Cuenca, Ecuador-07

e3cuenca07

2007-09-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

GREAT WEEK

2007-09-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great week in Cuenca, Ecuador. Here are some stats from last week. Thank you for your prayers.

25 North Americans, 2 Peruvians, 23 translators and a host of Ecuadorians lead 520 people to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 12 new cell group churches were also established. We had the opportunity to visit and strengthen 4 churches that were begun in March of this year.

We meet a new friend, Toby Travis who is an illusionist. Toby went into schools and military bases. His show as seen by over 6000 during the week. Many of those who witnessed his illusions also accepted Christ as Savior.

Diego, our national coordinator for E3 was given the opportunity to preach to the staff of our hotel one evening. 13 of the hotel staff have their hearts to Jesus.

Our team came home tired but changed forever. Please feel free to contact me or any of our team members for more stories.

by Sam Neugent

A Sweet Reunion

2007-09-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

Seated is Mercedes, a sweet Indian lady I meet in March of this year. The look on her face when Sheila and I came up to her house was priceless. We work with a Baptist pastor in Paute who took us to plant a new church in Lazul where Mercedes lives. Our hearts were broken when we arrived in Paute to find out the Catholic priest had gone to all the families in Lazul and Dug Dug and told them that we lied to them and not to ever speak to us again. They stopped allowing Pastor Richard to come to their homes two months after the last campaign. Truthfully he did not want to go back because of this. After a couple of days of coaching, we went back. The people in the village smiled from one ear to the other. Mercedes daughter said, "you are truly a Christian, I want to trust in Your God, it is my desire to change my religious beliefs. I DO WANT Pastor Richard to come and disciple me". The strongholds on this village are being broken down. Please pray for Pastor Richard and his leaders as they TAKE BACK Lazul and Dug Dug.

by Sam Neugent

Hungry For The Word

2007-09-07T03:53:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday afternoon as we prepared for a cell group meeting Jennifer ask me to go get her a coke and a water. I walked across the street to a little store and the man there ask me why we were here. I told him we were sharing about Jesus and his love. Jose ask me If I would tell him about Jesus and I said no I was to busy (haha NOT) I told him I would love to so I went and got my bible and cube and went to share with him. He invited me into his store and we sat in the floor and shared. I did the cube to Jose, His wife, daughter and a friend. We went thru the cube and got to decision time and all four said yes we want JESUS. (I am so overwhelmed GOD chooses to you me to do his work like this.) We started Discipleship lesson one right then with the entire family and had a spell (as Bro Mike calls it) We returned the next day to do more lessons and fellowship. It was getting late and we had a hour ride back to the hotel so we were trying to wrap things up but Jose kept saying do one more question over and over. He is so hungry for the word and he knows GOD has a plan for his life know. We give them a small New Testament bible but Jennifer and I knew he needed all of Gods word. We were able to go get him a complete study bible so he can grow in Gods word. Wow GOD IS GOOD

by Paul Colburn

Grammy, In Her Element

2007-09-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

Grammy (Sheila) is in her element loving the babies in Paute, Ecuador. This is Sheila's first foreign mission trip and she is having a blast! She had some concern about flying and being out of her element so God in His own way gave her some babies to hold in our village of Paute. It has been a real pleasure to have two of my family along on this trip. God is blessing our efforts. A report of the week will follow soon.

by Sam Neugent

God's Trophy of Grace

2007-09-07T03:20:00.000-07:00

Each trip I ask God to show me at least one trophy of His grace. A special person who truly accepts the Lord and desires to follow Him daily. Maria, seated to the left, is one such person. She is a wife and mother of two children. One child, Steven, age 3 (pictured above) is a special needs child. Her husband must work exteme hours to make enough money to provide for his family and medical needs. He is away 14 days at a time in another city working and can only come home 4 days. Maria had such a hunger for God's Word. She allowed us to come and disciple her every day. On Wednesday, her husband Freddy came home. Maria invited us to come and meet him. He said that he had always wanted someone to tell him about Jesus and His salvation. God had already done the work of calling his name. Freddy heard God's voice and was ready. This young couple face difficult days with Steven. Please pray for them as they grow in Christ, for Steven's health and for Maria as she gets so lonely when Freddy is away.

