Health Update

Yesterday we were able to have a visit with the oncologist to discuss the results of Scott's MRI. We are glad to report that he is sure that Scott does not have cancer. Thank you for your prayers and your words of encouragement over the past days.

Scott does have a significant-sized cyst on his liver, and the oncologist suggested that we consult with a hepatologist. So that will be our next step to determine if this could be the cause for the digestive issues that he is having. We would appreciate your continued prayers that his digestion could return to normal.

In the meantime, Scott is taking a trip to Guayaquil tomorrow. He will spend a couple of days giving a theology conference in a church there. Pray for good ministry opportunities and for safety in a part of the country that involves risks that are a little higher.

We appreciate you and your part in our ministry!

Scott's Health

Yesterday we saw an oncologist to consider whether Scott might be dealing with cancer. He does have a tumor on his liver, but so far exams haven't been sufficient to establish whether it's malignant or benign. We have an MRI scheduled for Friday and another consultation with the doctor on Monday. There is a possibility he will also need to do a biopsy.

If the tumor is cancerous it would explain the stomach issues that Scott has had for the last few months. Nevertheless, bloodwork has shown normal liver function.

At this point there is a lot we don't know. We can't be sure that he has cancer, nor can we be confident that he isn't dealing with something serious. Either way, God is good and has been giving us peace.

We appreciate your prayers that God would help us figure out what's wrong, help us find the best solution possible, and continue to give us peace and wisdom in the process.

So far we are confident that Scott is receiving good medical care in Ecuador. If things begin to get more complicated we will not hesitate to return to the US for more advanced care.

This is the day the Lord has made!

 

I have this verse posted outside of my classroom this year and it is a daily reminder to me that each day is the Lord’s and because of that we can rejoice in it! We can rejoice even in the days when things are difficult and know that even the hard days are days the Lord has made!

Ecuador has been in a severe drought, the worst drought in the past 60 years! Most of the electricity in the country of Ecuador comes from hydroelectric plants and in all of those reservoirs the water levels are very low. We are beginning our 3rd week of rolling blackouts. The first week we only had electricity for 12 hours a day. Thankfully, we have been having nearly daily rains for the past week so this week we are only losing power for 4 hours a day, from 2:00-4:00 AM and 8:00-10:00 PM. Last spring we had some electricity cuts and made the decision to buy a small generator. So it is getting used again these days. It is enough power to keep our refrigerator cold, keep the internet on, and be able to use a couple of lamps during the evening hours. We rejoice in the rains God is sending our way and for the electricity we do have!

Ecuador imposing overnight blackouts as drought saps hydroelectric power capacity

Ecuador Is Literally Powerless in the Face of Drought

Also because of the drought, we have had some severe wildfires close by. A couple of weeks ago, Quito was covered by smoke, and school was canceled for 3 days. Well, actually we met online. Many people had to evacuate and some lost their homes in the fires. We rejoice that God provided safety for us!

Ecuador battles wildfires near capital as drought grips South America

Scott started a new Hebrew class 2 weeks ago with about 40 students. Opportunities to reach people from all over continue to increase. He now has Spanish speakers connecting to his classes from 15 different countries. Scott is able to continue his studies and preparations for class even when the electricity is out because of the generator. In fact this evening he is teaching class using the generator. The blackouts keep some of his students from being able to always join class and makes it difficult for some of them to have enough time online to do their homeworks, but creativity and extra patience go a long way to help them achieve success.

Kristi’s school year continues on. The school also has a large generator, enough for teachers to use internet, projectors and have lights on during the day. This year in some ways is going better for Kristi but she has 1 student who is very difficult. Please pray that this student would awaken a desire to make changes in their life, and allow others to love and help them. Pray that Kristi remains consistent and loving toward this student in particular. We rejoice that God is with Kristi through the hard parts of her day with this student!

Scott continues struggling with his health. There are many days when he is not able to eat very much. He has tried many different kinds of medications and now is going through quite a few other tests trying to find an answer. His primary care doctor is sending him on to a specialist and he has an appointment with this new doctor next Monday morning. Please pray that we can find answers! In the meantime we rejoice in the day the Lord has given us and trust him with Scott’s health!

We are so thankful for each one of you and your faithful support for us through the years! We are thankful for your prayers for us! They make a difference! Looking back at the past month, we have faced a lot of difficult situations, but God has been with us and because of Him it has been a good month and we rejoice in it!