As you may have heard by now, there is a new president in the country. Things had returned to normal by Thursday, April 21st; all was quiet. Now, it seems, there are some international "complications" involving the US and OAS (Organization of American States) not recognizing the new Ecuadorian government. There were many rumors last Friday that protests had begun anew in Quito, in front of the American Embassy. We safely holed-up with some teammates at our house, and now all around us is tranquil. As of yesterday, the US has recognized the new President but the OAS is waiting to make any announcement until next week. There is still a lot of uncertainty among the citizenry, manifesting itself mostly in rumors about the intentions/legitimacy of the new government.

Our Ecuadorian teammates ask that we please pray for Ecuador! The new president is promising to respect the constitution and return things to where they were before the previous president began to act dictatorial. He is even making an effort to distance his government somewhat from interaction with the U.S. government. He will hopefully use the time and distance to evaluate the relationship and communicate the truth about US-Ecuador ties to the people of Ecuador. It is not always the practice of the Ecuadorian press to print the truth about the U.S.A. This causes me some frustration at times, especially when friends and acquaintances express negative attitudes about our country, but I think this change in the government is a great step for Ecuador. Please pray for my patience with individuals' negative attitudes tied to false rumors. Darlene even had a "confrontation" at the beauty parlor, but she was able to talk through the issue with the ladies and help them see their fears/opinions are not based on facts.

What difference does it make for the cause of Christ? With so much in the Bible about freedom for slaves as a parallel to redemption for the lost, I believe freedom for any oppressed Ecuadorian to be a symbol of our true freedom to come. Some of our Quichua brothers believe in a political rule of God's people - and they ask if this is a correct interpretation of Revelation. I am reading up on that in Hendriksen's book "More Than Conquerors" and would appreciate your prayer for wisdom to speak on the subject in general.

Otherwise, please pray for our team relationships at this time. We are still in transition to the combined Ecuador team, and there are still details to be decided. Pray especially for those itinerating to be fully supported (soon) and to return to the field refreshed and ready to work. Pray for unity of direction. Please give thanks with me for the students in the auto mechanics classes and for their great attitudes. Ricardo Maila, who may one day direct the vocational training center, captures concepts so quickly and already shows he will make a great mechanic. We gave our first project car back to Dennis Booth Saturday, and he is impressed with the much improved condition.

Here is news of Darlene's friend, Maria, whom we wrote about in our last letter. She was allowed to stay in her same one-room apartment but must pay the increased rent of $15/month. Thanks to generous friends in the States, she has rent for one year and start-up funds for her home business making crocheted purses, with orders coming in from many of our friends. Please pray for Maria to gain independence this next year, and pray for the Lord to supply a 'buyer' here in Quito for Maria's hand work so that she is not dependent only on US funds. The daughter Deborah has been treated for the parasite giardia, and we pray she will now gain some weight! Maria's overall spirit has lifted and she is very encouraged. Thank you for your intercession for her during this difficult season in her life.

Frank

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