February 2025 Newsletter
Here we are - already to February! This month, we want to share a couple of stories with you from the recent visit to Amor y Esperanza by some Trinity Anglican men who have a heart for AyE. In addition, we hope you will be inspired by an article from one of our outgoing board members. As always, thank you for being part of the Love and Hope/Amor y Esperanza community!
Trinity Men in the classroom, helping lead daily devotionals and spending time getting to know and invest in the teachers and staff.
TRINITY MEN VISIT AMOR Y ESPERANZA
Last week, a group of seven men from Trinity Anglican made their way to Quito for a short but impactful visit with the school. The team included board member Dave McCune and his dad, along with five other men, four of whom were first-timers. Typically mission trips focus on the students, and of course the incredible students were assuredly loved on and taught by this group. However, this group was intentional in their desire to connect with the teachers and staff especially, creating opportunities and space for them to pray together, have their burdens and celebrations heard, and for them to be lifted up spiritually. Their vulnerability was precious and a reminder about how important it is to dig beyond the surface in our interactions with each other. Toward the end of their time there, the staff were deeply touched when the men anointed their heads with oil before departing. What a treasured time as new and deeper friendships were forged!
In the meantime, the men brought parts from the United States to build a big trampoline for the students. However, after airport inspections and long travel, upon arrival two large and significant metal frames were missing from the bag. Pancho and the men began to pray. Immediately Pancho had a name pop into his head - one of the construction workers he had befriended during the third floor construction project. Against all odds and to the surprise of all the Americans, within 24 hours the man had fabricated two large metal parts so identical to the originals that it was almost impossible to differentiate between them! Praise God!
Please enjoy some photos from this special time together, and follow along on our social media platforms to see stories in real time. Watching the adorable reaction of the students when they were surprised with the trampoline brought a tear to our eyes! Please check out our Instagram and/or Facebook accounts and give us a like or follow - it's a great way to support LHF and AyE as well as stay up to date on the latest happenings. Reach out to us via email with any questions!
A SCHOOL OF PRAYER, by Candace Daly
Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life. Although its basic definition is ‘communicating with God’, we often find ourselves perplexed about prayer. Sometimes when answers seem to be delayed or in difficult situations we may ask, “What makes prayer effective?” We’re not alone in our questions about prayer. A quick online search or a look down the aisles of any Christian bookstore will confirm that many authors have addressed this same topic. Despite our questions, one thing is clear from the Scriptures: Effective prayer is founded upon faith in God’s Word.
You may recall from a previous Love and Hope newsletter that Ecuador experienced months of drought last year. Because the country depends mostly on hydroelectric power, the low water levels resulted in power outages that lasted for hours each day. As conditions became more dire, the government was also forced to ration the water supply as well. The dry conditions persisted, and fires began to break out, creating dangerous scenarios and putting further strain on the nation’s water supply.
In the midst of this national crisis, the Amor y Esperanza School developed a new curriculum: Praying for Rain!
During their visit in December, Pancho and Pitty explained that each day the staff and students would gather to pray for rain. The story of Elijah in I Kings 18 served as the textbook. The whole school gathered to pray, declare God’s Word, and rejoice--even when the skies remained totally clear with no sign of rain in sight.
One day, with no warning from meteorologists, the rain began to fall! What an encouragement to the staff and to the students that God does indeed respond to prayers of faith.
At the time of their report at the Love and Hope board meeting, the rain had been falling for four days in Ecuador! The staff, and especially the students at A y E had learned a lesson that will remain with them for the rest of their lives: In the school of prayer, we can all be 100% successful when we put our faith in God’s unfailing Word.
How can you partner with Amor y Esperanza?
Pray! Current needs are:
Lives transformed in the Carmen Bajo community
Staff & students' health, safety and growth at AyE
Financial provision for the full school year
One-time giving is always appreciated and helpful, too! Make a gift here.
Interested in serving on a LHF committee? Please reach out to lhf.quito@gmail.com.