May 2021 Update
5/1/2021
Dear Friends of Amor y Esperanza,
Eastertide rolls along with both the spring rains and the spring flowers, and Pentecost will be upon us before we know it. Pentecost is a powerful reminder that the Gospel is to be shared with people of many tongues and many nations. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are a diverse group, all over the world, and yet we are united by one Spirit.
The latest news from our brothers and sisters in Quito brings rain and flowers, too. Pancho and Pitty suffered from Covid19 in late March and early April. They are now recovered and shared with the Board that though the trial caused them to lose their physical appetites, they gained spiritual hunger. They’re thankful that they can now better empathize with those who have also experienced the virus and feel newly invigorated to help those in their community who are struggling as a result of the virus and the pandemic.
Pitty shared how her lungs were particularly under attack from the virus. As she prayed to God about her pain, he asked her to trust him with her health. Psalm 84:7 says that those who hope in the Lord “shall go from strength to strength.” Praise God that he healed both her and Pancho.
There has been much work to catch up on, as it was difficult to manage the foundation while they were sick. The school has received authorization to go back to school in person, but with Covid19 cases rising in Quito (the recent months have been the worst period in Ecuador in terms of numbers of cases), things are a little uncertain with regards to in-person schooling. Preparations are still being made. Thankfully, a survey of the Amor y Esperanza students showed that 98% are happy with the education they’re currently receiving.
Please keep the Zolas, the school, and the students in your prayers.
The Board of the Love and Hope Foundation is continuing its Bridge the Gap campaign to offer financial aid to Amor y Esperanza during this difficult time. As a refresher, this year, the Board has committed to “Bridge the Gap” for the families in Carmen Bajo who have been hit hardest financially by the pandemic in order to make it possible for children to return to school and receive the good news of Jesus. Currently, monthly giving to Amor y Esperanza sits at $3,700. The monthly need is $13,000. You can help to provide the $9,300 needed to cover the shortfall.
We, the board members, are breaking into teams to raise money for each of the remaining months of 2021. We believe we can make a big difference in the lives of our friends in Carmen Bajo by dividing and conquering. You will be receiving an email depending on when and how you or your child went to Ecuador in the past.
The May team includes parents and student of Whitefield EMT teams from 2005-2009. The full list is below:
April – Parents and Students of Whitefield EMT 2016 to 2020
May – Past Whitefield EMT 2004 to 2009
June – Whitefield 2021 EMT (virtual mission trip)
July – Past Whitefield EMT 2010-2015
August – Christ Journey Coral Gables
September – Trinity 2021 EMT (virtual mission trip)
October – Parents of Whitefield EMT 2004 - 2015
November and December – Year End Campaign
Please consider donating to our fund for the month of May and talk to your family about how you could help our fundraising efforts. While we give so much to Amor y Esperanza when we go down on mission, we know that in reality, they have given so much more to us. Help us to thank and support our family in Christ.
Join us to Bridge the Gap financially so that Amor y Esperanza will be able to continue to transform lives for Jesus Christ in the community of Carmen Bajo, Ecuador!
The April Bridge the Gap team raised $7,983 total for the month. THANK YOU so much for your generosity and faithfulness!
We are so thankful for you every day. Please stay in touch with us via social media and continue journeying with us in prayer.
In Christ,
The Board of Love and Hope Foundation