by Sam Neugent

God Answers Prayers

2007-09-07T03:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a week it has been here in Ecuador. This trip has been the most challenging BUT the most rewarding. God has tested me in ways I was not prepared for BUT he has blessed me in ways I can not put into words. I think I have experienced every emotion possible this week sadness, FEAR, excitement and JOY never ending. When I was here in March Jennifer and I visited and man named Carlos. We shared the cube and how Jesus had changed our lives but he told us he did not believe in heaven or hell. We had a very long conversation but his heart was very hard. We ended the visit and ask if we could pray for his and he said OK. We prayed and as we finished up Jennifer handed me a little encouragement not to give him to remind him Jesus loved him. Jennifer and I told him we were going to pray for him after we got home and told him we would never forget him. I had ask the church family to pray for Carlos after returning for God to change his heart. When I got ready to return I wanted to bring something to Carlos to let him know I did not forget about him. I got a picture frame and put a picture of he and I in it and brought it to him. We went to visit Carlos but he was in a hurry he was going to Quito to have knee surgery and said for us to come back later this week. Wednesday we were headed to our mother church to go see Carlos and when we rounded the corner he was standing on the corner of his street. We met with him and sat down with him in his home and begin talking. Carlos told me had had been thinking about us and he thought we were not coming to see him. He told us he was about to leave for the night right as we pulled up. Carlos and I sat in the floor for almost a hour just talking and I ask him why he thought I came back to see him. I shared with him the impact he had on Jennifer and I and that we loved him. We were having a great conversation and I knew it was time to ask him the important question. I am really not sure what I said to Carlos. What I do know is GOD was speaking through me like never before. I ask Carlos if he wanted to have Jesus in his heart and eternal life in heaven he said YES. I am not sure but I may have levitated for a few seconds as we prayed the sinners prayer. Carlos told me how touched he was we cared enough to come back to see him. I know GOD never gave up on Carlos and If we had he may have never accepted Jesus. Jennifer and I have been so blessed this week to be used by GOD and our lives have been forever changed by Gods Hands. Thank you so much church family for your prayers and support you helped make this possible.

by Paul Colburn

First convert

2007-09-07T03:06:00.000-07:00

Maria cannot read or write. She was very intimidated to use the cube or tract. Sara, my translator was busy answering the questions of three women. That left Maria and I to talk with a woman who walked up off the street. Maria presented the cube then I read the sinners prayer with the woman in Spanish and repeating after Maria. Tears were streaming down my face as I watched Maria share, pray and lead someone to Christ for the first time.

by Carrie Davis

Feed my COWS?

2007-09-07T02:55:00.000-07:00

Johnny and I had the opportunity to minister to one of the Christian women who was evangelizing in the community. She wanted to go out and work with us but she needed to feed her cows. So Johnny and I offered to help her feed the animals instead of taking a siesta. What a wonderful adventure. "Farmer John" was a big hit! Maria was thrilled for us to work with her helping where we were able. she said we were such a blessing, but we were the ones truly blessed.

by Carrie Davis

Former Jehovah Witness, now a sister in Christ!

2007-09-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Delia (far right) lives in Sigsillano, Ecuador. She was brought up as a Catholic but two years ago decided to become a Jehovah's Witness after some missionaries came to her village. They convinced her to give up her idols used in her Catholic faith. But, the distortions of the gospel left her empty. She was ready to receive the true message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone when Shane Naish and his translator Maraella Ono visited her home. They presented the good news of Jesus to her and as they were presenting to Delia two of her children, Henry and Veronica also prayed to receive Christ with their mom. Their home now belongs to the Lord of lords and King of kings. Hallelujah.

by Debbie Blackwelder

Feed The Sheep

2007-09-05T19:05:00.001-07:00

Johnny and I were walking back to the cell gropu home when Johnny began feeding a mother sheep some grass. I told him it was very appropriate since we are here to find the lost sheep and bring them to the Great Shepherd.

by Carrie Davis

Smiles From Las Cascada

2007-09-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

I met Israel (the one in the middle with the biggest smile) on Sunday. We taught him how to use the Bible we gave him. On Monday he returned with his younger brother Mateo (the one with the second biggest smile). This picture was taken right after Israel taught Mateo how to look up a verse & answer a question from our Bible Study.

The smile you don't see, and the largest of them all, is on the face of the photographer!

Later that evening, Israel's grandmother, Maria, accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour.

I've never had so much fun south of the equator! Thank you for your prayer and support.

Your Brother In Christ,
Chris Vonderau from La Cascada! (You have to say it like you are mad!)

