and through ups and downs the people they serve have begun to unfurl their hopes and believe that God is real and that they matter to Him. What’s even more exciting is how each missionary or family of missionaries represents a great cloud of witnesses supporting them back in their hometowns. This is the body of Christ literally reaching out from one nation to another just how the Father designed it.
The great news is that God is faithful to put small wildflowers or lilies in your path. I hope you find time to quiet yourself, even in frustrating moments, to listen and to see. Remember that it is sometimes a small nourishing act that can help someone in need. Even someone who seems fine might need help plucking out the lies swirling in their head.
Thank you for helping us serve in this way,
Nancy Rodriguez
A Few of My Favorite Things
It’s funny how time flies, but while the time is flying, it is also going by really slow. Adjusting to a completely new environment has felt like time is crawling and yet flying to the point that we are still working on Freedom’s visa and we only have about a week before his tourist visa runs out. Also, I have to go to the Civil Registry office possibly for the 8th time to get my ID card again because now it has to say “married” on it and to “legalize” the marriage registry because that couldn’t be done at the time of registry, and a couple of other things that require separate visits and “turnos.”
And yet, it is Christmas time already… and we don’t have a tree. It’s pretty funny actually because we know exactly where to find the natural trees that we like. But when you don’t have a car you kind of make an account of where you have to go and you budget your walking/energy output, add the taxis or buses you have to take, factor in how interested your kids will be in the venture and you opt to do other, more important or more-interesting-to-your-kids things. And so we have a garland with berries and wooden flowers for decorations this year. Wooden flowers are these seed pods that come from a Cedrela tree and it’s similar to decorating with pine cones. I’m pretty sure next year we will be better prepared as far as decorating goes. The really great thing is that our kids don’t mind. That is pretty different for them and I’m thankful. I think this year, we are all more focused on meeting people, finding new places, and exploring new favorite things. This was the advice my missionary friend gave me, “find new favorite things so you will be less homesick.” Great advice. Reminds me of a song in The Sound of Music…
“I simply remember my favorite things,
and then I don’t feel so sad.”
We have been able to find many new favorite things and people. In fact, we are excited to begin a new year working in collaboration with Youth World and Education Equals Hope (e=h). Already, we are fans of this organization and the masterminds that put it together. The outlook on short-term mission teams that will come to do ministry in the Spring alone has given us plenty to plan for. There will be eight teams from February - April and we are starting to dream about how we can assist them to reach the community they are helping. Also, we will assist in team-building art sessions with these young missionaries. I love it because the teams are half Ecuadorian and half American which is also a way to collaborate, learn a new language and step outside comfort zones.
As for our weekly activities, we are putting together a schedule of which ministry sites we are going to be visiting for after-school art sessions. These sessions will enrich their already existing tutoring sessions with art education. Over the years e=h has developed relationships with various churches in impoverished neighborhoods in order to fuel them with resources to reach their own communities. These are called ministry sites and they are located in different regions, even as far as the jungle communities. We look forward to discovering where we fit in best.
I think the best news is our new favorite place: English Fellowship Church. We sure miss our home church in Georgia, but we are very thankful for what EFC has brought to our family. At first, I thought we must attend an Ecuadorian church in Spanish. We must immerse ourselves in the culture and language. In fact, we found one that was young, hip, and with amazing worship. But we saw a change in our kids each time we visited EFC. The church is simple, nothing fancy at all. Not the sound system, lights, or sounds we are used to.
And yet, our kids have really enjoyed the youth and kids ministry. Without any bells or whistles, this church has been able to reach our kids. It’s such a gift to see them happily go to their activities. But EFC is also unique because it is a church for the international community. There are Chinese bible studies, groups for the Arabic community, a Quechua service, and a Spanish service. The service in English is special too because it is a community of Ecuadorians practicing English, missionaries, ex-pats working here, or anybody passing through on a visit.
