The Plane Facts
sharejesus@gmail.com Oct./Nov. 2008 www.yourmissionary.org
Dear Christian Friend,
24 year old Johnny Venegas is from Los Angeles. He is Mexican-American and speaks Spanish very well. A graduate of SMAT, (School of Missionary Aviation Tech.) and prestigious Embry Riddle University, he is an airplane mechanic and has his Commercial Pilot’s License. His life long dream had been to fly airplanes, and then as a Christian, he wanted more than anything to become a missionary pilot. Lately God has impressed Johnny that none of that really matters and that the most important thing is to just love God and serve Him by bringing people to Jesus. Johnny wrote and asked us if he could come and help out for a month. Of course we said, “Sure!”
We could fill pages of ways our brother helped and blessed us this past month. He was unbelievable. It didn’t matter if we were pouring concrete, fixing airplanes, trying to look stuff up on the internet, or washing and drying dishes…that boy was right there. Johnny is well on his way to fulfilling Nate Saint’s quote: “A missionary must be a jack of all trades and a master of most.” Mr. and Mrs. Venegas certainly raised their son right! When he finally got on the bus for Quito to go back to the States I had that same sad empty feeling as when one of our own kids leave. Lord willing, Johnny will be back. Please pray that God will guide him. You can check out his webpage at: http://www.johnnyvenegas.com/
Thank you for praying for Ecuador! 70% voted to accept the new constitution which many fear will open the door to legalized abortion and homosexual unions. Ominous dark clouds gather on the horizon as daily government (starting with the very rich) takes over people’s property. We are not surprised that the things we have preached about for many years are now coming to pass at an ever quickening rate. Economic woes we read about here, in the US and around the world only amplify the cry of the church, “Come Lord Jesus, come!”
We’ve had the privilege of translating for Pastor Gary Eide again this month. He’s been to Ecuador ten times now. We went everywhere, markets, parks, street corners, out in the jungle and even in church buildings preaching the Word of God. I understand better why the Lord sent His disciples out two by two…one encourages the another and we get way more done than if the two of us worked separately! I guess that’s true for you and us too. Thank you for standing with Sharon and me.
Love like Jesus,
Rick and Sharon
LCC-PO Box 3298
Paradise, CA 95967-3298
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The Plane Facts-Sept./Oct. 2008
The Plane Facts
sharejesus@gmail.com Sept./Oct. 2008 www.yourmissionary.org
Hi!
You’ll remember that a few months ago I wrote to you saying that I thought of you (our prayer letter readers) when asked by the Indians to find Christians to teach English in the jungle. Well the update on that is that a number of people have responded and some have come and actually done it!! Mike and Donna were the first, then Don Dutcher and now Walter Ott have all come to Ecuador. Don and Walter joined forces and are “team teaching” in a Waorani village at this writing. In addition to presenting a good platform to present the Gospel to unbelievers, teaching English gives excellent opportunity to befriend and empower tribal leaders for the Lord’s kingdom…not to mention all the fun these people are having. I love it!!
I had the most exciting minute of my life just one day before Sharon returned from her 5 weeks in the US. The airplane was fully loaded and I had one passenger on board, Vicente. We took off out of Arajuno about 5 in the afternoon headed to nearby Villano. Although we were heavy the plane began its climb over the rugged jungle hills to the south. Once we got to cruise altitude I began my standard “headset conversation” by asking “Vicente, are you a Christian?” He responded, “Hermano Ricardo, you don’t remember me, but you shared the Lord with me 3 years ago.” Just as I was about to follow up that first question with, “That’s nice, but where would you go, should we die this afternoon…” the number one cylinder quit firing. A huge knot began tying in my stomach as I watched the cowling and prop violently shudder as three unbalanced cylinders struggled against each other trying to do the work of four to keep us in the air. The plane was going down, it was all jungle and it wouldn’t be long. I threw up my hand and began to cry out, “Please Lord Jesus save me!” Loudly…intently…earnestly… “Please Lord God…” louder…more intently…most earnestly… with all my being! Then Vicente came alive. His hand shot up. He started crying out too, repeating whatever I was saying. I remember feeling good about that.
