God’s workers need help when their vehicle won’t start. What does that have to do with ministry?

We had just finished a health expo halfway across Ecuador, and thoughts of home filled our minds as the car sped along the highway. “We won’t make it back to Ibarra tonight,” I told my wife. “Should we look for a hotel in Los Bancos?” 

She nodded thoughtfully. “Doesn’t Brother Jairo Maldonado live somewhere near there? We should stop for a visit.” 

And so, about 20 minutes before reaching Los Bancos, we turned off the highway and bumped along the road to the village of Rio Macas. Only about 160 people live in this village, and the Maldonados were the only Adventists. 

Brother Jairo welcomed us warmly. “Won’t you stay at our house tonight?” The time passed in pleasant fellowship, and when we finally loaded the car the next morning, the village people had already gone out to tend their fields. “So long, until next time!” we called to Brother Jairo’s family as I turned the key in the ignition. Strangely, the car would not start. 

Brother Jairo scratched his head. “I don’t know too much about auto mechanics myself, but I have some friends who might help.” We felt sorry to see the men called in from their morning’s work, but they came smiling to help us get our vehicle started. After about three hours, they had the car running. 

“How kind of them,” Gaby murmured as we pulled away. “What can we do to thank them?” We looked at each other and grinned. “Of course! We can come back and put on a health brigade. Everyone appreciates dental care and massages!” We started making plans right away to bring free medical services to Rio Macas.

In the health outreach that soon took place, we provided medical and dental care, taught about the eight natural remedies, gave instruction on cooking and nutrition, gave massages and haircuts, and even talked to people about family worship. On Sabbath, we held meetings with a spiritual focus.

In all our treatments we used medicinal plants, clay, water, coconut oil and other natural remedies. In our health talks, we made the eight health laws practical. We handed out glasses of water, had everyone sunbathe, and practiced adequate breathing with them. We held a mini physical education class where everyone got some exercise, and in the cooking workshop, we taught how to make a proper breakfast, lunch and dinner, practicing temperance. To emphasize the importance of trust in God, we held worship every afternoon after the health activities. 

God led us to Rio Macas and allowed us to need help so that we would be moved to offer help in return. Then, through our health outreach, God opened people’s hearts to invite us into their homes for Bible study. At the health expo’s close, a Bible worker stayed in the village to follow up and visit people in their homes. Four families in Rio Macas now worship together on the Sabbath to continue learning about Christ and His gospel. 

It is amazing how God works things out! The car wouldn’t start—and that became a providential appointment. Please pray for the people in Rio Macas to continue to grow in their knowledge of God and their commitment to Him!  

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Location
Ecuador

Author
Fernando Endara is the co-director of the health brigade ministry in Ecuador.

How You Can Help
Pray for Dr. Gaby and Fernando as they use the health message to be the entering wedge in their communities. 

Pray for the village of Rio Macas and the four families who are being taught the Three Angels’ Messages! 

Give. To help reach other souls through the health message, mark your donations “Ecuador Evangelism” and send to: 

Mission Projects International 
PO Box 237 
Kirksville, MO 63501

To give securely online, visit:
www.missionspro.org/donate

Thank you! Your gifts sustain three full-time Bible workers who are bringing God’s last warning to the people in northern Ecuador. Thank you so much for your support of these workers!