NOLA PROUGH
FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
I am excited to share that I will be traveling to Ecuador in January, 2020 to serve one year as an intern working alongside local partners in God’s transformative work. Here is a quick glance at how God has been preparing me for this journey over the past couple of years.
Three years ago I was finishing a degree in teaching English as a foreign language and looking at programs to teach overseas. I knew in my heart that I was going to travel, and God was opening doors. However, as God was preparing me to travel, I became frightened of the unknown, overcome by doubts, and said, “God, send someone else.” I stopped looking at programs and tried to squash my desire for long-term travel.
While I am not proud of my moment of little faith, God opened other opportunities and led me to Lakeland Junior Senior High School where I am currently in my third year teaching Spanish. I grew comfortable teaching, leading youth activities at my church, and participating in an international Spanish/English Bible study. My comfort at times became complacency.
During one such time period my church decided to send the high school youth and a small medical team to work alongside The Santiago Partnership in Cayambe, Ecuador. I accompanied the youth as we helped construct the second floor on a children’s home, and I assisted as an interpreter at the pharmacy on medical caravans into the mountains.
On an early morning partway through our week in Ecuador, God shook my world. I was chatting with a woman from church about things we missed from home, and my mind was blank. At that precise moment I was flooded with peace and God said, “Nola, you are home.” He left no doubt in my mind that He had prepared me for that moment and was even then working to bring me back to Ecuador.
In the subsequent weeks I kept thinking about God’s ministry back in Ecuador. I kept in contact with Kim and Joel Delp, long-term missionaries there, and kept praying. I spoke with one of my pastors about service overseas, God’s calling, and the desires of my heart. He encouraged me to continue praying and to look into the possibility of returning to serve in Ecuador. I took his advice, and God has put the puzzle pieces into place.
As mentioned above, in January I will be flying to Ecuador to serve for one year alongside Joel and Kim and The Santiago Partnership. A large part of my role there will be working with groups that volunteer their time. I will be welcoming them, organizing details, and sharing God’s vision with them. Beyond that, I will assist in the promotion of The Santiago Partnership and work with staff at both the children’s home and medical center. I invite you to join me on this journey as well, as all of you have been an integral part of my life, teaching me to follow the Lord, slow down, care for others, and serve. I look forward to growing in my understanding of God through the witness of the Ecuadorian church as well. Prayers are always welcome, and information for financial support may be found below. You can also check out my blog for updates while I am overseas holanola-ecuador.blogspot.com.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Love,
Nola J. Prough
WHAT WILL NOLA BE DOING?
Serving with Medical Caravans and Mission Teams
Helping to promote the ministry of the Santiago Partnership
Assisting with International Partnerships
Providing needed translations
Serving the Home for At Risk Children and the Medical Clinic in Cayambe