Hope comes to Puna
Life in Puna ECUADOR : The name Puna comes from the aboriginal people who used to inhabit the island, says Bible Leagues director in Ecuador. Now it is inhabited by bare-foot children whose legs are caked with rotting mud; they are surrounded by a multitude of disease infected flies, causing many of them to die young.
It is sad to say that the children living on this lovely island were all too heavily involved in alcohol and drug use and they knew nothing about the God who loves them and cares for them. Our local director has said that keeping families together in this climate was very difficult and many families struggled with being united and loyal to each other.
Pastor David had a vision to see this community transformed! As he received Bible League training, he was overwhelmed with compassion for the people. Just as the Lord promises in His Word, Pastor David longed to see light in the midst of darkness.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.(Psalm 112:4 NIV)
Pastor David’s task of course was not an easy one because the people knew nothing about God’s Word. Although it did not happen straight away, very soon God’s Word began to take effect on the people and David’s vision started to become a reality. At first the seeds of God’s Word were implanted in people’s lives and the seeds gradually began to grow. Pastor David is still working there encouraging local people to work together in the service of Christ
Many children, once slaves to alcohol and drugs, now study Gods Word! The community now experiences physical and spiritual cleanliness. Families are becoming members of churches and experiencing the joy of Christian fellowship for the very first time! Men and women are discovering Gods ordained purpose for marriage, creating unity and loyalty in the home.
Four churches have been planted so far, and six are in the process,continues our director. We can now say that Jesus Christ is known throughout the island of Puna!