Service Week

This week a foundation for Ecuador came to do service here in Guayaquil, and it happened to be in my new zone! The foundation has the initials ECY if I remember right. If I understand it, it is a foundation set up by return missionaries who served here in Ecuador 20 years ago to help the people here. There was a free dental clinic set up for some 4 days in the stake center with return missionary dentists, etc. They also were doing many other things that I didn´t catch exactly what they were. They built a few houses for some members here that really needed it. We got to help them as missionaries which was awesome! We also got to help them in the dental clinic teaching dental hygeine and the Word of Wisdom while filling out patient forms with the people that came.

   At the end they had an event in which many people came to recognize their help, with a dance afterwards. 3 other missionaries and I went to recognize their service and present them with the pins of Ecuador Guayaquil Sur Mission that we all wear. They had to invite us to be baptized in a mini practice lesson to recieve them! It surprised me to see they remembered how to do it in spanish! We then got of there quickly before the dance. 

   We are at the moment teaching some investigators preparing for baptism. One is a 19 year old taller than me which is a first. They call him "robofoco" here, which means lightbulb theif. (because he can easily reach up and steal the porch lightbulbs) Another is a mom of a few kids who were baptized a few months ago. She came to church and is excited! Another is a christian lady who has come to church a few times already and is also preparing for baptism. 

   I´m loving the mission life and helping people come unto Christ! Very happy to be here, and inspired by the large group that came with the foundation who came to Ecuador. They have had a big impact here! There are some 5 teenagers who will be leaving on their missions soon. Something way awesome the foundation did was provide brand new suitcases with a TON of ties, nice white shirts, pants, and basically everything they need to be set for their missions and many other future missionaries nearby. They are super excited to be set for their missions! I´m grateful for this chance to be serving here in Ecuador. Hope you all have a good week!

Elder Pollock

 

(This was an e-mail from the guy that came from the foundation ECY)

Had a great day yesterday working along side this amazing group of Elders.. Our group is in the middle of building a poor family a new house, these elders showed up yesterday to lift the load.. Thank you for having them here and engaged in the Lords work!
Dan