Now Is the Time of Salvation

Young, indigenous children acting out the daily chores of tradition life during a choral presentation.

Rev. Dwight & Carolyn Rich being honored for 25 years of missionary service in Ecuador.

Music, preaching and praise spilled out into the streets of northern Quito as over 1500 people gathered for a joint worship service on Sunday, Sept 5.  Almost all of the 33 churches on the Sierra North District in Ecuador participated in worship service, which focused on uniting the District through worship and prayer.

Rev. Eduardo Gonzales of Guayaquil brought the message, “Now is the time of salvation.”  He admonished the crowd to reach the lost all around them.  Through the Holy Spirit working through our lives and through our churches, now is the time to act.  Hundreds accepted his closing challenge as they made their way to the altar for a time of prayer and commitment.

The service was also a celebration in many ways.  Rev. Dwight & Carolyn Rich were honored for 25 years of missionary service in Ecuador.  They received a beautiful plaque of appreciation, a large flower bouquet and a standing ovation from the congregation.  The Riches serve as the Field Strategy Coordinators for the North Andean Field.

The Sierra North District is comprised of several indigenous people groups, many of which performed in different choirs, bands and folk dancing during the service.  One such choir included all ages, and the young children acted out the traditional chores of their daily lives.  After the service, many churches provided lunch so everyone enjoyed a special time of joint fellowship.

We praise God for this special time of unification between the churches, and for His special message to His people.