A Happy Ending for Today

2007-09-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

As our day began we stood around waiting for someone in charge to take charge and find a place to hold our cell meeting. Finally, went to visit a lady and ask her if we could use her home. She was very excited to see those who had visited her the day before however she said her husband would not allow a meeting in their home. but, she just "happened" to know the person who holds the key to the community center. Off we went to ask permission to use the building. God went before us and we found grace. With the key in our pocket we began visiting people in the area. At five we headed to the community center for the cell group. Four of the new believers came as well as a couple who have been believers for three. They all answered the discipleship questions eagerly. And so, our day definitely ended on a very happy note.

by Liz Gordon

Teresa the Evangelist

2007-09-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

Whenever someone comes on a trip to South America, they are amazed at the hunger for the gospel. Teresa Martin experienced this for the first time on Sunday. Her translator, Paulina, asked if we wanted to evangelize the van driver while we waited on the other three teams to arrive. I asked Teresa to share her testimony and then share the evangecube. When the driver recieved Christ into his heart for the first time, he shouted with excitement. Teresa is now "hooked" for life! I'm so proud of you, Teresa!

by Jack Roberts

2007-09-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

E3 developed a new tool for evangelism, an evangeball! Soccer is a big deal in South America, everyone plays it, even older adults. We took some time out before lunch today and played a little soccer, yes, even I played a little soccer with the emphasis on little. After playing for a while we shared the meaning of the different colors on the ball. Truman, the boy closest to me, was really into the meanings of the colors. He completely understood. Just as we were going to pray to receive Christ, his mom called him to come, he acted like he didn't hear her at first but had to leave. Please pray for Truman, I truly believe that God was calling his name and he was ready to surrender to Him.

by Sam Neugent

Old Fashioned Foot Washing

2007-09-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today Neil Blackwelder and I experienced an old fashioned foot washing service. After our feet were washed the church members came forward and washed each others feet. This was an awesome experience and a great way to see God's people humbling themselves. Also, I had the privilege to lead 6 people to Christ. What a great day!!!

by Judy White

A Glad Reunion

2007-09-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

Today was an adventure from a bumpy ride to a smooth worship service God was truly at work. The main reason I want to blog tonight is to thank each and every one of you for praying for our nationals. When we left in March we saw a passion and zeal for Christ in their hearts and upon returning it was even greater. Gloria a Dios!! (Glory to God) I had a great reunion with my Ecuadorian family, we fellowshiped, worshipped, cried, laughed and most importantly shared Christ with others. Please continue to pray that more hearts will be open to the gospel. I love you all.

by Jennifer Neugent

God At Work

2007-09-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

I learned a valuable lesson today. God is at work even when we think He is not. In the picture you see Daniel and Wilson going through the discipleship material. They were in the first group of people we witness with today. They told us that they would like to accept Jesus as their savior. But I did not think they were paying attention. However, after all of the people that accepted Christ today, these two 12 year old boys showed up at our cell group for discipleship to learn more about God. To God be the Glory.

by Jerry Thompson

A Prayer for All

2007-09-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

As I prayed for all of you today, I knew that God was leading you every step of the way. He knows that you are in a strange land, but you will do the best that you can, to spread the Word of Jesus to every man. New churches will be started as you show them how. Be ready to witness for the Lord says NOW!

Written to the team by Marjorie Copus

The Ecuador Soccer Team

2007-09-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just before lunch today we were walking through the neighborhood where we were doing evangelism. We came upon a neighborhood soccer game in progress. I asked the nationals I was working with to go ask the soccer players if I could talk to them for just a moment. The nationals looked at me kind of strange, because this is not something that is typically done. Reluctantly, they went up to the players and ask them if they would allow me to talk to them. I told them that if they would listen to me for just a moment that I would then play soccer with them for a few moments. They agreed and all 10 or so players came and sat down. I then began sharing the gospel with them, and when I was done all 10 players prayed to receive Christ!! I was beyond ecstatic at what God has just done. When I am weak, He is Strong!! As promised I began playing soccer with them, and then after about 10 minutes I was ready to die!! :) Needless to say, we had fun and several new Christian were born. Praise God!!!!

by David Coram, Jr.

MEET THE TEAM MEMBERS

2007-06-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Nicole White... I am 13 years old and I am in the 8th grade. I am in the puppet creative ministry at my church. Although I have gone on several mission trips with my church, this my first overseas mission trip. My favorite band is Switchfoot and my favorite scripture is, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8.

Judy White... I have been married to my husband, Ricky for 32 years and God has blessed us with 2 wonderful children, Brandon is 22 and Nicole is 13. This is my first overseas mission trip and I can't wait to see what God has in store for me while I am in Ecuador. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations"...Matthew 28:19.

Janie Davis... – also known as “Ditsee” the clown.
I’m so thankful for all the blessings in my life, Larry my soul mate, who supports me when I go away to serve God, my family and friends who faithfully pray for me and the teams when we go, and the opportunity to share Jesus’ love whether I’m clowning in Children’s Hospital or giving smiles out to all who will receive them anywhere I am.
This will be my 6th international mission trip. I am so excited to see what God will do while we are in Ecuador, but more than that I look forward to what God will reveal about Himself. It seems that on these trips, that we experience God in ways we never have before. He so desires our love and obedience, He will reward us by giving us more of Himself. How awesome is that!
Psalm 37:4 (New International Version) Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Jason Mitchell... pictured with his god child in San Juan, Peru in March of 2005.

