“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph 6:12
Carolina and Catalina are two sisters ages 13 and 15 who live with their mother Maria. Like so many families in Ecuador, their dad is working illegally in the US. They haven't seen him for 12 years! Maria bought some land 7 years ago, but has been unable to build a house on it yet because of legal issues with the property. Yesterday, everything was all set for a judge to come to the land, and make it officially theirs. The church had helped buy some posts and a bunch of men from the church took time off work to be available to help make the fences.
On arrival to the land, the opposing parties were already there with all their papers and their supposed proof of ownership. Notice I say parties plural. Due to inheritance and family disputes, there are multiple people who claim ownership to the land and Maria is stuck in the middle. She bought the land from one of the people who claim ownership.
Well, in typical Ecuadorian fashion, the judge arrived late. The opposition presented their case, but the proceeding went forward and we began putting in the posts. Unfortunately, the opposition wouldn't let things lie, and the judge had to call the police. Two young officers showed up, but they did little. The judge finished her duties and left us to finish the fence around the property. With the judge gone, things really turned nasty. The opposition started breaking the cement posts we put in and would not allow us to put up the wire. They called us nasty names, and began physically pushing us around. All this time the believers did not respond, but quietly continued doing what they could.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." Rev. 12:11
It now became obvious that we were not going to be able to do any more. At least most of the posts were in, so we began to retrieve our tools. At this point, Pastor Santiago and I realized we had forgotten to pray before beginning the project. He and I had prayed together at the church, but we hadn't prayed together as a group at the property. We found a grassy section, called everyone together, and as the opposition watched, had a time of prayer and sang a praise song. Meanwhile the opposition was ready to leave and as they walked by they muttered "...may God judge the believers". The opposition turned around their pickup in order to leave, but didn't drive away. Instead they got out of the truck and came back.
"If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink;" Pr 25:21
At this point we were about to have an Ecuadorian picnic. A cloth was placed on the grass, and three large bowls were placed in the cloth. One had roast lamb, another hominy and broad beans, and another fresh cheese. Not what I'd expect for a picnic in the States, but very cultural for the rural areas in Ecuador, and VERY tasty. After prayer, we all dug in... literally! There was no silverware, or plates, we all just used our hands to scoop the food out of the bowls.
The national believers invited everyone to come join in the meal they had prepared, and much to my surprise, they did! A few from the opposition stood on the perimeter, but to these, the national believers took the food right to them, and they ate too. As we ate, we had a productive discussion. More than resolve anything, we were able to better understand the difficult mess, and the many parties involved in the conflict over the land. By the end of the meal, the opposition expressed their gratefulness for the meal, and apologized for the conflict earlier.
The whole issue isn't resolved, but we left the situation rejoicing in the Lord. Through it all, Maria was calm, and relaxed, trusting in the Lord. Please pray that the situation with the property could be resolved, but even more, please pray for the people involved. Pray for reuniting of families, and that each would seek the Lord's forgiveness and know how to forgive others. Specifically, pray that Carolina and Catalina's family could be reunited again. As a result of the whole situation, Pastor Santiago was able to talk on the phone with their father (Maria's husband) in the States. In their 30 min talk, Pastor Santiago shared the Word with him and clearly told him, his responsibility is with his family. He was open to Pastor Santiago's words. Please pray that that openness would turn into action.
Thanks for each of your prayers for the ministry here in Ecuador. The Lord is working. The humble baby born in the manger is at work today in a powerful way! Hail! the heav'n born Prince of Peace: Jesus!
Rejoicing in Him,
Justo