There is a vibrant homeschool teen night stemming from this church that meets every other week. Usually, we can find a ride for Jonathan, but if we are volunteering, it takes two hours, three buses, or $20 Uber rides. That’s one way. We usually do a bus/Uber combo. But it’s one of those things…
“We should really go and buy a Christmas tree, but we have teen night this week. Yeah! Let’s do teen night. Besides, there’s plenty of time to get a tree, right?”
The cherry on top of our favorite things is the handmade cards. A month ago, we led a card-making workshop to give a small group of people ideas on what to sell in a market. Being that we are not very craft-oriented, (some artists aren’t great at crafting, it’s true) we weren’t sure what to expect. But several in the group really made some beautiful designs. Far better than my examples. It just goes to show, sometimes all you need is resources and an idea.
Other favorite things include:
Finding the art district in Quito, La Floresta
Seeing our son Jonathan light up when he finds a new mural or sees his favorite graffiti artist’s work
Hearing our daughter Kayla’s new poems
Mora (blackberry). Mora anything. (juice, yogurt, or jelly)
Biscochitos- they are a crunchy, buttery, biscuit you eat with caramel or mora jelly.
The mountains and the skies that go with it.
The little girl down the street, who sits in a wheelbarrow while her mother sells fruit. Heart-wrenching and beautiful.
We hope this season is filled with a few of your favorite things. Savor them and breathe them in because that’s what really fills you up with a beautiful life. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
The Rodriguez Family serving in Ecuador
2020 Vision Refocus
Photo @iahuh
As we prepared our hearts and lives to move to Ecuador for the purpose of ministry we had only a telescopic (long-range) vision. We had some experience serving families overseas but only short term. Now that we are actually living in Ecuador, submerged in its culture and society, we have more of a microscopic (close-range) vision. Originally we had planned on moving in 2020 but we all know what happened that year and what is still altering our lives. We had a whole year to clear the debris from the lens and refocus. We wanted to make sure our vision and heart were on the right path. And we knew that our paths were leading us towards Jesus in the face of those most marginalized, at-risk, victimized, or hindered by poverty.
The calling and great task ahead of us, now that we see the need more closely, is to serve through art and education so that the least privileged can rise above in every way. ~Freedom
Why Art & Education
We believe art and the creative process cultivate the talents within. It’s a way to discover and develop what we are passionate about and what God has created us for. As we create outwardly we transform inwardly. As we make tangible what we envision intangibly we practice what it means to hope. And we build problem-solving skills and talents that could open up encouraging opportunities.
While art inspires, education empowers. Guiding and mentoring through difficult educational problems builds up the muscle to overcome. Also having the resources that make learning fun and accessible gives hope for those struggling. And that’s what we are called to do, to serve through art and education so that the least privileged can rise above in every way.
An Opportunity to Make a Difference
This year through our creative box ministry Gallery of Young Artists, we want to provide art & educational supplies to kids in need. We’re inviting you to this opportunity and you don’t have to supply boxes like Operation Christmas Child. All you would have to do is sponsor a box for $20. We will locally supply the boxes with the art and educational materials the children will need and love! If you’re interested in this effort, click on the button below.
Thank you for your love and generosity,
Freedom & Nancy Rodriguez
"Joined and Held Together"
Hello Friends,
We are now in Ecuador! And it’s so exciting and encouraging to know that you are behind us in prayer and support. Thank you so much for mobilizing us to be the hands and feet of Jesus! I'm reminded of Ephesians 4 where Paul mentions how we grow in maturity as the body of Christ. In verse 16 he explains that "from Him [Jesus], the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." And we truly feel the love and growth of His work in you and in us. So thank you, thank you, thank you.
A quick update on our transition—although it's been hard at times there are many things working out well. For example, Nancy has some family here that are helping with the ‘tramites’ (tra-mee-tes) of getting us settled. This is huge for a smoother transition. Things take much longer to get done here and grace and patience are required.
