Ecuador Update

Thanks for your prayers for the situation with MAF in Ecuador. There was a big meeting yesterday morning between our MAF friends and several Ecuadorian "big-wigs." Apparently, because of a lot of change in Ecuadorian leadership, there was some confusion over what MAF was doing exactly in Ecuador. The meeting did go well and our MAF guys were able to explain both the purpose of MAF in Ecuador and their desire for a little more time to raise up qualified Ecuadorian pilots to take over the program. As it stands now, MAF is being asked to come up with a detailed transition plan to submit to the DAC (Ecuadorian equivelent to FAA). The Director will then decide if they can make an exception for the US guys to continue flying for a few more years while new Ecuadorian pilots are found and trained.

This has been a constant struggle since we joined the team in Ecuador in 2006. Having been there, we know how these missionaries must feel with the constant upheaval. It's hard to live a "normal" life when you don't know how long you'll be allowed to stay in a place. Also, having worked both in Ecuador as they tried to make the transition as well as in Mexico, where that transition had already taken place, we understand just how difficult it is to find the right people to lead a national-run program. Not to mention funding for a national program. It's HARD. But not impossible for God. Please continue to pray for our American and Ecuadorian friends!