“Our sincere words and our honest attitudes will impact the life of a child forever.”
Throughout my journeys, this principle has become a reality. And in my encounter with the youngest children of various communities, I have been able to testify that wit, intelligence and creativity are a natural part of the human being, regardless of their ethnic group or origin.
Dany dusted off an old camera and started to dream of the magic world of photography!
Sometimes having a conversation with a child can often be more difficult than with an adult. That eagerness to learn more through countless questions – some are difficult to answer, by the way – is what allows children to expand their world, to grow, to develop an extraordinary intellect.
Of course, as we know, not all the children have these opportunities, many of them are limited and they come across major hurdles that hinder them to thrive in their learning and eventually become adults with great skills.
The environment of poverty and extreme poverty in which many children live around the world, is the biggest obstacle they face. An environment that represents not only the lack of financial resources and all that it entails, but especially the lack of a healthy and motivating atmosphere, an atmosphere that may push them to grow and explore a wider world, full of opportunities, the opportunities that their parents certainly, did not have.
However, and although this reality is the mark of countless communities, it is so rewarding to come
This little girl´s curiosity will surely help her to make her dreams come true
across little kids whose wit, intelligence and creativity still has much potential, which fortunately, has not yet been cut short. Yes! A lot of potential, for those who have the chance to interact with them and their families, we are instruments of transformation and we contribute, so that one day they will reach their full potential and make evident their greatness that already exists in them.
How? Very easy! Our sincere words and our honest attitudes will impact the life of a child forever. Wess Stafford, former CEO of Compassion International, states it this way: “The spirit of a little child is a lot like wet cement. When a child is young it takes little effort to make an impression that can last a lifetime.”
Sebas, a rebellious boy for some; for me, a clever boy who needs guidance and motivation in life
Let us remember! Our tongue has the power of life and death, to build and destroy… let us use it to sow life, and life in abundance. The next time you find a child, regardless of either their origin or their condition, speak to them words of life and encourage them to pursue their dreams through hard work, with honesty and passion. There is surely greatness in the heart of every little child!
Photography: Cecilia Yépez & courtesy of Tim Neeves.
“We all have a new opportunity. A healthy family represents a healthy nation.”
Katherine Palma & Fabio Nieves, protagonists
“Love never fails” is the phrase that identifies the contents of the new Ecuadorian film production “With Wings to Fly” [Con alas pa´ volar].
A dream come true is what the creators of this dramatic comedy genre work feel. After two years of hard work, Executive Producer Byron Liger and Director Alex Jácome along with a select group of producers and actors are now sharing with the Ecuadorian community this feature film, whose main purpose is to reach the heart of families, especially those who are experiencing such critical situations as separation or even divorce and as a consequence, their children are the ones who suffer most.
Current rates of divorce in the world are alarming. Just a few examples are 61% in Spain, 56% in Cuba, 53% in the United States, 27% in Panama, 20% in Ecuador and 36% in South Korea.[1] These rates are troubling and do not even take into account statistics regarding free unions which are also increasing. All of this is a reflection of a broken society and of families in which there is no commitment and where children suffer from a lack of emotional stability.
With the star participation of well-known Ecuadorian artists such as 11-year-old Felipe Centeno, Fabio
Arturo Allen & Alex Jácome – Premiere in Quito
Nieves and Katherine Palma, and producer, scriptwriter and Mexican actor Arturo Allen plus a large group of Ecuadorian actors, the storyline of this film develops through the lens of 11-year-old Tito dealing with his parents’ separation. He desperately seeks refuge in his teacher, Mr. González, who does not hesitate to give him opportune advice. Nevertheless, in the imagination of this small boy, and as Arturo Allen who plays the part of Mr. González says, “He begins to twist what the teacher tells him and he starts getting crazy and mischievous ideas in order to try to keep his parents together.”
Amidst laughter, tears and suspense, the message of this film basically highlights three marvelous non-negotiable principles: love is not a feeling, it is necessary to forgive and know that God can restore a person, and especially that He can restore families. In Byron Liger’s view: “We all have a new opportunity. A healthy family represents a healthy nation.”
