THE ELDREDGE FAMILY MISSIONARY NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2000

Dear Friends and Family:
     The last few weeks here in Ecuador have been pretty incredible.  On January 21st, marches and riots broke out in the streets of downtown Quito.  The Indigenous (Indians), along with the military, "violently" took over congress and proceeded to storm the Presidential palace, overthrowing President Majaud in a surprise coup.  With the backing of the Indigenous, the military set up rule, then backed down allowing vice-president Naboa to take control of the nation.  And all in just one weekend! 
Admittedly, the outcome could have been a lot worse, but it was God's people standing in the gap that made the difference! But the work is not over.  The Word tells us that "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people", (Prov. 14:34).  The last part of this scripture is especially true in Ecuador, which is why we pray daily that righteous judgment will prevail in the land. 
We are happy to report that in the last few months we have seen God move mightily in the lives of people delivering, restoring and blessing, Glory to His name!  But there is also a cost to pay when you are in the front line of the battle.  It is apparent to us more than ever that it is time for us, the church, to use our God given weapons -
THE WORD OF GOD and PRAYER - against the enemy.  We must always remember that we are fighting a spiritual battle and that "the weapons of our warfare are NOT carnal, but are MIGHTY THROUGH GOD, to the pulling down of strongholds".  Hallelujah!   We want to thank all of our supporters for praying and standing in the gap for this ministry.  You are making an eternal difference in the lives of people  here in Ecuador, South America. Thank you for all your support.  We love you!     
                     - JoAnna <><

Written by JoAnna Eldredge
                                               
           
Our Lord is working more than ever in the lives of our children!  Recently, this has been most evident in Comunidad de Fe's Bilingual Christian school, Victory Christian Academy.   Not only is God's presence     effecting the lives of the children at the school, but teachers and parents as well.
Just before Christmas the children of V.C.A. visited three poor schools in the area.  The V.C.A. children, nursery to 6th grade, shared the love of Christ and gave gifts to children who would have otherwise not receive anything this Christmas.  The kids had a wonderful time of sharing, and testified that they had received more from their experience of giving to the poor then they had given.  We as teachers and parents were blessed to see how positively the children were affected.
However, the true highlight of last year was Victory Christian Academy's presentation of "
The Prince of Egypt" done entirely in English.  On December 16 the children of V.C.A. opened to a full house in the church's sanctuary.  Even with fitted set design, professional lighting, smoke machine, and special effects,

it was plain to everyone that it was the children that stole the show!  At the end of the performance three of the children took turns giving an invitation for salvation and led those who wanted to receive Christ in their hearts in the sinner's prayer.  It was awesome and humbling to see how God used the children to minister salvation to their parents and friends.  Many of the parents admitted afterwards that they were brought to tears at the end and asked if it was possible for the school to give an encore performance.  God is awesome! Praise His name!
       The word of God tells us in Proverbs 22:6 to "
Train up a child in the way he should go,   And when he is old he will not depart from it."  The word "train" in the scriptures is literally translated "to make walk narrowly".   This is so important because Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:13 that "… wide is the gate and
                      (continued on page 2)

was a man with a vision from God!
     Nehemiah defines his vision.  He already knew God had called him to restore the city, but now had to know the details.  In Neh. 2:13 he goes out by night to survey the wall.  He notes all the areas where it has been broken down.  Now he is not just a visionary, but a man with a plan.
     We need to have goals in Christ.  What does He want us to accomplish with our family, our personal lives, or ministry? 
We need to find His will and stick to it! 
     Satan is scared of Christians with a vision after God's perfect will.  He will do everything he can to stop a Christian with a vision.  Unfortunately, it does not take much to distract someone from what God has

Written by John Eldredge
     Nehemiah was the cupbearer of King Artaxerxes.  He was saddened at the state of Jerusalem because her walls were all broken down.  He understood how important Jerusalem was to the identity of the Hebrews.  In that time, it was customary for the Persians to mix the religions of their conquered subjects.  The rebuilding of Jerusalem was not only the restoration of a city, but the affirming of their belief in the one true God.
     The King saw the sadness on Nehemiah's face and asked him what was wrong.  He had evidently found favor in the King's eyes and asked permission to rebuild Jerusalem.  It was granted and he was on his way.  He

(continued on page 2)

Home Page
Photo Gallery    Newsletters   Weather   True Stories   About Us    Salvation    Favorite Links