ECUADOR - SOUTH AMERICA

Watchtower July 1, 2005, Pages 22-23

 
                                  
[PHOTO CREDITS: Joseph Kutay. See footnote at end of link]

PAST EXPERIENCES 

STEPPING OVER" TO ECUADOR
"SPYING OUT THE LAND"

Patrick Trainor, Illinois, U.S.A.

Hello Friends around the World

This is your Brother Patrick Trainor, I am about to take the ADVENTURE OF MY LIFE. Jehovah has seen fit that I take a trip to ECUADOR to help the Brothers there in any way possible.

He is already using me to take articles of clothing for the friends that have been devastated by an Earthquake There is sickness, and homes have been destroyed. Seems we haven't heard much about it because of so many others needing help.

Let me say that I have had so much encouragement FROM READING THE EXPERIENCES OF our faithful brothers around the world. I am getting up in age and ABOUT TO RETIRE from work. I could not think of a better thing to do then to go to WHERE THE NEED IS GREAT to another country to help our Brothers. So I am going to spy out the land for my wife Sherry and I. Many others have gone to Foreign countries and even learned new Languages.

I hope to write my experience so you may read it when I return, for an encouragement for all you TO DO THE SAME IF POSSIBLE. Just think of how much work could be done if one brother from each congregation in USA went to another country. What work could be accomplished. Many studies, halls to be built, territories to walk into. All for Jehovah, Wow Let me be of encouragement to you. Maybe I will see you someday in ECUADOR.

Your Brother in the Truth Patrick Trainor
Email address: Mrsgroom@aol.com

by Josh & Al Hilbig

"The strange thing about packing up and heading for the jungle a second or more time, is that you have forgotten the blood, sweat and tears spent on the last one. Much like child birth, somehow the mother finds herself in that ‘situation’ once again. So it was recently with a group of 7 of us. Me, Al Hilbig, my almost 14 year old walking encyclopedia of a son Joshua, Klever Escalante our special pioneer in Macas, a new publisher and student of mine Ramiro Conde, and inactive Shuar brother, Eusebio our guest from Spain, Euken and not least but last, Brooke Kelly our girl Friday!

"Our original plan was to fly into an area called Tutinentza, which has never been preached before by Jehovah's Witnesses, but as we waited all day at the airport we realized that a flight there was not going to be possible. The military provides these flights so it is at their disposition where they decide to fly and when. So as plans changed we finally flew at 4:00 PM. to Taisha with plans to perhaps walk a days hike into Tutinentza. On arrival to Taisha, a small community that had been preached one year ago, we tried to get lodging at the local army base stationed there. But, they had no room so we went with Eusebio to his wives family and stayed with them. Eusebio is a Shuar Indian who lives outside of Macas. He and his wife are both baptized but have been inactive for quite awhile. This would prove to be a trip which boosted his enthusiasm to preach since he shared the truth with many of his relatives that had never heard it before and were now able to hear it in their native tongue. His speaking Shuar and being familiar with life in the jungle was a big help to us all also.

"By 9:00 PM. we had found his relative's home and were ready to eat something and get to bed. The Shuar community has no electricity and most of the homes are made of bamboo, palm, and grass roofs. We were able to settle into an unfinished dwelling close by that didn't have any walls as of yet comfortably slept 7 of us on the second story timbers and bamboo floor. We all tucked ourselves in under our mosquito nets, used mostly for the protection from Creeping Cockroaches at night, and had a pleasant rest until the sun and birds woke us the next morning. Our plan was to preach the surrounding village and then move on from there, but the local administrators of the village showed up in the morning and caused us some difficulties. It seems that the vice-president had at one time been a tour guide and when he saw foreigners he also saw $$$. He came with his official speech and cabinet of supporters who later saw his complete unreasonableness. Having in mind the latest studies in the Kingdom Proclaimers book about the persecution and restriction of the preaching in the U.S. and Canada in the 30's and 40's, we politely but firmly refused to pay the $30.00 he was asking for. We also showed him our missionary identification which meant nothing to him. After realizing we were not going to pay he started in on the fact that we didn't have written permission to even enter the village. That permission we will probably never be able to receive since it is only issued by Catholic or Evangelist institutions. The brothers tried to explain to him that our purpose in being there was in no way tourist but solely as an educational help to his community. As it turned out after more than an hour of dialogue, he stood staunchly and ordered us all to leave the village including Eusebio who had family there. We peacefully packed up our things and left knowing that there will be a better time to preach in the future. As we packed he argued in Shuar with the other members of the administration, who wanted us to stay and many of whom left with literature in hand.

"We headed back to Taisha and Klever hunted up a woman who had shown much interest in the truth when visiting a year a go. She quickly accepted us all into her small home and she and Brooke made up a lunch for us all. Her husband is a militant who works on the base but was away for the week. She had studied the whole Live Forever book before and her two children have a real love for the truth too.

"After having done some hiking with our loaded packs and some strong encouragement from Brooke as she had hiked many hours with a pack through jungle once before, we decided it would be best to hire some horses to carry our gear and make the 5 hour hike to Shinkiatam, a village in the area with never before preached territory. Tutinetza would be put on hold for another trip when we could enter in with a plane. The walk in and out would have eaten up two days and not given us enough time to preach the many surrounding villages which have never been seen nor preached by Jehovah's people.