“With Wings to Fly” [Con alas pa´ volar] will be released in Ecuador on August 19 nationwide. There is much expectation within the country, and that is not all. Its producers have an even greater dream of taking this feature film to the big screen of Latin American theaters and beyond. This is a film that entertains and will make you laugh and cry all at the same time, but most importantly, it is a film whose message will penetrate your heart no matter what your marital state is. “With Wings to Fly” [Con alas pa´ volar] is full of inspiration, hope and a promise of transformation.
It’s been two weeks since the Ecuadorian community experienced moments of anguish, terror and desolation. The ground shook hard for less than one minute, but for the entire population it seemed an eternity.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale hit Ecuador, with its epicenter striking two small towns on the coast: Pedernales in the province of Manabi and Muisne in the province of Esmeraldas. However, almost every person felt this earthquake which shook the country of Ecuador its entire length and breadth.
Only rubbles and desolation
The evening of April 16 turned into a night of
terror and outright tragedy for the entire population, but especially for the people directly affected, nearly 1,500,000 inhabitants. A labyrinth of no escape and a time of confusion as multiple aftershocks continued the shaking even until now as I write this article. Entire families continue sleeping outside because they are afraid to be trapped inside their houses or because some of their houses simply fell to the ground and were left in ruins.
As of today, the official number of causalities is over
Cleaning rubbles is only the beginning!
650 and 30,000 persons have received medical attention. These statistics truly touch the hearts of the Ecuadorian people, but it is really terrible for the families of the victims. However, in the midst of so much pain, we rejoice to know that more than 22,000 are safe in shelters and 113 were rescued from the debris.
The entire nation has mobilized in order to help our brothers and sisters who have been affected by this
Rescue Teams in action
natural disaster. National and international friend organizations, the media, and neighboring countries as well as far-distant countries have all been present during this time of tears and desolation. Famous people and well-known organizations have come but there have also been many anonymous heroes.
Consequently, today I want to share about Juan Carlos and Sandra, a young couple of heroes from Manta, one of the cities most adversely hit. With a broken voice, they say, “The earthquake has hit us so tremendously, because people have lost their homes and their loved ones. The only thing you think at a time like this is that it must be the end of everything.”
Hundreds of hands ready to bless!
Nevertheless, after that frightful experience, Juan Carlos and Sandra surmounted their own pain and fear, rolled up their sleeves and went out in faith to serve the people who were having an even worse time. “Just seeing people on the street who had lost everything was what motivated us to do something and somehow help these people and communities with our little grain of sand, because they have so many needs.”
Every morning they get up early and take food and
Team of vounteers who works alongside Juan Carlos & Sandra
words of encouragement, advice and restoration to as many people as they can reach in different places. They even serve the volunteers who are there working in those areas in need.
Juan Carlos and Sandra alongside the members of their small “Family Home Church”, friends and people in general who are contributing anonymously to this cause, are the heroes who are carrying out and will make possible the reconstruction of these communities.
What’s going to happen later on? That’s what Juan
Physical and spiritual food is what our people need the most!
Carlos and Sandra and hundreds of affected people are asking. Perhaps right now there is no clear or specific answer humanly speaking. But this young couple states with conviction, “there is hope” because their hearts are totally trusting in the faithfulness of a good God and in His provision.
Therefore, Juan Carlos and Sandra are calling on the global community to unite in intercession and prayer for Manabi and for all of Ecuador, praying that God will fill the country with strength and that many more people will join in the rebuilding of these towns who “are in this process of change, because the best is yet to come,” as Juan Carlos states with conviction.
And you? Don’t you feel like joining this team of rebuilders?
“If God is not sending earthquakes, destroying economies and inflicting pain upon human beings, what is God doing? God works through people, calling them to help their neighbors in need. God comforts His people, walking with them even ‘through the valley of the shadow of death.'”
Adam Hamilton
*****
Photographs:
Courtesy of: Margarita del Mónaco, Teo Zamora and The Jarrin Family.