Jerry Thompson... I live in Pelham, Alabama with my lovely wife Sherry and my two wonderful children, Jamie and Ryan. This is my first mission trip and I am very excited to see what God has in store for me and my fellow missionaries. If we read Matthew 28:19 we do not have an option but to GO! Because Jesus said it, (HIS authority) that enables us to follow him in the great commission.

Liz Gordon... and I am a staff member with e3 Partners. My husband Jay is on staff at Westwood Baptist. (Yes, I’m a foreigner). We have two who have joined me on trips in the past. I have been blessed to be a team member on some of Pelham’s overseas trips and also the privilege of being one of the leaders of this team. My favorite part of the trips is seeing newbies transform before my eyes. As they begin to share their testimonies and disciple new believers they glow with God’s glory. It is awesome!

Steven Gladstone... and this is my second trip to Cuenca Ecuador.
I have been on many mission trips over the last few years and have just recently started working part time for e3partners where I will be putting together and leading mission trips like this one. I own a family lawn care company Steven's wack-n-sack that we started six years ago. I enjoy hunting, ATV riding, paintball, and guitar. My favorite music is.....most anything, Rock, Country, and Christian, are the favorites. I am really looking forward to this trip, I will be working with the same people that I worked with in march and am REALLY excited to see them!!!

Jonathan Williams... I’m the big guy on the left.
This will be my third foreign mission trip. Last year my wife Lauri and I both went to Tarapoto Peru as part of a medical mission’s team. I knew I was called to go but not until I was there did I truly understand what going meant. Going is disciple making, going is being the loving hand of Christ in a world full of people needing to feel His love, going is stepping out of comfort zones, going, for me, was being in the center of God’s will for my life. Going also meant going back to Tarapoto later that year and going means going to Ecuador this year. I will truly miss my wife and two beautiful daughters (Madison 5 and Lillian 2) the time I am gone. I pray that God will keep and protect my family as I go. My prayer is that one day all four of us go! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Shane Naish... I have been married to my soul mate Jennifer for twelve years and we have THREE little girls. Abby is 11 years old, Lilly is 8, and Isabella (the boss) is 3. I was raised in Alabaster, AL and met Jen in the ninth grade when she moved to our school. We now live in the Oak Mountain area and have been members at First Baptist Pelham for 12 years. After many times of pretending God was speaking to someone else and waiting until the last second possible, I went to the Mississippi Gulf coast to help in whatever way I could after Hurricane Katrina. I found myself outside of my comfort zone like never before and to say the least my perspective on life changed. I made brothers on that trip and left a part of me there. I hope in this next step of obedience, our Lord will continue to show me what a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) truly is.

Jack Roberts... Once you help plant a church in a community and then watch God multiply His Kingdom, you never have to pray about going on the next trip. What you do pray about is there any reason why I should not be on the team! God continues to show His love for the people of the world through people like me. Incredible relationships! God, please don't ever tell me "NO!" I am so excited about being "on mission" for Him.

Paul Colburn... Wow, I'm so excited about this trip. This will be my 6th trip on the international mission field. Every trip I think GOD how can you top my last trip, well he does. I am so privileged to be used by GOD on these trips and have grown so much in my walk with the LORD before during and after every trip. I leave a piece of my heart in the communities I have worked in and my family grows as I serve God on these trips. One thing God continues to press upon me is to spread the message of his love to the world and to share with my friends and family of how GOD has blessed me and my missionary friends for going on these trips. Jesus commanded us to Go. Jesus never said think about it or pray about it he just said go. We all have a story we just need to get out of the box and share it. One verse that encourages me when I'm on the mission Field is Phil. 4:13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS THRU CHRIST WHO STRENGTHETH ME. Without Christ I would fail MISIRABLEY on these trips I am so thankful for my best friend and Savior JESUS CHRIST.