"Saturday morning we rose early and got our packs ready for the horses, filled up on sustaining granola, and pumped as much water as we could carry through the hand held water purifier. What a life saving invention that proved to be! Thanks Nathan and Mari! The path to Shinkiatam was pretty dry to start out with. We came to a clearing and could see the Amazon basin which we would descend into about 600 feet below. The broccoli-topped looking trees stretched out into the eastern horizon as far as our eyes could see. We made the descent in about ten minutes and dreaded how it would be on the return. Then the earth beneath us became softer, wetter, and slippery. The rainforest canopy enveloped us and we found ourselves tromping through mud, water, streams, and then over a river in a recently built cable pulley cart. We rested there alongside the river, swam, got out some bread and shared a can of tuna between two and tried to filter the muddy river water to have enough for the next hours walk. Around four in the afternoon we arrived in the village. Eusebio, Klever and I visited with the local administration and found them to be very receptive to the truth and our visit. They loaned us the local community building, a large wood framed room with tin roof. There we would set up camp for a few days and work the surrounding area. The Pangui River (which means anaconda river, but supposedly vacant of boas larger than 4 meters as of late) was nearby so we bathed, washed out our muddy clothes, and ate some instant soup and juice.

"Everyone came curiously to the door of our camp, wondering what we might have to share with them, and telling us to be sure and stay close by the next day as it would be Sunday and many people would come into the center to attend mass. The local priests wife loaned us some pans to cook in and also her dirt floor "kitchen" and fire pit. Sure enough the next morning the small church rang out its bells and the "priest" faithfully came over and attended to the perhaps 10, mostly children, who attended the 10 minute mass. Josh Hilbig and Brooke started out to preach the rest of the "pagans" who hadn't gone to mass that day. What a spiritual hunger they found! The curious families almost all took some form of literature. They traded the Enjoy Life and Require brochures for some fruit and other eatables. They also left as a gift to many the September 8th, 1996 Awake on the North American Indians. That magazine has been of interest to many Shuar as they themselves have been somewhat dominated by the white man. Everyone amongst us came back with positive reports about the territory. Eusebio, the brother who had been inactive, was beaming with enthusiasm as he told me how interested the people were and how he has been able to place a lot of literature with them. In fact we had all the interest we could manage coming right to the front door of our building.

"Euken is an elder who arrived to Ecuador from Spain. He serves in a small congregation in the south of the country. This was his first jungle preaching experience and not the most positive one he will remember. He did say he would do it again but not everything went real well for him. But, that is the reality for all of us at times. On the 5 hour hike to Shikiatam his new hiking boots began to loose their sole or "soul" you might say. Yes, they were dying quite quickly under the rough terrain. Not a good thing when the nearest Wal-Mart to buy a new pair is 1000 miles away and many days walk, so he tied them together with some emergency twine Brooke had brought with her. Later on in the trip he had a very expensive watch stolen from him that someone from Spain had given to him before he left.

"Ramiro is another brand new publisher who went along with us also. This will be his first month of reporting activity in the field and what a good report he will give. I think he placed some 20 brochures, 10 books, and many magazines. He traded for everything he could, food, a gourd water jug and even a horse to take him back to Taisha! His enthusiasm was encouraging to us all. Klever Escalante also accompanied us. As many of you remember, he has served as a special pioneer and ministerial servant here in our area for some four years.

"Those three brothers headed off to a small village called "Dos Rios", (Two Rivers) on Sunday and came back with a very positive report also. The walk there was about two hours. Euken went on horseback since his boots were virtually shot. They arrived in the village as a meeting was being held so they took advantage of the opportunity to give a small talk and distribute some literature. Those were the first seeds ever planted in that area ripe for cultivating. We pray that the people take advantage of the simple but valuable brochures and use them to better their way of living until we are able to return and share other truths with them. With the horse, they were able to reach many houses off the main trail!

"On Monday it was time for the rest of us to venture out to a new territory. Brooke, Josh, Eusebio and myself headed out for the more than two hour hike through jungle bush until we came upon the small community of 3 de Noviembre. Because of never being there before we asked at every hut we came to along the way if we were heading along the right path. Along the way, Eusebio would break branches and put others across paths so that we would be able to find our way back without getting lost. That was kind of a scary thought to us all I think. I had brought a flashlight just in case it happened but fortunately we didn't need it. We had to cross a river twice in two different places that was up to our knees on the way but then up to our thighs on the way back because it had rained and the water had risen. On arrival in the village Josh traded a women some brochures and magazines for some cooked yucca (cassava) and hard boiled eggs which we enjoyed with yes, more tuna. We preached the few houses that were there, leaving literature at every one. At one home Brooke and I me several small children. I gave the young boy my presentation to which he listened very carefully. When I offered him the brochure he didn’t flinch at the cost and quickly rushed off bringing me back the contribution. Our water lasted us the hike back On our return we stopped at another Shuar home. We were all admiring the nice looking pineapples growing in the yard and hoping somehow we might me able to trade some literature for some. As they invited us in to rest and drink some Chicha, Eusebio preached with glee in his native tongue and showed them the literature we carried. We didn't know what he was saying but we sow their enthusiasm as they thumbed through the brochures and Eusebio spoke. Eventually they came in with three fresh cut pineapples and some ripe plantain for us to take with us. There was an elderly couple in this hut and as we were about to leave the old lady came up and gave me a fresh egg and said something in Shuar. I ask Eusebio to translate and she had thanked me for coming so far to bring them the good news! WOW!

"We made our way back home tired but happy we had gone to this never reached place. The bath in the stream was refreshing along with the warm chicken soup before going to bed not long after the sun went down. After a long hike sleeping on a hard wood floor isn't bad at all.

