September Update Part 1- Work and other things!

Training of Indigenous PEPE Teachers in the Jungle
At the beginning of September we had several days training for 14 of the PEPE workers in the Oriente (the jungle region). The days were jam-packed from beginning to end and the teachers returned to their communities at the end of the course exhausted mentally, but we hope spiritually refreshed and bursting with new ideas!

Their comments, questions and faces revealed how much of the training they were thinking through. Everything was very practical, including a whole morning with the teachers themselves acting as PEPE children and the trainers (Laura and myself) being the teachers. Many a laugh was shared as the teachers clearly enjoyed the opportunity to act out being naughty school children! But amidst the laughter issues such as positive discipline and a structured routine were dealt with.

Several of these teachers are pastors as well; they teach in the pre-school in the morning and then work with the families and wider community in the afternoon and evening. None have trained as teachers, and I found myself full of repect for their dedication and flexibility in their willingness to learn new ministry skills.

For those of you who pray..... Give thanks for these days of training, for the positive atmosphere and a clear sense of God's presence

Pray for the start of the new PEPE term in the Oriente (jungle) pre-schools, that the children settle quickly

For each teacher as they begin to apply new skills and techniques learnt, that they feel empowered and equipped for their role

For the children and their families to begin to grow in a knowledge of God's love and care

Ecuador Action Team

At the beginning of October a team of four young people are coming to Ecuador as the 'BMS Action Team'. They will be here for six months, based in the Oriente (Jungle region) after an initial few weeks language training in Guayaquil.

Picture of a typical Jungle community where the team will be working

I have been asked to be pastorally responsable for the team and will therefore be visiting them throughout their months here. Please do pray for these young people as they travel, get to grips with a new language and culture and start work in an environment so different to the UK.

For those of you who pray....Give thanks for Josh, Joel, Grace and Naomi for their willingness to come here to serve the churches in the Oriente in whatever way they can

For Pastor Jorge who has the daily responsability for this team, that he is encouraged by their presence and help with different ministries

For the team, for good strong relationships to be built between them and the people they work with

For safety in travel, and ability for them to adjust to their new environment and culture