Jackie Spann... I have have been married to the earthly love of my life, Johnny, for 34 years. We have two married children – Jennifer (married to Mark) and Jared (married to Blakeley.) We also have three precious grandchildren, Molly, Maggie, and Ryan.
Much of my time since I retired from a 30-year career with BellSouth is spent with my family; however, I am still very involved in Women’s Ministry – I love to lead women’s Bible studies. Leading the studies keeps me accountable to staying in God’s Word learning more day-by-day.
This will be my second E3 trip. Last September I was blessed to participate in discipling new believers in Tarapoto, Peru. Part of my heart is still there with the people of Iglesia Templo Principe de Paz and Pastor Adolfo – one of the people whose face appears at the top of Bro. Sam’s web page. I believe God is using this trip to prepare me to communicate what it means for the people in Cuenca to trust in His love and the grace he so richly supplies. Not knowing exactly how that will transpire, I know only that I place my life in His hands and excitedly look for how He will work.

Sheila Neugent …. wife to Bro. Sam, Mom to Chris and Jennifer, Mom-in-love to Angie, Grammy to Hampton and Emma and most importantly a child of The King. This will be my first experience in overseas missions. I’ll be the first to admit God is taking me way out of my comfort zone. But I know He is in charge and has been calling me to go for several years but I have not been obedient. Today I can say without any hesitation (well maybe a little) that I’m looking forward to seeing how God will use me to glorify His Kingdom. I am at peace knowing I am in His will at last. I covet your prayers.
Life verse: "I can do ALL things through Christ how strengths me"
LORD, MAY I RUSH TO OBEY YOU NOT SO MUCH BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO, BUT BECAUSE I LONG TO PLEASE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART.
Chris Vonderau... My bride for the last 13 years is Melissa Vonderau and we have three beautiful girls. Lilly is 9 years old, Maggie is 6 years old and Claire is 5 years old. All three are in school this year and loving it! We live in Helena, AL and have attended First Baptist Church of Pelham for the last 12 years. I was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana but raised Southern by the grace of God in Evergreen, AL home of the Conecuh Sausage Company. I met my wife at Purdue University where I attended college. I thought it would be fun to attend a BIG 10 College. The second I had a chance, I moved back to Alabama and brought my wife with me.
I was easily distracted by many things this world has to offer: fishing, motorcycles, golf, etc. In January 2006, I spent a week on a roof in Biloxi, MS during a missionary trip after Hurricane Katrina. My life will never be the same. I decided to seek God's Kingdom first and I am having more fun than I thought possible! Moment by moment, God is transforming me for His glory. PRAISE HIS NAME!Jacob Roberts... Hi! I am a nerd (by trade) from Calera, Alabama. I work at a crazy place where I am a Electrical Engineer / Graphic Artist. I like to look at funny videos on YouTube and read articles on Digg.com . I also love God and love to go on mission trips overseas. It is so neat to see people open up to God when they have never heard of him before. I have a "big" personality and like to "feed" on the word of God. :-P I also like to kid around with people to make them happy. :)

Teresa Martin... mother of two rotten children.domestic goddess who enjoys cleaning house, spending time with family and friends, reading,walking,and playing with her sweet dog Gidget. i like to read focus on the family while in the plumbing room. verse: Philippians 4:13 band: casting crowns food: veggies

David Coram...I live with my wife and two dogs in Calera, Alabama (A suburb of Birmingham). I have been particiapting in international missions all over the world since I was a teenager, and this will be my third trip with E3 partners. God has grown me a little more each trip, and most recently God called me to join the staff of E3 partners as an Associate Church Planter. I look forward to leading others as they fulfill the Great Commission He has called us to on the mission fields around the world. "Not I, But Christ...".Jennifer Neugent...I am undeserving of all the gifts God has blessed me with. I strive daily to use them for His glory. I'm a 26 year old fire cracker! I have a passion for God and a zeal for life. I try and spread contagious joy to all those around me. I have an amazing family that I thank God for everyday! I have come to grasp that missions just may be in the Neugent blood. I cannot express how thrilled I am to go back to Ecuador and see my Ecuadorian family. God truly worked through me in a miraculous way on the last trip. It was a revival in my heart. I am a changed woman with a new appreciation for all things and a new addiction to sharing God’s love and His gospel. I am beyond ecstatic to see many more souls come to Christ and grow in Him.
Favorite Bible verse:Psalm 100

Hollie Martin...im a 13 year old girl on fire for the Lord! i go to thompson middle school and im in the 8th grade. im a vegetarian! yes, a herbivore. i listen to grindcore/hardcore/screamo music.ive been through a lot of stuff but that has made me who i am. i love photography, music, honey mustard, and the teenage mutant ninja turtles. im a sucker for disney movies and the titanic and i like plastic princess crowns. i speak my mind and i tell the truth. dolly parton is awesome!
favorite band: norma jean
favorite food: ken's honey mustard,cilantro, and orange juice
favorite verse: psalm 69:29 when i am in pain and distress, may your salvation, o God, protect me.

This picture video is from our trip in March

2007-06-07T06:27:00.000-07:00