HCJB Ministers to People Living Near an Active Volcano by Duane Birkey I recently had the opportunity to travel with a relief and ministry team from HCJB to a small village located near the Volcano Tungurahua in central Ecuador. Over the last several years, many small villages have been adversely affected by ash spewing out of the volcano. While it is difficult to know the extent of damage related to volcanic ash, it has been estimated that some 30,000 people have suffered from various skin and respiratory irritations. |
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Perhaps the most serious problem is the economic damage from volcanic ash to livestock
and crops. One estimate by the Ecuadorian government stated that some 132,000 acres of
cultivated farmland and 14,000 cattle have been directly affected by the volcanic ashfall.
For some people, the amount of ashfall is so bad that they have had to either sell their livestock or transport it elsewhere. Not only does ash cover grass and plants, but the acidic nature of the ash essentially burns or damages their crops to the point where they produce very little. |
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When one of the pastors presented the gospel, many of the 200 people present prayed to receive Christ.
The biggest task now is follow-up for all of the new Christians in that community. Fortunately, that should be taken care of by the local pastors who were invited by HCJB to take part and help coordinate this relief trip. |
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Family News
At Christmas time, we enjoy hearing updates from family and friends. So we thought we’d do the same and share some Birkey family news.
Duane continues to work hard and play hard. This past year he started doing some mountain climbing with friends. Twice he hiked up Mt. Pichincha (15,416 ft.), which is the volcano Quito is built on. Then he made it up one of the peaks of Mt. Iliniza, which is 17,272 ft. above sea level. The attempt at Mt. Cotopaxi (19,342 ft.) was cut short due to altitude sickness. But he still got some good pictures while he was there. He hopes to attempt that one again another time, maybe this December.
I am enjoying staying at home with the girls. They definitely keep me busy and are a joy to be with (most of the time!).
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Although I’m not working in the office, I still find time to help people with financial matters - budgeting, federal taxes, medical insurance forms, etc. It seems like there are always people who need help.
On Tuesday afternoons, I attend a women’s cell group from our Spanish church. Many of the women are young Christians and have many questions regarding Christianity and what the Bible says on certain topics. It’s challenging and refreshing all mixed together. My one escape continues to be scrapbooking. My friends and I get together regularly to "crop." I do family albums, a ministry album (which you can see when we’re back in the U.S. this summer) and pages for Rachel and Nicole’s grandmas who don’t get to see their granddaughters as much as they should. Speaking of the girls, they are doing well. Rachel loves Kindergarten and learning to read. But most of all she loves doing things with her friends. She’s our little social butterfly! The highlight of many weeks is going to a friend’s house to play or having a friend over to our house. On Wednesdays, she goes to Awana Sparks and enjoys that immensely, especially because that means she can stay up late! Nicole turned one in October. She started walking around her first birthday and hasn’t stopped since! She really keeps us on our toes as she’s into everything! She loves to clap to music, look at books and play with Rachel. We’d love to hear from you this Christmas if you have the chance to drop us a card or email. We appreciate your friendship, encouragement, prayers and support! Have a Merry Christmas! |
Praise Items: We praise God for another good year of ministry in Quito. We are thankful for overall good health, safety and faithful prayer partners and supporters. Praise that Mark Russell, a photographer and working visitor from England, is helping in Duane’s department for a few months! Praise God that the Christian Center of Communications (where Duane teaches photography) is now accredited as the result of a partnership with Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN. This boosts the school’s credibility and moves it a step closer to offering bachelor’s degrees. |
After a 15-year search for speakers, just a few months ago HCJB World Radio began broadcasting the gospel into Afghanistan in two languages: Southern Uzbek and Turkmen. Dari, one of Afghanistan’s official languages spoken by about 8 million people, is the next language scheduled to be added. Prayer Items: Pray for the people near Tunguragua as they face many hardships. Pray that the new Christians would grow in their relationship with Christ. Pray for HCJB’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party which will be held on Saturday, December 15. We are expecting about 500 children from HCJB’s satellite medical clinics to attend. Cheri is in charge of the refreshments this year. |
ON LOCATION The Birkeys’ prayer letter
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