Greetings again from Ecuador! I wanted to share an update with you since it has been awhile. I hope you are doing well.
I am continuing the process of conquering Spanish (poco a poco) and adjusting to the climate and culture here in Machala. We are getting ready to enter our (slightly) cooler season, and I am ready for that! After searching online and viewing new apartments with other agents, I recently decided to “hit the streets” and I really enjoyed meeting and talking with people directly. The Lord blessed me, and as a result I found a nice apartment that is closer to my church. Even though the crime rates here on the coast of Ecuador are high, the people in general are very nice and helpful. I just have to be very careful when I’m out and about.
My ministry involvement at the Arco Church is also increasing gradually. I spend quite a bit of time in fellowship with other church members and in serving at church in several areas. This includes praying and consulting with the church leaders, as we seek to make some adjustments that will help the church to grow. I recently built a new website for the church too. You can see it at https://arcomachala.org. A short time ago I finished my first round of teaching 3 English classes for beginners, and I am now starting a level two class. I also hope to begin speaking or teaching other classes at church before long. I am continuing to write and develop Bible courses, and I am working on a new book as well.
All in all, I am feeling very positive about my life and the ministry here. I just received my permanent visa and my new ID card. And you may be surprised, but I am also renewing my passion for music and worship too, spending time regularly practicing my new guitar and piano, and even my saxophone that I brought back from Texas on my last visit.
I believe that God has opened the door for me to be here and serve Him, and Arco is increasingly feeling like my family. As time goes on, I am confident that the Lord will bring to pass the vision and dreams that He has put on my heart for many years now. Please remember me in your prayers as I go forward. It is a real blessing to have so many family members and friends that are standing with me!
Yours in the love of Jesus,
David Batcheller
P.S. I have a new phone number here, which is +593 098 911 1575. You can also call my US number +1 830 355 0064 and it reaches me just fine. My personal website is https://davidbatcheller.com.