Service Amidst the Protests

As you may already be aware, Ecuador just passed through an incredibly difficult time of nationwide protests that resulted from the presidents removal of fuel subsidies that kept prices of gasoline and diesel at a reasonable level. These protests were led by nation’s indigenous as they usually speak for the poor in the country. The removal of these fuel subsidies would most negatively affect the poor as it would mean a raise in prices of fuel, agricultural products and bus fares as well as other various common every day things. Thankfully, after 12 days of nationwide protests with the focus on the nations capital of Quito, the president and his administration agreed to reinstate the fuel subsides.

However, much was lost during these days of chaos. At least 8 protestors died, many have been hurt and during this time of extreme conflict and anger, there is so much reconciliation that needs to take place. The heart of these protests were important to us as the Kichwa, the country’s largests ingenous group, are a people group who are very close to us as they serve our project in Cayambe as well as our project mainly serves the Kichwa through our medical caravans.

We as a project decided to go and serve the needy, mainly women and children. during these chaotic times. We sent a group of volunteers from the project and outisde of the project from Cayambe to Quito to help in the heart of the protests. These brave souls served the destitute for two full days and then brought food provisions for the Home for At Risk Children back from Quito to Cayambe as food rations have been running low there. We were so thankful for the courage and compassion during this time and we are thankful to God that the strike has now ended.