"The next day we rose early getting packed, preparing yucca, plantain, and putting it in our lunch containers for the 5 hour hike back to Taisha. Because of the rain we knew the trail would be much muddier. Most of us had wet boots from the days of preaching before and river crossings. Some of us put our feet in plastic bags and then into our boots so as not to have to hike with wet feet all day. That is always a dilemma coming to the jungle. What kind of foot wear to bring? Rubber boots are ideal for the mud but not the most comfortable thing to walk in for hours in 90 degree weather. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know. I did purchase some Gore-Tex boots but they take forever to dry!

"By this time we are all pretty tired of oatmeal for breakfast and tuna and yucca with green plantains for lunch as you can well imagine but it is a good energy food. While preaching we had asked to trade literature for a chicken or fresh fish to vary our diet. Brooke took the risk of leaving a "Greatest Man" book with a man in hopes he would really bring us some fish as he had promised. Now you may wonder why we don't just leave the literature with people for a donation. Here in Ecuador the literature we still pay for and the people too would really take advantage of us and the Society if we just gave it away. The following is a case in point; The man who promised Brooke the fish never showed up. So, on the way out she decided to pay him a visit and find out what happened. By this time she didn't want chicken nor fish because we were going to be hiking all day long. She met him on the road and asked him if he was enjoying the book and what happened to the fish. He sheepishly said that he wasn't able to get any and was sorry. Well, one thing you quickly learn here in Ecuador is the need to be very frank at times. If not people will take advantage of you, especially if you have blue eyes and a foreign name. The Indians are many times used to religious groups giving them things like clothing, money etceteras. So you might say they have produced a big batch of "rice Christians". This makes it difficult for us at times because they expect us to do the same. They are convinced that we are getting paid well from some source in the States. So to help change that way of thinking we have to reason with them about our purpose in coming and that we come spending our own time, money, and energies. And, for them to have a better appreciation for the literature we usually ask them to give at least something in trade for it. If they seem to be very, very interested and truly have nothing we may give them a brochure or something for free. So, in the case of this man Al asked him if he would have something else in the house he could trade me for the book such as some type of craft or something. He replies, "Oh yes, just go up to my house and ask my wife and she will show you all that I have and you can pick what you want." So we left and Brooke hiked off the trail up to his house expecting to find some crafts. His wife though comes out and says, " He doesn't having anything made." Well, at this point she’s beginning to feel very taken advantage of and explain to her also the purpose and importance of our visit. In the end she asked for the book back and told her politely and with tact that her and her husband needed to begin working now on some craft weaving that they know very well how to do so that when we return they would have something to give for the valuable literature! If they ever are to become servants of Jehovah they will have to make many more sacrifices and efforts to learn and meet together with others.

"Our hike back to Taisha was long and muddy as expected. The rain had made it much wetter and more slippery We returned to the woman’s home who had shown us so much hospitality a few days before and found that she had left for a few days but allowed us to stay there anyway with the kids and the babysitter. After unpacking all of wet and smelly stuff, we all headed for the river to bath and wash our clothes before the rotted. And it was there that a young man stole Euken’s watch. He was so sad as it had a barometer, altimeter and thermostat! He has a health condition and must be careful not to get in to hot of sun!

"That night 5 of us very much enjoyed sleeping in a real bunk bed even though the sheets were dirty and the pillow smelled like a sweaty body. One of those realities of jungle life I guess. Brooke had one bunk and I had the other. Kleber, Josh and Ramiro shared a small double bed! Euken took the floor and Eusebio returned to spend the last two nights with his family.

"The next two days we spent in Taisha preaching. We had some very good calls on people who had shown interest and taken literature a year a go. Many people told us to not forget about them and to be sure and come back soon. It is fairly easy to go there. The military plane flies in and out every Tuesday and Thursday, that is if the plane doesn't break down or there are not any bad rain storms in Taisha or Macas.

"The following are thoughts of Brooke on the trip!!

(Webster's Dictionary describes "Reality": The quality or state of being actual or true." So, the following narration could seem discouraging and a little emotional but it is exactly what I was feeling and thinking at the time, the reality. Don't worry though, things are better now!!!)

"Proverbs 13:12 tells us, "Expectation postponed is making the heart sick." Thursday, we all experienced a little bit of heart sickness I believe. Days like these are when reality sets in. We were all tired of oatmeal, tuna, mud, dirty clothes, and dirty beds. And, after being with one another all week I think we were starting to feel tired and getting on one another’s nerves. We got up early in order to get to the airstrip by 7:30 am. My hopes were up that we might be able to fly out early without waiting all day. The day looked good with the sun shining. The whistle blew and in came a plane. Our hopes raised even more but then were let down as I looked down the runway to see that it wasn't a military plane. So, back to my bible reading. I was reading James 1-5 for the weekly reading. How appropriate, endurance under tribulation. And, according to !:2-4 and 5:7&10 the need to learn more patience. The reasons why this affected me so much today was that earlier I had discovered that I hadn't put the cap good on a bottle of water I had in my bag along with all my literature. As you can imagine it was all soaked. Then, as I continued reading I noticed a women next to me with a baby standing on the bench and a puddle underneath. The mother was running her fingers through the puddle. I asked, hoping that she wouldn't affirm my fears, "Did he just pee?" "Yes.", she said with a slight look of embarrassment. The rage grew inside of me. I had had my fill for the week of filth. I told her she should have put him on the floor at least. Now the bench was dirty. "That is very dirty.", I told her. "You need to wash him." Yes, she was playing with her finger in the baby's pee. I know these people need to be taught a lot but do they have any common sense what-so-ever? I want to help them perhaps, but do I have the patience? Many times I doubt it. Why are they like this? When their hands are filthy dirty, do the even wish they had some water to wash them with? The river wasn't far. So, I was getting even more and more heart sick as I sat there trying to keep my mind and read the bible reading.