Anne Graham Lotz Founder & President of AnGel Ministries
Less than one week ago, on August 19th, I said good-bye to my husband of almost forty-nine years. At that moment, the only thing that truly mattered was the decision he made as a five year old boy in vacation Bible school to trust Jesus as his Savior. As a result, he knew for the rest of his life that his sins were forgiven, he possessed eternal life, and he had peace with God. What a gift his faith was, and continues to be, to his family and friends. We know our good-byes were not final. We grieve, but with hope. We know we will see Danny Lotz again in Our Father’s House not because of anything that he has done, but because of God’s amazing grace extended to him at the Cross.
Several weeks ago, not knowing that Danny would soon step into eternity, I had a burden on my heart to once again pray for Jerusalem. I had decided to issue a Recall to Pray on September 1st, similar to the urgent call for prayer I had issued last September.
I have a sense that something significant is going to happen in the very near future that involves the Epicenter—Jerusalem and the nation of Israel. This foreboding has been confirmed by many indicators …
• Renewed missile attacks from Gaza on Israel’s southern communities during the first weekend of this August
• The deployment of the Iron Dome in the north to try and protect Israelis from expected incoming Hezbollah rockets
• The tsunami of cash that will flow into Iran, then through Iran to terrorists around the globe, as a result of the “Nuclear Deal” John Kerry has negotiated that includes the lifting of sanctions against Iran
• The fragile coalition Prime Minister Netanyahu has pieced together for his government that seems to lack unity of vision and strength of resolve
• The strained relationship between Israel and the US as our leaders have taken this nation to the dark side of Biblical prophecy because we no longer bless the descendants of Abraham by standing solidly with them against their enemies
• The fourth blood moon on September 28 considered by rabbis to be an omen for Israel that will also be a super moon seen over Jerusalem
• The alarming rise of worldwide anti-Semitism
• The end of the Jewish Shemitah Year on September 13 and the beginning of the Jubilee Year on September 28—both very significant in Biblical prophecy.
God has impressed on my heart to help “pre-prayer” Jerusalem for whatever He knows is coming. I am seeking to rally His people with 9 1 1: An Emergency Recall to Pray for Jerusalem.
No signup is necessary. On September 1st an updated prayer that I have written will be available on our website so that we will all be “on the same page,” praying with one heart and mind. Please don’t feel confined to this prayer, but use it to help focus your own.
Would you Facebook, tweet, or email this to everyone you can?
When war breaks out or missiles explode or terrorists attack… when Israelis are killed…how many families will be left to grieve without hope? I know that there will be no permanent physical peace until the Prince of Peace returns and establishes His reign. There is no hope for the Epicenter except Jesus. Therefore, the purpose of our prayer is four-fold:
• For God to pour out His Spirit of grace and supplication on Jerusalem
• For God to open her eyes to recognize her Messiah…Yeshua…Jesus
• For God to break her heart for her sin and rejection of Him
• For God to save her spiritually and physically as she cries out to Him… and for Him to grant her permanent peace
The prophet Daniel prayed for Jerusalem during her dark days of captivity. God not only answered and delivered His people, but sent word that Daniel was highly esteemed in Heaven because he had stood in the gap for them…on his knees. I, too, want to be a person highly esteemed in Heaven for the same reason. (Daniel 9:23)
Thank you for joining me in prayer for the city and the people that God loves as we pray in agreement with His Word, and are therefore confident He will hear our prayers and answer…
“This is the land of Jesus, the Anointed One who preached the Gospel to the poor, gave sight to the blind, set free the oppressed.”
Israel, the land of the patriarchs and prophets, the land of the apostles, and the land of Jesus according to the Bible accounts, is located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea between Egypt and Lebanon. This small territory lies at the junction of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.
Here, at the junction of these continents, historically worthy Israel arises majestically and full of mystery.
In my recent journey to Israel, as I looked out over its capital, the old city of Jerusalem, the most
A view of the old city of Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock
predominant landmark was indeed the Dome of the Rock, as many have pointed out. It rests on the very place where Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, on Mount Moriah. This piece of land was later bought by King David in order to build the Temple, actually built by his son Solomon. That was the first glorious temple!
This first temple was destroyed by the Babylonians but after 70 years of the captivity of the Jews, they returned and rebuilt it. King Herod refurbished the temple, so 1,000 Levites were trained as builders,
because no laity could enter certain parts of the building.
