I (Scott) recently had the opportunity to visit the April 2016 earthquake zone at the invitation of German Rhon, a new friend and long-time missionary (he is 68).  German is a native Ecuadorian, but is married to an American missionary named Becky.

A consortium of Quito evangelical churches had gathered food and supplies.  German and I loaded his van on Sunday afternoon.

We met at 6:00 a.m. Monday morning for the drive to Mompiche, a small fishing village near the epicenter of the quake.  We traveled with two other Ecuadorians, who have a relationship with the community of Mompiche and we arrived there at about 2:00 p.m.

The trip was in conjunction with a special church service at Iglesia Asamblea de Dios Ecuatoriana en Mompiche

to formally donate replacement housing to some local families.

After a service of worship and celebration,

there was a bountiful church meal.

Although poor in material possessions, the people of Mompiche are rich in community and natural beauty.

We drove back on Tuesday, going through Pedernales (the center of the quake).

Almost all of the destroyed buildings have been demolished and the rubble hauled away.

Lots of tents were visible, as well as this tent city.

I was thankful for the chance to visit the area and I was encouraged by the resilience of the people.