After the bulk of the transitional work to get here, we needed some rest. Here are some pictures from our time in Florida before we left and in Ecuador when we arrived. Most of these pictures are in Mindo, a beautiful place I would like to take anyone who wants to visit.
As far as ministry goes. We plan to get well acquainted with the local churches and culture to better understand where and how we could serve. We prayed and felt it wise not to jump in right away. Instead, we want to build friendships and community. So it may take some time before we share ministry pics, but we’ll be supporting already established ministries and updating you about that in the coming months. That’s it for now. Please continue praying with us and thanks again for your partnership!
More local pictures to come.
Freedom & Nancy Rodriguez
The place where you live matters.
The Rodriguez family
The place where you live matters. It didn’t escape God’s care to orchestrate the circles around you. Take time to think about the people that you know and see regularly. The lilies that grow quietly around you over time. God cares about who you know and talk to. You add beauty and depth to their life. Paul understood this concept when he wrote about visiting churches in person and having a spiritual gift exchange.
When I think about the places where I’ve lived I realize that I would never have met some people had I stayed in my place of origin. And I’ve learned so much along the way. If you are fortunate to live out your years in the same house or town then you have rich ground with deep roots. Some of us are more like dandelion seeds which are carried along by the wind.
Recently, we rented out our home to fellow believers who are now part of our story. We have been in transition for a few weeks since, trying to consolidate items in our storage unit. There have been so many people along the way who have helped us get our home ready, or opened up their homes to us, and welcomed us by providing a meal or two while we continue to get things in order. We will end our time in the States visiting my parents and a few friends in South Florida but let me tell you about some heroes that rescued us from overwhelm.
Friends like Neil and Jennifer helped us paint the endless brown trim, Freedom’s brother and his wife opened up their home, Herb and Michelle also opened their doors and let us use their basement for two weeks. Kimberly and Ryan cooked a couple of meals and prayed for us with tears, Amy shared DIY sushi with a side of inspiration and encouragement. Then there is Saul. Saul is our neighbor. He has blessed us in so many ways. He would come over and share his carpentry skills while he disciples us in the faith. He crafted several items in our home, cut our grass once when we weren’t looking(ninja), and helped us haul oversized items. I asked him if he was an angel several times.
Most of these days are spent saying goodbye to many things and people. I joke that after I gave away half of my shoes, everything else was a little easier to get rid of. But it’s the people that you carry with you everywhere you go. The times you shared and the gift exchange that keeps giving.
Let’s talk about that gift exchange. It’s often imperceptible. It comes from the refreshment that we have brought to each other over the years. It’s small, sweet moments that build an abundant life.
Pretty soon we will be in an airplane and the doors will open to New.
New people. New church. New gifts to give and receive. It’s been the recurring message that it will be joyful. Freedom, with his long-time dream of being a minister through the arts, will be unleashed. It’s no wonder lately that his spirit hears the words, “pick up your mat and walk.” As long as I’ve known him he has longed and he has waited. He has even said, “Take this cup from me.” I look forward to seeing him in action. I will be by his side with two of our three children following his lead and helping to carry the dream forward as we serve in Ecuador.
Prayer points and updates:
Pray for our travels as we anticipate lugging around two large suitcases, one carry-on, and a personal bag...each. That’s twelve heavy items.
Opportunities to supplement our support with graphic design freelance.
Our family traveling without our dog for now due to Covid restrictions on live animals.
Our kids as they adjust.
Praise:
Our apartment in Ecuador is getting ready. There will be some renovations happening in the kitchen while we are there but, by now we are pros at transitions.
Our twentieth wedding anniversary! What joy!
The support from my extended family as they are eager to welcome us.
The End and the Beginning
Think about the times when you knew one thing came to an end so that another could have its beginning. There's usually an odd feeling. Like the expanse of excitement and also a quiet spacious sadness. Perhaps it's the space that opens up as you pack things away. The hollow sounds begin to echo in your home.
