Quito, Ecuador — May 2003

Twenty-five years ago this month, Sharon and I were approved as Baptist Bible Fellowship International missionaries to Ecuador.

Looking back, we are amazed at His grace. "We were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel."

There have been a few bumps in the road and I am sure there are some more ahead. But we sincerely rejoice in all that the Lord has been and done.

Church: Our first work was begun about a year after our arrival in Quito. It was legally organized 20 years ago, in October.

Institute: Shortly after building the church building, we began our Bible
Institute. This has been the focus of our ministry for many years. We have had 28 men and women graduate. They are serving the Lord in local churches.

Graduates: Currently, one of our main activities is the encouragement of
our national pastors and their wives. We have 12 graduates and four students pastoring churches in Ecuador, Argentina and Arkansas.

Family: My greatest joy is found in my family. Sharon has been a great support and vital part of this ministry. I am thankful for her work with music, ladies, Institute classes, pastors' wives, abandoned children and women prisoners. Mostly I am grateful for her faithful love.

Our son, Zachary, with his wife, Amanda, and their three children, Elizabeth, Jacob and Luke, are a source of pride and gratitude. They are actively involved in Calvary Baptist Church in Bellflower, California.

Our daughter, Stacey, has given herself to her goal of rescuing abandoned babies. Her ministry, Precious Miracles, just completed its first year as a legally recognized entity here in Ecuador. Stacey has already been involved in helping twelve children, each one with a heart-breaking story.

Some of you have been praying and giving faithfully for all these 25 years. Many of you have come along beside us somewhere along the journey. How could we ever thank you? Whatever fruit has been harvested is abounding
to your account.

Looking forward, we anticipate, within the will of the Lord and as He provides His amazing grace, to continue serving Him.