"As I am sinfully thinking about the cleanliness of America and the comforts of a car, punctuality, cleanliness, hot showers, good food, etc... Then it began to rain, the dark clouds rolled in and then it poured. I tried not to dwell on negative things but it was pretty hard by this time. I was looking forward to getting home to my clean house and seeing Elfie, eating lots of fruit and vegetables, and sleeping in a clean bed. But, as it continued to rain I lost more faith. James says that Elisha was able to pray and stop the rain. I wish I could do the same. You see, with the rain, the plane will not come. And if it keeps up it won't come later either because the runway will be flooded. If it does come tomorrow we will have to fly to Shell which is a 7 hour bus ride from Sucua. I worry that I don't have enough money to get there and eat too. My literature is completely soaked so I can't even place that to get more money. Well, we'll see what happens.

"I'm sorry my writing is so discouraging right now. I'm not too positive as of yet. I didn't wash my clothes very good yesterday, thinking we would fly out today. So, if we are here for a few days more what will I wear? I do have one clean pair of underwear but everything else is pretty yucky. I guess I'll end up being like everything else here, dirty! Well pray for us here brothers. At times it is wonderful here and other times it isn't. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself through this when I could stay cozy in my home in Sucua or even cozier in the U.S.A. I guess it is Jehovah's spirit that motivates us. And, a fear of getting too comfortable. I'm feeling a little more encouraged as I look out towards the north and I see blue skies. The rain has stopped. Perhaps if just some of the seeds we have planted will grow, it has been worth all our effort. I know why Paul asked so many times that the brothers pray for him. Please pray for us to not give up here brothers. Because sometimes we feel that we could when you get right down to the reality of things. "

"Well the plane did come and we made it home before night! Brooke caught a bus to Sucua...she had worked so hard! Ramiro made a covenant with his wife that he would never again go to the jungle! Euken had a fine time here and gave us a wonderful talk on Saturday on Keeping Awake....I hope he forgets about his watch, to ease the pain Joshua gave him his...now he’s asking me..."what time is it Dad"...

"Eusebio went home and we haven’t seen him since. I hope he does get going as he’s a wonderfully tender brother with a lovely family. I will see them tomorrow! Josh is back in school, catching up, and writing his Herald. Jean had a little heart problems while I was away...doctor found a bacteria and is treating her and she’s much better. And for me, well, I’m back to being, Dad, Hubby, Elder, Pioneer and currently house-building-go-for! Our house is coming along. The fence is up and the columns are going up. We figure in 6 months we should about be there. It will have a great guest apartment...so get your reservations in early!

By the way, our next trip in about two months will take us to the river Macumba. With Ecuador and Peru now at peace we can work the borders. So we hope to go by water to many villages along this river that flows to the Amazon. Want to come along!

Our love and greetings to you all

Al & Josh

TIDBITS ABOUT NEEDGREATERS IN ECUADOR

From a missionary couple

"Just the compilation of experiences and highlights, especially the special assembly here for the benefit of those serving here from other lands.

" We have here in Ecuador sisters from Australia previously serving in Uganda. They left as they had to leave the country every 2 months, at times every 2 weeks, to renew the visa and more time and money spent on that than helping the people.

"Also here, a sister of the Maori tribe of New Zealand to help the native Amazon tribes of Ecuador spiritually

"At our LOCAL ENGLISH "NEEDGREATER ASSEMBLY", it was noted that all 450 present had come from many different lands and countries to serve here for love. But the question was asked, Love of what? Love of the people, or love of adventure?

"For most that was an easy question to answer. However, often the two can be combined as can be seen from this experience:

"A sister serving in Rocafuerte, 12 hours down an Amazon tributary in a once-a-week canoe from the LAST CIVILIZED TOWN ON THE BORDER OF THE JUNGLE,, told about studying with a crippled woman who crawls to her canoe to paddle l hour to go to the meetings with her 4 children and then crawls up the river bank to where she can use her crutches.

"Once the children came to the meeting alone. Since a 20 yard ANACONDA CONSTRICTOR SNAKE had just recently almost got a child in the river, the sister accompanied the children home in her canoe and returned alone. How's that for combining love of the people with adventure? Notice I did not say the sister necessarily loved that particular adventure!

"One couple told how they had been saving and praying, hoping to come to Ecuador to serve. How had they come well ahead of schedule? Hurricane Andrew destroyed their home and they decided to use the insurance money to serve here rather than rebuild. "

A sister was getting a ride to the territory in the back of a truck. She saw two women walking down the road. She asked to be dropped off there and she began witnessing to the two women. One woman was interested and she accepted a Knowledge book.

A return visit was made on her and a Bible study was started. It wasn't long before her children and her husband were studying. The woman began witnessing to her relatives. Her mother in law and several of her brothers began to study and their children also are now studying.  From just one informal call

22 persons are now studying the Bible!!

(Experience related at International Convention, San Diego, Calif., USA)

ECUADOR - THE AMAZON JUNGLE, SOUTH AMERICA
More from the Hilbig Family originally from Idaho, USA

We have been serving in Ecuador 6 years now...before that we raised our kids in
BELIZE-- 8 wonderful years!

