APRIL 2004

Dear Praying Friends,

        There are not enough words to share with all of you what the Lord has been doing these last several months. Every day is a new experience in which we see the hand of God.

        We know that you will rejoice with us as we share the blessings of God. In the last two months we have been everywhere from sea level to 13,000 feet high in the mountains of Ecuador. First we received a call asking us to participate in several mission conferences in Hawaii. Oh what a joy to return to the Island of Maui and see many of the people we had worked with and prayed for during the years we served as missionaries in Hawaii. We saw what God has been doing in the lives of His children there. Two of the young men that were saved in Monoka's Sunday school class years ago are doing well. One is now the general manager at Wal Mart and another is a master diver for the Maui Aquarium. God has blessed both of them. The greatest blessing was when I stood in the pulpit of Grace Baptist Church and saw the building full of a "melting pot" of people. I cannot explain the emotions that went through me. Monoka and I remember the prayers and labor that went into this work. The blessings of God were so evident when I looked out upon our dear brothers and sisters in Christ and then I thought of the faithfulness of Arza (my Big brother) and his faithful wife, Ruth and how God is honoring His word. To see the desire of the people to serve the Lord and reach the lost was a blessing almost indescribable. Next we flew to the Island of Oahu and were with three churches. It was a thrill to see what God is doing in the lives of Skip and Dana Woodfin. They have been in Hawaii a short time as missionaries and God has opened many doors for them. Their people were a blessing to us and we say thank you to each one that made us feel like we were home. The last church we were with is Koolau Baptist Church. We ask you to remember them and their pastor, Bro. Bowlin, who has had some serious health problems but remains faithful. His people are working, God is blessing and this church continues to be a lighthouse as it has for many years touching lives for the Lord.

        After being with our churches in Hawaii, we needed to return to Ecuador in order to renew our visas. This proved to be a mixture of blessings. It tested our faith as we waited on the government to renew our Visas (which we got with no problems) but also we were able to return to the camp and were thrilled with the shape it was in. We told them to continue on just like they have been doing. 

        Next we visited both of the Bible Institutes. The men are teaching and the students are being faithful. In Cangahua we were told of one young lady who came to listen to the evening class and accepted the Lord as her Savior at the close of the teaching. The churches reported that several have been saved and lives changed for the gospel's sake. 

        Since returning to the USA, we have been in meetings in Ohio, West Virginia, and Texas. We are looking forward to being with many of our churches to give a report and pray that the Lord will open doors for us to be able to share our field of Ecuador with others. We will need to raise some additional support and are asking the Lord to supply funds to up-date our car (a 1980 Blazer). By doing this we will be able to continue working in the mountains without spending so much time and money on repairs. Also we are asking the Lord to help us with funds for a much needed dorm for the camp. We will be able to build it for about $10,000.00. Just think of the lives we will be able to impact for the gospel as the churches use the camp.

Yours For Souls,

Ernie & Monoka