Giron March Deputation Update

And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?… Rom 10:15 NLT

IYM

There are no words to express our gratitude to each person who was so kind to us during our time in Indiana. We were so blessed by every opportunity we felt God had given us to share in churches, with small groups, and with individuals. As it was our first time visiting the Indiana area, it was truly encouraging to feel the acceptance, hospitality, affection, and openness in every place we were able to share. We praise the Lord because it was a wonderful experience, and now we can say we have new friends that God gave us at IYM.

Please pray for us as we continue our next rounds sharing in the EFC-ER area, in April. Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Ohio, here we come! Pray that we could continue with good health and energy in obedience to God, sharing what the Lord is doing to raise new people that he is calling to go to the new fields, and how we can all participate in praying, giving, and sending.

Mexico YM Central, Annual Sessions

We are very grateful for the positive response, attendance, and unity we experienced at the Mexico Yearly Meeting annual sessions held in Aguascalientes, and the exciting reports each church gave about the hard work they are doing to continue expanding God’s kingdom in Mexico. It is very encouraging. Also, it is exciting to have confirmation from another young couple in Mexico City who are being prepared to be sent to one of the 32 states of Mexico under Vision Mexico 32. Glory to God! Please pray for the young couple as they begin the process of going out to plant a new church, possibly in the state of Jalisco (near Guadalajara). Pray for the other seven young people currently being trained at the Friends Theological Institute in Mexico, that God will confirm their future assignments. May God give us wisdom as we mentor them in the process.

Ecuador

Jose Olivas, a Friends missionary from Mexico, serving the Lord among the Shuar people in the Ecuador Amazon jungle, shared his first-year ministry report. I want to invite you to praise the Lord as you read some of his update. Please keep him in your prayers.

From Jose Olivas:

This year, I have made significant adaptations regarding food, climate, and certain vocabulary. My objective has consistently been to fully engage with the culture, and my Shuar vocabulary has been growing, which is a wonderful blessing. Recently, I visited the home of a Shuar family, where they receive guests from other Shuar communities. I overheard one of their guests inquiring about me, asking, “Who is he?” The family I was with explained that I was “apachi” (a foreigner) and that I am teaching them the word of God. They appreciated that I enjoyed their food and sang praises to them in Shuar. This experience deepened my understanding of the significance of immersing myself in the culture even more.

• Nunka Nunkui Community

In this community, I am regularly working with nine Shuar adults and seven children. During the first week of March, the syndic (community leader) and his wife visited us for Bible studies, as their son had brought them. His son is among the seven children who participate in the children’s Bible classes in this community.

A man I met, whose name is Martin Juwa, regularly participates in our Friday night meetings. Many members of the Nunka Nunkui community, as well as those from other communities, recognize him as the community’s shaman. God is actively working in his life. He is also a significant blessing, as he transports me to another community in his canoe to teach Bible lessons to children. Please keep him in your prayers.

• Yaas Nunka Community

Yaas Nunka community is one of the places where I feel most welcomed. The Shuar here have invited me into their homes. Upon my arrival at the community, I am greeted by the people. Occasionally, the parents of the children approach me to express their gratitude for the work being done with the children.

At present, I am engaging with about 35 children and four mothers who attend the Bible classes. The upcoming challenge is to start facilitating Bible studies for the older children in this community. I have also noticed the increase in their understanding and relationship with God. The Shuar community has invited me to their annual celebration, scheduled for April 16. I wish to attend and for them to perceive me as a member of their culture and community.

We thank God for José’s life. We feel joy to be his coaches, and to have the opportunity to serve by encouraging him, praying with him, assisting with accountability, etc. it is a great blessing for us. Being able to see firsthand how God is working in the lives of many Shuar through José is incredible! Through the courageous young Jose, we can see how God uses and honors those who wholeheartedly obey His call. All the Glory to God!

In Obedience to Him,

Edwin and Maria Giron

EFM Missions Mobilizers

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