I can't even imagine going back to the states to a 'normal' life after having tasted and seen. We pray so many more will respond. In our area we have the whole Amazon basin in front of us...we live and serve in the JUNGLE. Just a perfectly lovely climate, very few bugs...let me tell you up in Kansas and Idaho we use to run from the mosquitoes...nothing like that here....some rats and pests to content with...but the preaching is WONDERFUL!

The eastern part of Ecuador is the 'oriente' or jungle. We have been here 6 months now. Our part of the 'oriente' is actually an 'alto plano' so we are above the Amazon Jungle basin, separated by the Cutucu Mountain Range. Hence we have very lovely weather...not cold like the high mountains where we lived for five years, not steamy hot as is the jungle.

We have a lovely congregation of about 85 publishers, one elder, 4 m.s. and 7 pioneers plus 2 specials. We have a tremendous territory both in the fact that it is practically unlimited...our borders with Peru haven't even begun to be worked by that country...and in its productivity...it is just plain fun working because YOU ALWAYS HAVE GOOD CALLS AND PRODUCTIVE STUDENTS ARE JUST EVERYWHERE! We are so thankful to be in a field where the joy of the ministry is our stronghold and pray Jehovah will allow us to remain here forever! We live in an area that formerly was controlled by the Shara Indians. They were very fierce and were never conquered by the Spanish. Some 50 - 60 years ago the Ecuadorian government opened up certain parts of this area for 'colonos' to settle, these are non native peoples mostly from the mountains. The Indians live in there centers and some live in towns like Macas but the majority still live as they have for centuries in the jungle. The do cultivate some, raise some cattle, harvest lumber and hunt. They speak Shuara and as of yet we still don't have literature for them in their language though a brother her is working on a brochure.

Further into the jungle live the Ashuar people who were famous for the shrinking heads.  They still live very remote and have their own language though the two peoples can understand each other. These people are Mongoloid decent and look very oriental...very handsome people. We started making visits to these people limitedly about 5 - 6 years ago but without any real program. Now that the government has offered air travel at a reasonable price, we are trying to work these areas with more frequency. They are for the most part, ready to listen to the Bible and we always place much literature. In fact, we just had a group of 6 who returned Tuesday from a weeks stay in there. I haven't gotten the full report but they had some excellent experiences. We often meet these people in Macas when they travel through here and they always invite us to come and visit their villages. Now, happily, we are starting to do that. We have one Shara brother who goes with us as he knows the jungle so well and the customs of the people and hence we feel much safer with him.

This area is blessed with a rich variety of food. Locally are grown a lot of Yucca (Cassava) and plantain. But everything grows here so we have a rich variety in our diet with much fresh fruit and vegetables we purchase each Sunday on market day when the Indians and others bring their products to sell. There are also a large variety of ground foods and beans available which we enjoy. Chicken and fish are obtainable as is meat because a lot of beef cattle are raised in this area.

In fact, Jeanie and I visited the big fair today, which is the Day of the Amazon and we saw huge examples of beef and milk cattle. We get fresh milk weekly and make our own Yogurt and sometimes cheese, cream chesses, cottage cheese according to our menu for the week.

So you can tell, we have a fine diet. Added to that the fact that we walk or bike every place and the combination adds up to a pretty healthy way of live with the added touch of A WONDERFUL MINISTRY WHICH IS OUR REAL LIFE! We also are near national parks and rivers for added INTERESTING THINGS TO DO and FUN OUTINGS!

So that gives you a little scratch of our part in this small but as the latest Awake mentioned "varied land".

Branch Tel. No: 04-73-8015
Branch Fax No: 04-73-8008

The Hilbig Family, Al, Jean, Josh and Nanka "Albert Hilbig"

ECUADOR: Quito. Needgreaters from WYOMING, USA
Ron Murphy & two sons, Burt & Keith

Dear Friends,

As perhaps many know time and unforeseen occurrences befall us all. While we are not currently serving in Ecuador our hearts and spirit is still there as well as with the many Needgreaters and Pioneers and Missionary Brothers and Sisters who are doing what they can to Serve in Jehovah's great organization.

The following has been updated to January 1st 1999. There were a few changes to this posting and have been up dated and revised since the last posting of it in May 1998.

The following has been up dated to our current situation for January of 1999 My family, which consists of my two sons, Burt, Keith and myself.

HOW WE CAME TO BE NEEDGREATERS:

We didn't understand completely how great the need is in various countries until we had the privilege of serving in these places first hand. After my oldest son, Burt, and myself attended the pioneer school we were moved to want to do more if possible.

A sister, Alice, serving where the need is great in Ecuador, and visiting the U.S.A., came with another sister to serve lunch to our Pioneer School. When this sister was introduced to us, I was very curious as to why a single sister would go to the far flung parts of the earth and live and why it was that she picked Ecuador. She offered to show us a video of Ecuador where she was serving and after viewing it, that's all it took! We wrote the Branch and got the information they send to those who are thinking of visiting or moving to Ecuador.

We then SPIED OUT THE LAND for a few weeks, simplified our life, & a year later we found ourselves living very near the Equator, or in ECUADOR, as it is called in Spanish. BY THE WAY, NONE OF US SPOKE ANY SPANISH. We served in Ecuador a little more than three years and a few months and our language abilities have steadily progressed.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE CONGREGATION WHERE WE SERVED
Our first two years, we served in a small town named Sangolqui, and the next year and a half in the Big City of Quito. We attended a congregation on the outskirts of Quito, named "Vista Hermosa" meaning "Beautiful View" At that time we had about 70 pubs. When we left the congregation it had around 110 publishers.

THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE DONE!!

WE ARE GOING OVER THE QUESTIONS FOR NEW PUBLISHERS AT A RATE OF ABOUT TWO A WEEK!! Between 80 and 90% of our publishers have been baptized less than 2 years.

Quito, a city of 3 million people, (I think, others say a million) is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. That is if you like cities. Its about 3 miles wide and 35 miles long. Nestled in between the Mountains and situated about 9500 ft. above sea level. Next to us are 3 beautiful snow covered Volcanoes. Cotopaxi is to the South of us at 19,500 ft. We enjoy about 70 to 80 degrees every day all year with lots of blue sky, and some rain. We have a coast about 6 hrs on one side and Jungle about 8 hrs on the other.

IS IT EASY TO START BIBLE STUDIES IN ECUADOR?
One sister who had moved to our congregation in just one month got 6 Bible Studies.

YOU CAN HAVE ABOUT AS MANY STUDIES AS YOU WISH, just about any where you go.
Most young ones are able to keep more focused spiritually because the ministry is so productive and the young ones feel needed in Jehovah's service here! They can use the Bible and prove things, make return visits and start Bible studies!! At one time my son had about 7 or 8 studies

ADJUSTING VIEW TO HELP OUT
Third world living presents its challenges but it is well worth it when one sees the GREAT NEED and how much one can help out! One brother said " if half the Brothers moved to where the need is greater from the States, they would never be missed, [ from a field service point of view]. Plus think what it would do for the rest of the world."

JUST HOW GREAT THE NEED IS HERE & AND OUR PROBLEM:
Brother Al Hilbig from Macus, which is a small town near the Jungle about 14 hrs from Quito, is the ONLY ELDER THERE AND THEY HAVE THE LARGEST TERRITORY IN ECUADOR!!

They have made several trips by Canoe into this territory. This is usually slow and what they can accomplish is very limited because one trip takes months of planning and is expensive. Only about 16 can go on one dugout canoe. The trips are usually 10 days in length but are very productive. CASES OF LITERATURE ARE ALWAYS PLACED and MANY MANY WANT STUDIES!! THAT'S THE PROBLEM!! Why? Because they usually do only 4 trips a year!!

Al Hilbig has come up with a plan in which our family hopes to be able to share. He has carefully looked at his territory and has found that it could be worked WITH A SMALL PLANE!!

The Catholics and the Evangelists have them and go to many of these jungle towns. They, of course, don't have the truth and we do, so Al planted the idea with me that WE obtain a plane!!. I used to own a plane when I lived in Colorado. So we are trying to come up with a way to purchase one. If Jehovah wills. We have read the experiences in the publications on how the Brothers in Alaska used planes to cover their territories. THE JUNGLE TERRITORY OF MACUS HAS HUNDREDS OF VILLAGES THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN WORKED!!
(If that's not enough to excite your blood nothing will!)

The advantage of an airplane is that with in 1 to 2 hrs. we could reach the territory. When studies are started return visits can be made in a reasonable time. STUDIES COULD BE CONDUCTED WEEKLY INSTEAD OF YEARLY! Groups could be formed and eventually congregations formed! With Jehovah's blessing thousands more could be saved!

HOW OTHERS CAN HELP OUT:
Each of us can play a part, even if it is only by our prayers. How could someone like you get involved. If you can't come and help us personally, think of ways that you could personally get involved with. (Sit down with your family and talk about what you could do as a family and read the experiences of what others have done.)

HOW ONE CAN HELP
So, next time you hear of a "needgreater" working in and around your area to sustain themselves (many go back to their country and work 2-3 months out of the year and then return to their assignment), think and pray about what you could do to help them. They certainly will appreciate it but Jehovah will appreciate your generosity and willingness to expand his house even more!

You see, many of those sisters and brothers have left families, friends, houses, fields and home land and are helping many new ones to learn about Jehovah and become part of his people with great expense to themselves! Your support of them and missionaries and pioneers alike SAVES LIVES! How glad we all can be to know we can have a small share in some way or another.

Whenever you see the box at the hall that says WWW, remember that your contributions can help thousands of people eager to learn the Truth in third world countries and this will mean EVERLASTING LIFE FOR THEM!

Ecuador needs many Halls and We have heard that NICARAGUA has 28 congregations that don't even have a kingdom hall to meet in. Anything that we can do is going to help to advance the Kingdom work a little faster.

We are very very excited about trying to stir up more interest in SERVING WHERE THE NEED IS GREAT!! So all that many of the friends need is a bit of encouragement to apply the two letter word in the Bible THAT CAN CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER: Matt. 28: 19 = "Go" !!!

If any would like to receive more information about SERVING WHERE THE NEED IS GREAT IN ECUADOR as well as receive experiences we might have in the future I would be glad to forward them to you:

Ron Murphy

ECUADOR--THE AMAZON JUNGLE
PREACHING WHERE NEVER BEFORE

HAD A WITNESS WALKED!!

Our adventure into the JUNGLE started on May 4th, 1998, with several purposes:

We were trying to get as many tracts during the tract campaign into the hands of as many as possible including those who live in the remote Amazon Basin of Ecuador.

Secondly, we felt this area may be ripe for the next big expansion in Ecuador, though it is unknown to the branch in Guayaquil and us, what is out there, how big it is, how many people are there, how accessible it is, and how feasible it would be to send in special pioneers, regular pioneers or missionaries. So part of our purpose was to see first hand what everything was like and then report the results to our branch.

