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NEW SOLDIERS RECRUITED FOR THE LORD’S ARMY



Dear Fellow Soldiers in The Spiritual War;



What a privilege it is to be here in Ecuador, sharing the Life Giving Gospel with people who are lost in Spiritual Darkness! It is such a joy to serve in the Lord’s Army!



Christ is building His Church here (Matt 16:18)! And we are enthusiastic about being used of Him in this difficult to reach city: Cuenca, Ecuador!



Why? The answer is because there is nothing more important than new souls being saved for all eternity through the Lord Jesus Christ! And there is nothing more exciting than knowing that people God has lead you to will be in Heaven with you someday! For now they serve in His mighty army.



Here are a few of the things which have been happening.



Church Plant is Growing!

We are glad to experience sure and constant growth in this vital ministry of church planting. This is what we are here for! Wednesday Nights are actually the big services for us. Sometimes we have almost completely different group on Sundays. Believe me I am trying to combine the two groups at both services. We have services in the house I am renting, and if we had everybody at the same time, our area would be full. That’s what we want!



Andres Rejoicing in His new Life with Jesús Christ!

I am discipling Andres. As one may remember reading, he asked Jesus into his heart not too long ago. I asked him today how his spiritual life was going, and it was touching to see this former street fighter’s face light up and gently tell me how happy he is to have Jesus in his life. He is witnessing to his mother and his cousins! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to observe how he has changed! *Update: Andres’ cousins are coming to church now-God used him to invite them to church.



Young Adrian Gets Saved!

On our “big” Wednesday night service in our rented house, Sonia, Cristian, and little Dave bring a small group of youngsters upstairs for a childrens’ church service. They teach the children Christian songs, and the Bible. Last night Sonia had the grand opportunity to lead Adrian (12 yrs old) to a saving relationship with Jesus! He has been coming on Wednesdays for quite some time. The Gospel Message finally got through to him!



Mr. Pacheco Hungry For Spiritual Knowledge!

One may remember Mr. Pacheco from my PowerPoint presentations on furlough, or from my prayer letters and website. He has been missing out on Wednesday nights because he has been attending AA for the last few months. However, last night he came for the second week in a row. He told me last night that he was going to “be here from now on.” He wants to learn more! Amen!



Little David leads Sebastian to Christ!

It is just wonderful to get my whole family involved in the ministry. My son , David (9) does not hesitate to share with others about what Christ did for him. And he has a passion for people. He doesn’t want to see any of his friends –or anybody else for that matter- perish. He has passionately prayed for and shared with Sebastian (10) for years. Recently Sebastian asked Jesus into his heart. That happened a short while ago, but Sonia confirmed it in a question and answer session in Childrens’ Church. Events like this make it all worth the effort.



Biblical Counseling Continues to help People!

“Do you want me to tell you what you want to hear, or do you want me to tell you what is going to help you?” I have posed that question to various individuals who have come to me for spiritual, biblical help. It is a grand thing to see God’s Word transform lives as we compare their hearts and lives to God’s commands. I am set to teach Biblical Counseling to Pastors and lay leaders in June! Please pray for this. I also request your prayers that my counseling will “stick”-that people will make lasting decisions for God.



Checho Makes Life Changing Decision for God!

Checho, another new Christian who asked Jesus into his heart in one of our Sunday services (Please see website for pictures and details etc.) has struggled with alcohol. He was going to help me out in a major way during our last camp, but he had intoxicated himself throughout the night and continued on throughout the Saturday of camp. His wife pleaded that I help him out of this. To make a long story short, he and I devised a plan to avoid this temptation. He has been dry since. He wants to live for God now, and he has decided to reject this old habit.



Men’s Spiritual Retreat:

I took a small group of men and boys to the edge of the wilderness for an overnight camping and spiritual retreat. This was allot of fun, as well as beneficial for the spiritual walk (or in some cases lack thereof!) of the men and boys involved. Please pray for lasting results and dedication to the church and to the Lord.





Some Donations Received for Church Building/Land Fund!

We are still forging ahead towards obtaining land and a building for this church plant in an area which is promising massive growth. This is an extremely important need. Some of you have contributed generously. Ecuadorians have given sacrificially and continue to do so.



We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity! We have a long way to go, but believe me; your donation (100% of it) will be used for this purpose. If you have not contributed, or are open to contributing to the solution again, please prayerfully consider this vital goal for this vital ministry. (please read website for detailed info.)



Country News:

•Ecuador will hopefully sign a trade agreement with the US. Many violent/dangerous protests are erupting throughout the country. Foreigners like myself are cautioned to stay away! People have recently entered eternity during these protests.



•The Hoarani Tribe (Formerly Aucas) very recently speared to death several lumberjacks on several different occasions. The murdered individuals were cutting down trees in Hoarani Territory. One may remember the “Aucas” originally martyred 5 missionaries back in the 50’s. They have had the Gospel since that time, but much more work lies ahead, as many of them still “live by the spear”. Total (Lumberjacks + Hoarani) dead: 30!



•Unbelievable Corruption! Loan Shark/Investor dies leaving behind thousands of people from all over Ecuador penniless. All investments have disappeared. Before his death he was paying 10% monthly earnings to investors. Both the government and banks are involved in the scandal. No government investigation pending. Brutal protests erupt all over the country (Please read website for details far inappropriate for this prayer letter)



• Volcanoes threatening the major city of Ambato.



Please be in much prayer for Ecuador!



Personal Prayer Requests:

•Health: I am still struggling with the E-Coli Bacteria in my system

•Sonia and I are struggling with Strep in our blood system.

•Schooling: Dave continues with the home schooling program.

•Please pray that God will continue to strengthen us as a Christ-Centered family.

•We hope to invest in a home here in Cuenca in the next year or so. Please pray for God’s wisdom and provision. We plan to be here serving God for life.



Thank you for all you do for us! We cherish your prayers.



Your Missionaries;



The Murrays: David, Sonia, Dave, Andrea and Joshua



Snail mail: Sr. David Murray, Casilla 01-05-1842 Cuenca, Ecuador

Email: ecuamurray1@juno.com

Website: www.ecuamurray.org

Donations: Baptist Mid Missions, PO box 30801, Cleveland, OH, 44130-8011

****If you are sending a donation:Please mark what and who the donation is for. Thanks.*********