Atacapi is a new little strip tucked in a valley about half way between Arajuno and Villano. We narrowly made it, and by the very skin of our teeth. I couldn’t believe that minute really happened and now it was over. On the ground, Vicente’s first words were. “We have been born again I’m done with sin.” I was a little puzzled, by his application of “born again” but, I knew God was up to something in his life, because God is always up to something! I’m sure glad He answers prayer aren’t you?!
Love like Jesus,
Rick and Sharon LaBouef
sharejesus@gmail.com Sept./Oct. 2008 www.yourmissionary.org
Hi!
You’ll remember that a few months ago I wrote to you saying that I thought of you (our prayer letter readers) when asked by the Indians to find Christians to teach English in the jungle. Well the update on that is that a number of people have responded and some have come and actually done it!! Mike and Donna were the first, then Don Dutcher and now Walter Ott have all come to Ecuador. Don and Walter joined forces and are “team teaching” in a Waorani village at this writing. In addition to presenting a good platform to present the Gospel to unbelievers, teaching English gives excellent opportunity to befriend and empower tribal leaders for the Lord’s kingdom…not to mention all the fun these people are having. I love it!!
I had the most exciting minute of my life just one day before Sharon returned from her 5 weeks in the US. The airplane was fully loaded and I had one passenger on board, Vicente. We took off out of Arajuno about 5 in the afternoon headed to nearby Villano. Although we were heavy the plane began its climb over the rugged jungle hills to the south. Once we got to cruise altitude I began my standard “headset conversation” by asking “Vicente, are you a Christian?” He responded, “Hermano Ricardo, you don’t remember me, but you shared the Lord with me 3 years ago.” Just as I was about to follow up that first question with, “That’s nice, but where would you go, should we die this afternoon…” the number one cylinder quit firing. A huge knot began tying in my stomach as I watched the cowling and prop violently shudder as three unbalanced cylinders struggled against each other trying to do the work of four to keep us in the air. The plane was going down, it was all jungle and it wouldn’t be long. I threw up my hand and began to cry out, “Please Lord Jesus save me!” Loudly…intently…earnestly… “Please Lord God…” louder…more intently…most earnestly… with all my being! Then Vicente came alive. His hand shot up. He started crying out too, repeating whatever I was saying. I remember feeling good about that.
Atacapi is a new little strip tucked in a valley about half way between Arajuno and Villano. We narrowly made it, and by the very skin of our teeth. I couldn’t believe that minute really happened and now it was over. On the ground, Vicente’s first words were. “We have been born again I’m done with sin.” I was a little puzzled, by his application of “born again” but, I knew God was up to something in his life, because God is always up to something! I’m sure glad He answers prayer aren’t you?!
Love like Jesus,
Rick and Sharon LaBouef
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Plane Facts-June/July 2008
The Plane Facts
sharejesus@gmail.com June/July 2008 www.yourmissionary.org
Dear Ones,
Preschool Graduation was an event that I hope the kids enjoyed as much as I did. I keep telling everyone that this year was my student teaching year. As I taught, I was learning many new things as well. In the fall I’m planning to have another preschool group. This time Ecuadorian ESL 4 and 5 yr. olds will be included along with the MKs. One of the missionary moms has volunteered to help full-time. Kevin and Melisa have two children. Annie, their four year old, was one of my students in Shell Christian Preschool. Melisa always has lots of creative ideas, is a good teacher and a precious sister in the Lord. Please pray for us as we plan our next school year.
As Rick mentioned a couple of months ago, we are always blessed with lots of new people who come by either for a visit or asking for a flight. This month, Dayuma was one of our special visitors. Rick has met her on several occasions in the jungle but this was my first time. A flight that was planned with another group to take her back to Tonapade fell through, so Rick was asked if he would be able to take her in. She came early and as she waited, she visited with family and others who were here to see her off. She needed to make a last minute “stop”, so I offered to hold her sweater and walking stick. At that moment she said something to me but I really didn’t hear her clearly. She was trying to make me aware of an important thing, “There’s an animalito (small animal).” When I took the sweater to free her hands, sure enough a monkey in a jungle style, knitted bag, jumped out from under the cloth and scared me silly. I let out a yell which startled everyone and gave us all a good laugh to start our day.