We are just weeks away from starting anew in Quito, Ecuador. Our house is being emptied to make room for our renters. We will spend the rest of our stay here with friends and family. And then...
And then we begin again. From one almost empty space to another. Yet it will be full. Full of different sounds and smells. A sky full with the contours of gigantic mountains. Languages streaming out mostly in Spanish and Quechua.
It will start off awkwardly, I'm sure. As most new places do. It will be uncomfortable for some time, especially since we are just taking clothing, books, and art supplies. Small things will take massive amounts of energy to accomplish. Like food shopping, or getting from point A to B.
I happen to know this because I have had massive moves in my life. In fact, I will feel like a foreigner in my own country simply because my first massive move happened when I left Ecuador for New York at five years old.
It's so amazing when you finally adjust to a place. When you feel powerful enough to maneuver your way around without a thought. I will miss that feeling. I will miss the people that I have come to know. But at one time this place was new, and the city was new, and I was humbled by not knowing much about it.
But God has made a promise.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Wherever we go He is with us and we go to Him. From Him to Him. And that means that we will find people to love and serve. And they will become a part of us just like the people we've met along the way from South Florida, to Arkansas, to Georgia, and not forgetting New York.
The best part of all this is that we are going with a team. The fact that we are able to go means that God has sent people to partner with our mission. If you are a partner with us, then we are not alone. We may tremble in our shyness, feel vulnerably incapable of expressing deep thoughts in Spanish, and we might need to pray for courage. But you are with us and God has a plan of glory.
Details:
We are waiting for our paperwork to come in the mail with a golden seal of approval called an apostille.
Our oldest son, Joshua, is now in college at Georgia Southern University.
We will be visiting with family so that our renters can move into our home. We have two renters as we were able to build an apartment in our basement.
We are continuing to raise support and believe that God has handpicked individuals and families to adopt us in prayer and financial contributions.
Prayer Needs:
For our kids to have a graceful adjustment period.
Full funding to support the work God is doing through us.
Favor with Ecuadorian ministries that have expressed interest in ArtServe programs.
Logistics - when and how to manage all the moving pieces (no pun intended) of moving a family abroad.
Health and safety. We are still going through a pandemic. But also that we would be able to manage our stress well. We have experienced some strain in our bodies as we are figuring so many things out.
Please consider partnering with us as do God’s work in Ecuador!
Summer Camps 2021 Review
Three Camps in one month!
When we first planned for camps months ago, we thought it was crazy but we knew that we wanted to give kids an art experience before we moved to Ecuador. And it was crazy. But on the last day of the third camp, we had so much joy in our hearts and gratitude for the kids that we got to spend time with. We knew it was worth it.
We started out with all the energy to collect cardboard from local businesses so we could attempt a giant geodome for Architecture Camp. Freedom just had to attempt something huge that the kids would remember. And it was almost a success!
This camp was also so much fun because the kids felt so much maker-energy and, with hot glue handy, they made building structures, a corner of a room, and a collage of Marietta. We looked at amazing architecture and sculptures around the world, ancient and modern. Our desire was to integrate the idea that God has a city and we are looking forward to seeing it one day.
For he (Abraham) was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10
Nature camp was all about craftsmanship and we used many natural materials to create a nature collage, a hiking stick, and a bug hotel. I have to say that the highlight of this camp was the hiking stick. God was gracious to provide local resources again.
We took a walk to our nearby park and, to our surprise, we saw a neat pile of myrtle tree branches left behind in a wooded place from Spring’s pruning. It was perfect! Then we went to the park’s bamboo forest to collect bamboo sticks for our bug hotels. These two projects were our most successful. We did worry a little about what glue would work, how the kids were going to debark the branches, and would we have enough time to flatten leaves and flowers? In the end, everything was perfect and thanks to Gorilla hot glue sticks, nothing fell apart. The bug hotels looked amazing with bamboo segments, moss, garden animal figures, and seashells. The hiking sticks looked professional! They were stripped with dollar store vegetable peelers. I thought it was a miracle that only two peelers broke in the process. Our favorite time was sitting outside with them as they peeled, sanded, painted, and carved into their hiking sticks with metal files.