Our group consisted of 7, all regular, special or auxiliary pioneers, 3 sisters and 4 brothers.  Our ages ranged from around 20 to 50+. Our preparation began several days prior in arranging for food, filter for water and anti-malaria medicine which would protect us for three months.

We also copied the material for our meetings, including Kingdom songs and made assignments for such including the daily text consideration. Hence, Tuesday the 4^th found us at the Macas airport, with our tickets, backpacks, cameras and a certain degree of trepidation. For at least two in the group, this would be their first experience in flying. For all of us, Taisha was just a name on the map. But our spirits were high and our confidence in Jehovah firm that we were doing his will. The day began very cloudy and raining. So we waited and waited and waited....finally at around 3:00 pm the clouds lifted and the army transport plane arrived and off we went with 12 other passengers. Our first move, after all saying a silent pray was to offer tracts to all on board
including the three man crew...off to a good start!

Our flight took us over the Cutucu mountains, the eastern side of the Andean range which separates the highlands from the Amazon basin. The mountains are very rugged but that roughness is shrouded in what appears to be a vast field of broccoli, the dense jungle below. We pass scattered random Shara centers ..many with airstrips which provide the people with their only contact with the outside world in case of emergency! As we passed we contemplated the fact that one day we will be visiting those villages as well with the good news.

Our flight lasted barely 20 minutes and as we first viewed Taisha our united thoughts, though unknown to each other, were...what will we do when we land?

Where will we go...where will we stay? But Jehovah had made all the preparation well in advance without our knowledge. As we unloaded our equipment, food and two boxes of literature and moved it all up to high ground away from the airstrip....a young lady approached us. She is living in Taisha and runs the newly opened telephone office. She recognizes us because before coming to Taisha with her husband and two sons, she had studied the Bible with one of our sisters in Macas and had attended some meetings. They are in the process of returning to Macas to live and hence her husband is away for a week with one of her young sons and so she invited us to join her in sharing her apartment!. There are no vehicles in Taisha, but there are horse drawn carts, so we decide to hire one to haul our stuff to our new home since our new friend tells us it is far, so off we go....now even more convinced that Jehovah was looking after us!

 The house consisted of a nice porch, an outside bath house/toilet, kitchen, the lady's room, one small bedroom, a larger room which served for our Kingdom Hall. To our pleasant surprise, we found that Taisha not only now has a phone, but also has running water and electricity...at least for 4 hours each night, plus it boasts one of newest hospitals in all of Ecuador. Yes with the large military base here and supplies arriving almost daily, Taisha has practically every thing including a climate which allows it to grow practically all the fruits and vegetables common in the country. All of these signals told us we were in for a very successful week and that Taisha is equipped to provide for others to come and live here permanently.

 We began our intended purpose without further delay and went to the army camp to see if we could get something arranged to speak with the solders living there. The Colonel Guillermo Benalcázar received us in his office very cordially and ask what our purpose was. We explained why we had come to Taisha as well as giving him one of our tract. He ask us what we were requesting from the army camp and we told him about our Family book and our desire to speak with the married couple if that would be possible on strengthening the family bond. He ask if we had something for the youths and we told him of our Young People Ask book and he asked if we could return to the camp that very night to address the 120 conscripted young men serving there...to which we agreed! We left him with several magazines for his consideration including our new Awake dealing with the affects of war on children!

Leaving the camp we met two women, wives of solders and we learned that one, Elvia, had studied and attended meetings as a teenager in Loja. We showed her the 'Secret' book which she quickly took and we invited her to our congregation book study that evening. We joined the others at our house, sharing experiences of many fine conversations and literature placements...and at 6:30 pm we held our meeting with our group plus our householder Jenny and her son Victor, attending. We finished the meeting and headed to the army camp where we were escorted to a reception hall and addressed the young conscripted men. We used the Youth Book, directing attention to the information on how to be good workers...likening their army assignment to any other job. They were very responsive and at the end we offered them the few Youth books we had brought which they eagerly accepted plus some Knowledge and Bible Stories books. At least 5 told us they had studied with Jehovah's Witnesses before being drafted into the army and we had a very friendly and lively discussion bringing our first day in Taisha to a rewarding conclusion.

Wed we decided to send the sisters back into the local territory while we brothers would walk west to the village of San Luis a Shara center. We found the trail paved with stones the entire distance of some 45 min. walk.

Along the way, live 'colonos' as the non-shara inhabitants are called, in small farms. We found people in each farm and placed our tracts plus literature with everyone and in having them all invite us to return to show them how to study the Bible.

The day was hot and sunny, so it was especially nice when an older woman invited us to climb her coconut tree and harvest three nuts and refresh ourselves with the water and fruit inside. The village was mostly vacant with the Indians still working in their farms but we did meet several friendly folks who appreciated our message. Hence on our return, We were loaded with grapefruit, plantain and cassava, food for our group for several meals.

That evening we returned to the army base hoping to be able to speak with the married couples but we were informed that there was a conflict since word had arrived of a troupe transfer and they were busy making the preparations but we were assured the interest in the program was keen and that we would probably be able to do it another night, depending on the relocation activities.

Thursday we finished working Taisha with the tract and around 10:00 am we headed to the village of San Jose. Before leaving Macas, I had been given the name of a man, Angel Taishi the uncle of a brother in Macas to look up in the village of San Jose. As we walked along toward the village talking and noting the beautiful jungle scenes, we were overtaken by a man returning also to the village. I began to talk with him and offered him a tract and
then asked his name...ANGEL TAISHI. I told him I had come from Macas to visit him and that I knew his nephew so he invited me right to his home where we had a nice visit with his son as well.

