News from David Batcheller - June 2025
Greetings again from Ecuador. I hope this letter finds you and your family are doing well. I’m overdue in sending out an update, so here goes.
Over the past year, my involvement with the Arco church here in Machala has decreased as others have stepped in to help. The church is now moving forward in a process of realignment, as they prepare for growth and greater impact in the community. I have continued to serve in various ways and I have been teaching more English classes.
The past year has been somewhat difficult for me, but lately it seems like the fog has lifted and there is a fresh breeze of God’s favor and guidance. Over the past few months, the Lord has been restoring and refining my vision and sense of calling. Even some of my dreams that had been dormant for many years have been rekindled! This process has often been a real battle, but through God’s grace I have been able to persevere and see a real breakthrough. It seems quite clear now that 2025 will be a year of real transition for me, and I am excited about the new possibilities that are developing.
A Reality Check
In late February, I was able to return to the States for a couple of weeks, first to attend a missionary conference, and then to visit my kids, grandkids, and friends in Texas again. It was a trip filled with a mixture of both intense trials and wonderful blessings. After returning to Ecuador, I continued seeking the Lord’s guidance about what I should do next.
Then came a reality check and a period of deep reflection that has further refined my direction. Early in May, my son Jacob had a second very serious health episode. He spent five days in intensive care in Texas being treated for multiple issues. He has pulled through, but is still struggling and trying to recuperate. This was a real wake up call for me and for our family!
When life happens likes this unexpectedly, we are forced to reexamine many things, including our priorities. As I have done this, God has continued speaking to my heart about His direction for my life. Even though He has restored my vision to refocus my ministry on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, I have also had to face the reality of doing this here in Ecuador. The on-going challenges of my limited Spanish and cultural adjustment, coupled with the situation with my son, have led me to an important decision.
A New Direction
After much prayer, and seeking counsel from several trusted friends, I have decided that it would be best to return to the U.S. in early July to help my son. I will also continue pursuing my dream of starting a completely different type of church, one that is more in line with what we read about in the New Testament. I will keep you posted more on this as things develop.
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to live part of my dream here in Ecuador. While challenging at times, I have experienced the richness and beauty of another culture and I made many friends in the process.
As I make this transition, I would really appreciate your prayers – not only for me, but also for my children, Jacob and Rachel. I now have to sell most of my household belongings in a short time, so please pray for God’s favor in this too. The road ahead for me, although now unknown, will become clearer as I go forward in the light of God’s presence.