Today, the Temple Mount is undoubtedly the symbol of “religious freedom” in Israel because it has been used by Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Muslim praying at the Temple Mount
In fact, 75% of the Israeli population is Jewish. Within this group, one may find secular Jews, modern
Ultra-orthodox Jewish
Orthodox, ultra-Orthodox, and Reform or Messianic Judaism.
On the other hand, 17.5% are Muslims, 2% are Christians, 1.6% Druze, and 3.9% are not specified (CIA, 2013). This is quite evident as one walks along the streets of Jerusalem, Haifa, Nazareth as well as many other towns and interacts with people whose cultural and religious background is so diverse.
Jewish women praying at the Wailing Wall
But Israel´s diversity is not only present in the religious and cultural aspects of its population but also in its geography. Although small in size, Israel is surrounded by different topographical features ranging from forested highlands to desert landscapes and from the coastal plain to the semitropical Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.
Sea of Galilee – It reminds us of a great event when Jesus calmed the storm!
Yes, this is the splendid Promised Land, the land of milk and honey that God promised to Abraham and his descendants! The land where Moses and Joshua led the Israelites on the exodus out of Egypt!
Moreover, this land embraces unique scenarios such as Masada, situated above the Dead Sea and one of the fortresses built by Herod the Great. This was a refuge for Jews who escaped from the Roman legions after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Qumran, on the western shore of the Dead Sea, is also
One of the Qumran caves in the Judaean Desert
well-known for the most stunning biblical archaeological find in 1947, the discovery of the scrolls and manuscripts which are such a magnificent legacy for Christianity.
And of course, Israel is also well-known for the places where Jesus, the Messiah was born, grew up, taught and proclaimed the “Kingdom of God.” The beauty and peacefulness of the Sea of Galilee and its surroundings truly bring to mind the sweetness and loveliness of the powerful and everlasting teachings of Jesus such as the “Sermon of the Mount.” This is the land of Jesus, the Anointed One who preached the
The Gospel Trail or the JesusTrail begins on the southern outskirts of Nazareth at Mt. Precipice towards Capharnaum, at the seashore of Galilee where Jesus´ministry started
Gospel to the poor, gave sight to the blind, set free the oppressed. Jesus is the Son of God who was sent to die on the cross in order to give us eternal life.
As one reads the prophecy of Isaiah 53, he / she cannot help but recognize that this word was fulfilled in the life of our Lord Jesus, as it is recorded in the Gospel account (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19).
“Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.”
(Isaiah 53:4-6)
Isn’t this amazing? This land is indeed the Holy Land, but sadly, it is also a divided land that has been in permanent conflict and spiritual blindness, because its people have not acknowledged the Messiah, the Savior of the world.
Israel and very especially its capital Jerusalem have been synonymous with conflict, wars and battles throughout history, even from Biblical times.
The Wall between Jerusalem and Bethlehem!
A controversial land in the sight of the world, but surely the chosen land in the sight of God.
Indeed, God has had His eyes on Israel, and His prophets have predicted its restoration. Jeremiah declared that God will restore the Israelites by bringing them together from all the nations. Ezekiel said that Israel would come to know the Lord. And Isaiah declared that Israel would still be a light to the nations and that Jew and Gentile would dwell together in peace through the Messiah.
Yes, God has His eyes on Israel, and so must we. Let us commit ourselves to pray for the restoration and salvation of Israel. Let us make as our own promise what David said:
The Korean church praying for Israel and Palestine (Peace March 2005)
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper!”
(Psalm 122:6 NLT)
To conclude, this year 2015, this country is celebrating its 67th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. So, let me invite you to watch a very interesting film that I found about this land, produced by National Geographic.
This is how Israel is seen by the world. Enjoy the film and come to your own conclusions!
Shalom! Peace be with you!
“Your good is not good enough until it is your BEST!”
These words spoken by one of my professors have reaffirmed my passion for excellence at times when I’ve found myself under pressure, tired or even overwhelmed by the mediocrity of my surroundings and have asked myself if perhaps I had been trying too hard to pursue excellence in my life.
TOWARDS EXCELLENCE is an attempt to kindle, or rekindle your passion for a life towards excellence!
Cecilia (Cecy) Yépez was born in Ecuador, South America.
Towards Excellence 
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