This village was incredible, everyone one listened, took the tract and literature. Though few had money, everyone had eggs or some fruit to exchange for the brochures and magazines we had brought. At one house, I hadn't yet even shown the tract when the teenage girl said she had oranges to trade for what I had! She ended up with two brochures and two magazines.

Our Shara brother Gonzalo found many relatives from his large family living in this village as well. One of his cousins, a woman had married an Achuar man and they now live there in San Jose. The Achuar and the Shara were mortal enemies formerly. It is the Achuar who were known for their 'reducing of heads' as war prizes. This man invited the brothers to join them to talk but first to drink Chicha the famous drink made from most any ground food or corn....masticated and spit into a pot where water is added and where it ferments.

The Achuar live even more remote in the jungle and have had very little contact with the outside world. This man said there is no religion currently teaching the Achuar in his area and he invited us to return and with his guidance he will take us to his villages. Many people live there he said and they need to know about God. They live very primitive, mostly still eating what the jungle yields in the form of plants and animals. But to enter, one must have an Achuar take you.

He told us he did not agree with the Achuar culture steeped in demonism and that he too wants to study the Bible. He told us that the Achuar custom is that when a young man visits a village, if he appears a good hunter and is liked by the head of the house, the father thus presents him with one of his daughters as his wife, if he is an exceptional man and hunter, he is presented with two daughters and if phenomenal...three. The daughters begin this process around 12-13 years of age. The man is required to remain in the village one month with his new
bride or brides for a 'get-acquainted' period but following the month they are free to leave and live where they choose. At any rate, the customs were interesting to hear and the prospect of visiting these remote hunters is now on our agenda!

We returned to Taisha following a down pour of rain and eating.  Most falling at least 10 times! But no injuries, just plenty of mud. When we reached the plateau assent, Laura...my age...said she had decided to stay there...build a house and we could visit her the next trip! Up we went like 'the little engines that "could"' until we were all separated in distance.

Marilu and I reached Taisha first and as we trod through town one painful foot in front of the other the sudden smell of fresh bread stopped us in our tracks. Back we went and joyfully indulged in several fresh rolls right out of the oven. A cold shower never felt so good and that night we all laughed about the day, the mud and the falls...!

Saturday through Monday, we spent in Taisha, San Luis and San Jose doing studies.  (We did send two other brothers back to Shinkiatam where they found around 200 people living. Once again everyone listened and they placed all their literature and tracts before reaching all the homes.)

One was especially exciting for me. In working the business area the sisters had found a man, a carpenter with a rather stern look...but our sister, Marilu, approached him and he readily accepted two magazines. Saturday she took me to return on him and in our conversation I mentioned the value personally of studying the bible and used the example of Marilu, as my illustration. As a young woman, she had married and 6 months later her husband left her and went to the USA to work....she was pregnant. Her little girl was born healthy but at age two she was diagnosed as having leukemia. She died at 3 and left a devastated mother. Shortly after, Marilu was contacted by witnesses and learned the truth...was a comfort the Bible brought into her life and the hope of seeing her daughter once again.

The man listened intently and then told me that recently he too had lost a son and was very distressed. I asked if I could return the next day and we set the time. That evening, Jenny our householder told me that the man's son had committed suicide two months previous and that she had been very close to the boy as he had shown so much love to her little boy Victor. Hence, when I returned the next day, ready to talk about the chapter 'Where are the Dead', Mr. Segundo was ready and waiting. He told me the priests had told him his son was now burning in hell and he felt that if that was true he was ready to die as well.

We studied half of the chapter and twice the man broke down in tears...it was very touching and when I ask him if he would like me to return the next day to finish the chapter....he begged me to come. He said what he had learned this day was the best news he had ever heard and that it was worth far more than anything else to him.

The next day we finished the chapter and what a joy to see a man shattered by false religious teaching smiling, happy, positive and READY TO CONTINUE  HIS STUDY WHEN WE RETURN TO TAISHA IN DECEMBER!!

Monday night we tallied up the weeks work....600 tracts, 97 brochures, 34 books and 44 magazines!!! Our plan now is to take two groups back in December using the advantage of the holidays, permitting more brothers to join us. One group will return to Taisha and continue what has been planted. The other group will fly further carrying only enough equipment to permit their walking out to Taisha to join the base group while they visit who knows how many other centers.

WE FEEL JEHOVAH BLESSED UR PURPOSE FULLY...we delivered our tracts, even sending them with villagers we met from other distant centers to deliver when they returned home... WE WORKED WHERE NEVER BEFORE HAD A WITNESS WALKED and yet we found people who knew of us and our work and who welcomed our visits. Further we are more convinced than ever of the need to see special pioneers and perhaps two regular pioneers sent to live in Taisha.

Oh, if Jehovah could only send us someone with a small plane and the knowledge of how to use it....literally dozens of villages are accessible by air! We leave that move in his hands!

Experience from the Hilbig family, Macus, Ecuador

Submitted by Ron Murphy, Vista Hermosa cong., Quito Ecuador

NOTE: 

 To view more photos from all over Ecuador please visit: http://www.Needgreater.com ("needgreater" spelled without the "s" for this website address).  Joseph Kutay, a brother from Naples, Florida, after his visit to Ecuador created this link with all the photos he had taken and dedicated the link to "The thousands of needgreaters serving all over the world!"!

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