Lord, May Our Hearts Break for What Breaks Yours

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10-11

So, we received a phone call from a great friend of ours in Esmeraldas who said she was coming to visit us in Quito! Elizabeth was our precious translator when we were here during the summer of 2014. She literally quit her job because she felt that she was suppose to work with us full time! Such a servant's heart! She arrived this morning and we immediately began talking about ministry needs on the coast. She is currently working in a small community called Muisne as an English teacher. She travels 2.5 hours EACH way by bus to get to and from work everyday. As most of your remember, Ecuador experienced a very strong earthquake back in April 2016 and the epicenter of this quake was very close to Muisne. It has always been a very poor community, but after the earthquake...as you can imagine...the economy has been hit super hard. Elizabeth said that the city used to receive tourists to it's beautiful beaches, but now...nothing. There were many, many families who's homes and businesses were destroyed. Most of them are still living in the tents they were given by donors across the world. The story of poverty in Muisne makes a very disturbing and heart wrenching turn.
Men, women...and children are all desperate for money. There are more teenage pregnancies than ever before...and the Esmeraldas province has had the highest teenage pregnancy rate in all of South America for the last several years. These children...ages 12, 13, 14 years old are getting pregnant due to the high rate of prostitution. These children will ask to leave school to go home to get medicine or to take care of a family member...and they will return 30 minutes later. No, they do not need to go home to care for a family member...they are getting paid to have sex. They are swapping spouses and fathers are sexually abusing their own daughters. They are now gathering in certain tents for 'sex parties'. Y'all...these are CHILDREN! Elizabeth said that there are many of the new teenage mothers who are bringing their babies to school with them because there's no one to take care of them. In addition to the reality of this horror, Elizabeth said HIV/AIDS was on the rise because of this! My heart breaks in a million pieces learning of the harsh reality of severe poverty and desperation. With tears in my eyes I asked her how we could help. We have brainstormed and she is going to be talking to the appropriate officials in order to do 'something' there.
Have you ever been to Disney World? There is a painting on the wall there that I took a picture of years ago and it is still one of my favorites. It says "I may be only one person, but I can be one person who makes a difference." - Vadra Francene, age 10.

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I plan to take a trip to Muisne within the next few weeks and find out how we can help make a difference. This is serious stuff. I ask for your prayers for safety and wisdom...as well as, divine appointments. Please pray for these precious people.

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On a lighter note...Rest and Relaxation!

Several of you may have read on facebook about our amazing trip to the coast last week.
If not, I am posting here ;)
There was an Ecuadorian national holiday last week Wednesday through Friday, so we decided to adventure to a place we had never been before. As crazy as it sounds, we wanted to visit an area impacted heavily by the April earthquakes because they need our business! I truly believe God sent us exactly where He wanted us to go. We had such a nice time of relaxation and pure family time. We rented an apartment from a precious Canadian couple on one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen in Ecuador. It was exactly what we needed! We were able to seek clarity and pray for wisdom over several important things and simply enjoy our time as a family. Being at the beach and surrounded by the ocean is where creativity and life abounds in me :) We also ate amazing seafood for less than a McDonald's meal! YES, I ate the same meal probably 4 times of fresh caught tuna in a garlic sauce with rice, salad and plantains for....$4.50! Yall...it was amazing! I am so thankful for this time! Oh...and during one of our long walks we saw a whale!! The whales are suppose to be gone, but it was such a treat for Scott and the kids because they have never seen one in the wild before!

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Seeking...Long-term, Sustainable, Self-Supporting Income!!

A few weeks back, I posted a few pictures of items I will be selling when we come to the States at Christmas! We are working diligently on a long-term exporting business from Ecuador. This is something we have considered over the years, but never moved forward with it. Well, it is getting closer...! We are meeting with several artisans next week to discuss in greater detail how we can support their families, not only with business from purchasing their crafts, but in deeper, long-lasting relationships. I truly hope that I have items available to order in time for Christmas gifts!!
As we have mentioned before, we still haven't felt as though we were suppose to actively seek financial supporters. We are praying this is an avenue that will allow us to continue our work long-term here. Please be in prayer for us to make wise decisions and for opportunities to grow this business so that we can grow our ministry!!

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Contigo Missions with Go. Be. Love. {Visiting Orphans}

Contigo hosted a team comprised of 8 people from all across the US. They were here serving in partnership with Contigo and Go. Be. Love. (Previously, Visiting Orphans). They had an amazing time and life-changing experiences.  I recently saw a post that they were looking for 2 more team members for a January 2017 trip!
Click below for more details
https://gobeloveinternational.org/project/ecuador-january-2017/

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Thank you all so very much for your continued love, encouragement and prayers. It is not always easy, but always worth it! We love you and we ask that Lord blesses you with abundance!
Love, The Murphy Family