All Over the Map

 Since we talked last… well, where to start? Okay, so the Ecuadorian stomach bug lasted a few more days than I anticipated. Still sparing you the details, but I am thinking of marketing it as a quick weight loss plan. If I could just predict how each person would react if I pass along the bug through some simple method, you know, like a capsule or some tasty sugar wafers?

Last weekend we got the chance to visit briefly with the Brook Hills’ student mission team that spent the week out in Conocoto. Vickie and I obviously had school responsibilities each day here in the city, but it was great to get to see them last Sunday afternoon, and to enjoy a meal in a Quito mall on Friday night before they headed through the mystic portal into international airspace.

Just FYI- Vickie is the complete JV girls basketball guru on the AAI Campus. I think she is totally in her element doing cross-cultural basketball coaching. Volleyball season is coming this fall...

During mid-week, the Lord gave opportunity for me to teach at our senior high chapel meeting at Alliance Academy on Wednesday morning. We were doing a series called “back to basics” and I had the chance to share about, what else? Yes- about His Word! Anytime I can challenge the status quo when it comes to learning and memorizing His word, and especially when I can challenge some of the leaders in the crowd to dive into his word I will take the opportunity!

We did a silent start, using slides to get the kids to do various things as they “listened” to what was written in front of them on the screens. I had a hymn played on the piano to demonstrate that spoken words are not always needed as we “hear” from God. This led into a teaching time, and we finished by having kids stand in certain numbers as they got a  visual representation of people groups in the world with no copy of the gospel in their language. 

On Saturday afternoon, I was blessed to be able to tag along as one of our house church members led a group of kids and adolescents from a lower economic area called Calderon (north of the city) in some time in the word.

These kids are beautiful, smiling, and they were so attentive to what my bi-lingual Ecuadorian brother had to share. Of course, snack time was an obvious highlight after the teaching time finished.

As we bounced back toward Quito in the chilly fog, my friend Juan asked if I could teach in their church gathering this coming Sunday. So, how could I refuse? Please pray as I get to share the Word with the adult portion of the church this coming weekend. I am humbled to have this opportunity, so ask that God would give grace for preparation and speaking there.

Today I had the chance to be the “resident expert” on careers in Engineering since it was basically Career Day at Alliance. After 3 seminars, both my voice and my handouts were gone. It was kind of fun to re-live some old days of Engineering in the midst of vocational ministry work. For a few minutes, I actually missed my days at ATT...

We finished out our day today with 2 walking trips to a small doctor’s office down the mountain near a place called Pollo Gus (pronounced poy-o goose- yep- it sounds like you are saying chicken goose). Our intent was to get medicine prescription refills, but we followed the simple visit with a marathon walking trip to 3 different pharmacies in order to actually get the medicine. I am sitting here blogging tonight and wondering if I can really stand up if I move from this spot on the couch.

Blessedly tired in the gospel,

The Nichols

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."
(1 Timothy 2:5-6 ESV)

Wide Perspective

So this past week has been a breathless run, and we are honestly thankful that a weekend has finally arrived.
Let me spell it out for you:


1) We were thrilled to host three college girls and a mom (exploring opportunities in the city of Quito) starting last Saturday night and ending Thursday night. Blessings to Nicole, Kirsten, Melissa, and Donna Kaye as they head back to the US and process all that they have seen. Just FYI, they are gigantic fans of humitas and spicy aji. We are praying that they come back soon and get an even larger viewpoint on Ecuador and the disciple-making opportunities here.


2) For some reason, and I am certain it is/was for my further sanctification, the raging Ecuador stomach bug bit me with a snarling vengeance on Wednesday and visited for part of Thursday and today too. I'll skip the details. You'll be glad I did...


3) Kelsey (our oldest daughter), who is just a couple of months from graduation from MSU as an official Bulldog alumni, is coming down tonight from the US, and we are really excited to see her, even though we will be working all week. So, she is going to get to practice some of her Spanish in getting around on her on!


4) Today- yep- professional development day at the school. Fascinating. No- I really mean it! The morning session helped us understand some of the cross cultural kids in our school better, and I do mean cross culture. There are Corfan tribe kids who are in our school that live in the pristine rain forest about 7 hours from real civilization, who have their own indigenous language, and who are here to sort of spy out the adversary (the westernizers) and keep a safe distance...


5) Vickie is having a chance to make disciples through coaching JV girls basketball here, so pray for continual opportunity to 'be the gospel" to the young ladies that she coaches.


6) Ask God for wisdom as I work with our leadership team in seeking to place people in the best possible spots for disciple-making!


More details to come, but let me say that gospel opportunity is found in every moment lately, in our own family, in our school, and in this community. Pray that we show Him well!
Chris

Go Whole Hog ?

Sometimes pictures are just better than words at describing life. When you think you are settled in to a very "citified" routine here in the nation's capitol, and you take a different direction one day, then you somehow run across something memorable like this. Yep- see my oven roasted friend next to the avocados here at right. >>>>


Maybe this is a subtle dinner suggestion... just like your local Publix store there in Birmingham. I can see the small sign on the counter... "just whip up some hog head and guacamole sauce for tonight's post soccer game family dinner" Ouch- No thanks, I will stick to the rice, meat, fruit, and humitas and aji sauce, with maybe some soup or ceviche to spice it up if I feel brave.

We are thankful for you all, and we praise God as we think of your friendship and the work of the Gospel in Birmingham and around the world because of your submission to Christ as King!  Please pray for the conclusion of Spiritual Emphasis Week here at AAI in Quito, and for God to give great results as we embark on a "back to basics" chapel series starting next Wednesday. 


Ask God for great grace for us to lead well: in the staff, in the school, in the community, and ultimately in the world through obedience to His word. 
So many prayer needs...so little time. Praise God for His answers to prayer for His Name's sake.
Blessings!
The Nichols Family in Ecuador


Matthew 10:24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a servant above his master."