The next issue with the “animalito” happened after Dayuma was already in the plane. My full attention had been on getting her in (which was no easy task) and at some point the squirrel monkey jumped behind the seat, disappeared and was no where to be found. I thought the dear lady was going to cry as we began the search for the miniature mascot. Rick kept saying, “He’ll be fine, let’s get going.” Well, Dayuma was certain that the little cutie would be squashed and arrive home ready for burial if we didn’t find him. Finally, I saw movement but it was out of my reach. So, Rick got out of the pilot’s seat, reached in, around and under the cargo to rescue our little buddy. Dayuma left with a big smile as she carried her baby on her lap.
Soon, I’ll be leaving for Pensacola Christian College to finish up my two requirements for the degree I’ve been working on for the past two years. Thank you for your prayers and please continue since I don’t have that diploma in my hands yet.
Love and blessings to all,
Rick and Sharon
sharejesus@gmail.com June/July 2008 www.yourmissionary.org
Dear Ones,
Preschool Graduation was an event that I hope the kids enjoyed as much as I did. I keep telling everyone that this year was my student teaching year. As I taught, I was learning many new things as well. In the fall I’m planning to have another preschool group. This time Ecuadorian ESL 4 and 5 yr. olds will be included along with the MKs. One of the missionary moms has volunteered to help full-time. Kevin and Melisa have two children. Annie, their four year old, was one of my students in Shell Christian Preschool. Melisa always has lots of creative ideas, is a good teacher and a precious sister in the Lord. Please pray for us as we plan our next school year.
As Rick mentioned a couple of months ago, we are always blessed with lots of new people who come by either for a visit or asking for a flight. This month, Dayuma was one of our special visitors. Rick has met her on several occasions in the jungle but this was my first time. A flight that was planned with another group to take her back to Tonapade fell through, so Rick was asked if he would be able to take her in. She came early and as she waited, she visited with family and others who were here to see her off. She needed to make a last minute “stop”, so I offered to hold her sweater and walking stick. At that moment she said something to me but I really didn’t hear her clearly. She was trying to make me aware of an important thing, “There’s an animalito (small animal).” When I took the sweater to free her hands, sure enough a monkey in a jungle style, knitted bag, jumped out from under the cloth and scared me silly. I let out a yell which startled everyone and gave us all a good laugh to start our day.
The next issue with the “animalito” happened after Dayuma was already in the plane. My full attention had been on getting her in (which was no easy task) and at some point the squirrel monkey jumped behind the seat, disappeared and was no where to be found. I thought the dear lady was going to cry as we began the search for the miniature mascot. Rick kept saying, “He’ll be fine, let’s get going.” Well, Dayuma was certain that the little cutie would be squashed and arrive home ready for burial if we didn’t find him. Finally, I saw movement but it was out of my reach. So, Rick got out of the pilot’s seat, reached in, around and under the cargo to rescue our little buddy. Dayuma left with a big smile as she carried her baby on her lap.
Soon, I’ll be leaving for Pensacola Christian College to finish up my two requirements for the degree I’ve been working on for the past two years. Thank you for your prayers and please continue since I don’t have that diploma in my hands yet.
Love and blessings to all,
Rick and Sharon
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Plane Facts-May/June 2008
The Plane Facts May/June 2008
sharejesus@gmail.com
Dear Friends,
Hi! This month we’d like to tell you about a man with whom we labor and share fellowship ... our pastor, Carlos Marchan. Born of a Latino father and a black mother, Carlos was raised in Esmeraldas, a coastal city, of predominantly descendants of washed ashore slaves. He first heard the Gospel at the age of 16 when missionaries from a Puerto Rico based mission-church came to his city boldly proclaiming God’s Message. They experienced a strong move of the Holy Spirit and soon began sending out their own church planting national workers. Pastor Carlos was one of them. He gladly endured persecution and beatings from his family for having accepted Christ. His father even took a gun to church to threaten the preacher.