Our final camp, to me, was the best way to wrap up our camps. We didn’t know what God would do in our hearts as we planned, months earlier, but it made perfect sense to end this way. Some of our campers have come to us each year and have literally grown up before our eyes. As I planned for the Around the World Mix Media Camp, I became inspired by folk art from people of different countries.
Our projects included inspiration from Mexican motifs, African textiles, and rain sticks which are found in many countries. But the message God had for us was The Great Commission. Our projects had a purpose: To love the people of this world and to be inspired to share that love. We became living examples to the kids as we shared that we were being called to move to a new country to learn about the people, love them, and share the Gospel.
We told them how much we wanted to provide these fun activities to kids, youth, and families in places where they have never had art camps before.
In the end, our minds and bodies were pretty exhausted, but our faith had grown. Some projects were a great success and others were not as we imagined but what was consistent was the joy and energy that kids infused in their creations. And the best part was how God was at the center of it all, how He provided, and the kids. The kids' love and creativity just give us such a boost of faith that we are on the right track.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation Mark 16:15
Thank you to all parents and those who supported these camps.
THE CALL
We’re moving to Ecuador!
by Nancy Rodriguez
For Freedom and I, the idea of doing missions work has always been a part of our Christian walk. Even before we were married, we have known that we were to be in missions, on mission, and have a ministry to fulfill. To add to that, God has frequently led us to some of the dearest people, who have had some experience in another country in the mission field, usually as missionary kids who are now adults.
For some time, we thought it would be Africa, later Spain. Life had many twists and turns and the missional calling seemed to be put on hold. Of course, the world is our mission field right where we are and we are to be a light to those around us, even in our own homes. But we just knew that God had a cross-cultural, overseas calling for us.
Isn’t it funny when God shows you your calling in an instant, but then it takes practically a lifetime for you to fulfill it? I guess it’s not that weird when you realize that it happened to Moses, Joseph, and even Jesus.
Considering that, I guess it seems perfectly fine that this journey has taken us about twenty years. I know that we will always feel the calling onward until we reach our eternal rest, but as you’ve probably heard from other missionaries, you just know when it’s happening now.
We are moving our family to Ecuador! There is anticipation, preparedness, and just a great deal of faith that wasn’t there before. There is energy in our steps, direction, and a steadfast focus. God has prepared a place for us once we get there, lovely people to rent our home in Georgia, and we have a community of church leaders and missionaries ready to welcome us. This is really happening!
WHAT'S NEXT:
I think of the fish from Finding Nemo who were so determined to get to the sea, and then asking, “now what?” once they arrived. While that makes me chuckle, I know that culture shock is real and it’s very disorienting to be in a completely new cultural environment. This isn’t for the faint of heart, not the best career plan, and yet… And yet there is a new faith to walk in, a new place to usher in His kingdom, a new community of people to embrace.
It’s undeniable. For many years I longed for God to tell me specifically where and when otherwise I would not move. It’s different now. I’ve learned that you make a move and then you know. You just know.
One day during Sunday service it felt like God supernaturally made time slow down. I knew the song but had never noticed this phrase:
“If the wind goes where You send it, so will I”
It tore me up, and I knew. I knew why my husband was laboring in prayer for so many years. He even said many times, “take this calling away,” not because he was unwilling, but because the calling was so strong, and yet so far away. So far away, so many years ago, and yet the time is now and it is at hand.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Please consider committing us to your prayers and donating. No amount is too small but we do prefer monthly commitments. We need to be surrounded by a loving cloud of witnesses. If you already support us in any way or have in the past, thank you! You give us courage and hope in what's to come. With God’s help and support from our community, we are hoping to leave in September.