Praying for Miracles

As we anticipate the season changes in North America when temperatures cool and the leaves change, we are writing this blog currently praying for a change of season in Ecuador! The current situation in Ecuador is pretty grave as there has been an extended drought over the dry months, the worst that has happened in the last 60 years! This time of year is currently when the rainy season has started in Ecuador, but because of the severe drought and changes in climate, fires across the country have been happening causing a ripple effect of hardship for the people and country as a whole in Ecuador.

These ripple effects started with a drought that caused fires to start. Because the fires are happening, water is needed country-wide to fight the fires. With water at all-time lows in the rivers and lakes, it makes fighting the fires extremely difficult. Because the water levels are so low and the primary way to produce electricity in our country is hydroelectric (over 70%), this complicates things when there are no rivers or lakes full enough to provide the water for the hydroelectricity. Because of the hydroelectric situation, country-wide there have been rolling power outages and there are discussions of possible water rationing as well.

There are multiple fires happening all over the country, but Quito is currently experiencing dangerous fires in the city. For those who know the city, as of 6am this morning, the fire was invading the eastern hillside where Parque Metropolitano is located. It has quickly spread to reach the city and is burning buildings. Throughout the city there is ash and smoke.

Additionally, in Cayambe, just 1km from the Casa Hogar is another fire. Because of its proximity and because ash and smoke were in the air, the children were evacuated yesterday. There were a lot of unknowns for a few hours yesterday, but the fire was contained in that area and the children have been able to return with the Tias.

You may be wondering what you can do right now? We on the U.S. end are asking ourselves that too, but our Ecuadorian partners are asking for prayers. Prayers for rain and safety.

We know the God we serve is a God of miracles. Scripture is filled with miracles for those who believe they can happen and even for those who don’t. We believe they can because we have been witness to that same God of miracles that scripture talks about. So, would you pray with us:

Please pray for rain. For a change in the season from dry and hot to cool and rainy.

Pray for safety for our staff and children of all the projects in Ecuador: the Medical Clinic, Home for At-Risk Children, Intervention program, SUMAK and Forever Flowers.

Pray for partners in Ecuador directly and indirectly fighting the fires and helping those who are displaced or on the margins already.