Although he was still a young Christian, Pastor Carlos responded to God’s call to bravely go and start a church in the Ecuadorian jungle. Being from the coastal area and of a mixed racial background, things didn’t always go well for the young church planter. At one point he landed in the hospital from malnutrition which was really mostly due to low and even no financial support. However, he kept going. He didn’t give up. He prayed, knocked on doors, fasted and held nightly services… sometimes all alone. God eventually gave him his first convert and then two and then a few more. After three long years the Lord provided Carlos with (after Jesus) the best gift of his lifetime…his dear wife, Alicia.
Twenty five years have come and gone since our pastor left his home in Esmeraldas to serve God. Now, with a beautiful family and a large thriving church, one thing has proven to be absolutely true…God is faithful...and His promises are sure. One of those promises is for “HOUSES”. Carlos and Alicia are believing the Lord for that too. A year ago, on a lot donated to them by their first convert and with money God provided, they began building their very own home.
In Ecuador, houses usually aren’t built in a month or two, or even in a year or two. They go up little by little, sometimes over a long period of time, as finances permit. Last week I went to see how Pastor’s house is progressing. It’s coming along slowly. Yes, slowly, but surely! Sharon took pictures that you can check out on our website and, if anyone would like to come down and help work on the project, you would be most WELCOME! We are thankful for all the people God has connected us with over the years. Carlos and Alicia have been a great blessing to us, as have you. Thank you, and may the Lord continue to bless and use you in mighty ways.
Keep loving like Jesus,
Rick and Sharon
LCC-PO BOX 3298
Paradise, CA 95967
sharejesus@gmail.com
Dear Friends,
Hi! This month we’d like to tell you about a man with whom we labor and share fellowship ... our pastor, Carlos Marchan. Born of a Latino father and a black mother, Carlos was raised in Esmeraldas, a coastal city, of predominantly descendants of washed ashore slaves. He first heard the Gospel at the age of 16 when missionaries from a Puerto Rico based mission-church came to his city boldly proclaiming God’s Message. They experienced a strong move of the Holy Spirit and soon began sending out their own church planting national workers. Pastor Carlos was one of them. He gladly endured persecution and beatings from his family for having accepted Christ. His father even took a gun to church to threaten the preacher.
Although he was still a young Christian, Pastor Carlos responded to God’s call to bravely go and start a church in the Ecuadorian jungle. Being from the coastal area and of a mixed racial background, things didn’t always go well for the young church planter. At one point he landed in the hospital from malnutrition which was really mostly due to low and even no financial support. However, he kept going. He didn’t give up. He prayed, knocked on doors, fasted and held nightly services… sometimes all alone. God eventually gave him his first convert and then two and then a few more. After three long years the Lord provided Carlos with (after Jesus) the best gift of his lifetime…his dear wife, Alicia.
Twenty five years have come and gone since our pastor left his home in Esmeraldas to serve God. Now, with a beautiful family and a large thriving church, one thing has proven to be absolutely true…God is faithful...and His promises are sure. One of those promises is for “HOUSES”. Carlos and Alicia are believing the Lord for that too. A year ago, on a lot donated to them by their first convert and with money God provided, they began building their very own home.
In Ecuador, houses usually aren’t built in a month or two, or even in a year or two. They go up little by little, sometimes over a long period of time, as finances permit. Last week I went to see how Pastor’s house is progressing. It’s coming along slowly. Yes, slowly, but surely! Sharon took pictures that you can check out on our website and, if anyone would like to come down and help work on the project, you would be most WELCOME! We are thankful for all the people God has connected us with over the years. Carlos and Alicia have been a great blessing to us, as have you. Thank you, and may the Lord continue to bless and use you in mighty ways.
Keep loving like Jesus,
Rick and Sharon
LCC-PO BOX 3298
Paradise, CA 95967
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