Small Team - Big Love

(Ed note: In June a small team from Prosperina Mission spent a week in Ecuador lending helping hands and spreading the love of Jesus. Here is a summary of their report.)

When we toured the plantation, we found the coffee and cacao plants to be thriving. We had a guided tour of the farm, learning about the farmers' organic practices, and a coffee roasting tutorial with tasting on site. Our hosts served us traditional Ecuadorian fare, consisting of perfectly spiced rice and meat steamed together in a banana leaf. We got to pray over each family and to hear their hearts and their needs.

As our team was composed of two healthcare workers and one teacher, we were able to visit a few of the girls. The progress that the young mothers have made, both emotionally and spiritually, was the highlight of the trip. One such mom who barely spoke at all last year was now full of questions about the United States, was enthusiastic about learning English, and had such joy in the discovery that God is truly watching over her. When this once reserved and shy young woman asked for a hug, she embraced each member of our team for nearly one minute, weeping as she recognized that she is loved.

Traveling with Karen, our social worker, gave us a glimpse of the progress that these young women are making on the path of healing, aided by the team and led by God. Three new young women have joined our Path of Hope program since our last visit, and we were able to sit with them, pray with them, and encourage them in the Lord. Though there is still much work to be done, the presence of God is unmistakable. The interdisciplinary team's dedication and the Foundation La Prosperina board's genuine passion for helping are evident in the young women's progress. God is in this. He is moving. Grace and mercy and healing are happening.