Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! I’m glad that you dropped by today and I hope that you and all of your loved ones are well in the midst of these difficult times! I am doing well given the circumstances. I have stayed in good health and I have everything I need here at home. The restrictions here in Ecuador began in earnest around the 12th of March when the ban on large gatherings went into effect. Churches had little time to adapt for the first Sunday after the ban but some pastors were already transmitting their sermons live from their homes and have continued to do so during this quarantine. Curfews were also put in place soon afterwards and became more and more strict as time went on and is now from 2 p.m. to 5 a.m. I go out as infrequently as possible. I go to the supermarket once every two weeks and that is the only time I spend outside my home. Ecuador is very vulnerable and has suffered a lot because of COVID-19. Please pray for the people of Ecuador during this trying time. Pray for God’s provision for those in need, pray for protection for the doctors and nurses and all essential personnel who are keeping things running, and pray that the Lord would be at work in the minds and hearts of Ecuadorians and that they would realize that God is in control and that they would recognize their need for a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
In spite of the quarantine I have been able to continue to give some of my classes online. It was difficult at first, trying to find the right methods and the right materials to use in an online format, but we have been able to find a rhythm that has allowed me to continue to teach English and to share God’s Word. My students have been so thankful to have the classes and have shared how it has helped them and has made these days of quarantine easier to bear.
There are a lot of uncertainties ahead, but I continue to trust in the Lord that He is with me and that He will provide what I need. No one on Earth is certain how long this will last or what the world will look like afterwards, but the Lord knows. The Lord knows and I trust Him. I hope that you will join me in prayer for all of those most affected by this pandemic. For those that are ill, for those that have lost loved ones, for the doctors and nurses who are fighting every day to save lives, for those who have lost their jobs, for those who are literally dying of hunger, for wisdom for all governments and leaders of all nations and for ourselves. May we all seek the Lord more and more and may we place our faith and our trust in His love and in His goodness. May we turn our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. May God bless you and protect you and your family. And, when all of this is over, may we celebrate together by giving the honor and glory to our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ. I will end my blog with the priestly blessing of Aaron for the nation of Israel. I join with them in lifting this prayer for you and all of your loved ones:
24 “‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
Numbers 6:24-26
May God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Green