Safety in Ecuador
At the end of 2023 we shared some things about the security situation in Ecuador, particularly in Quevedo. The situation had indeed improved in the early months of 2024, partly because the army was deployed. Soldiers were very visibly present and carried out raids. This still happens, but they are no longer as visible, and in recent months the gangs have also learned to adapt to the army’s presence. They know exactly what space they can take.
As a result, robberies and kidnappings have sharply increased again in recent weeks. This year we have switched from evening activities to organizing activities during the day. In the evenings it is no longer responsible to go out on the street.
In recent months Peter and Marije were still able to go into the underprivileged neighborhoods. Until, two weeks ago, we heard from someone who wishes to remain completely anonymous that one of the gangs in the neighborhood intends to kidnap Peter for ransom. We are taking the situation extremely seriously, because in the city people are kidnapped almost daily. The reason is ransom. It has apparently become a lucrative business.
Right now we are especially grateful that we were tipped off in time and are therefore able to take precautions. It does mean working differently. We are outsourcing the pick-up of people to local workers, and in the coming weeks we will try to stay on the property as much as possible. Of course, this means a significant restriction of our freedom.
We are grateful that many local people come to the property for the activities. The threat does not yet mean a reduction in the activities of preaching the Word. And we need prayer that the proclamation of the Gospel may continue unhindered. We do not know how things will unfold in the coming months. Nor do we know whether a kidnapping can be prevented entirely.
Everything depends on and is subject to the Will of our Heavenly Father. He who also allowed His children to end up in prisons. Even in those places they were used to reach people with the Gospel, and God had people who needed to be brought in. What matters is whether we continue to trust in all circumstances that the Father holds everything in His Hands, and that He is there. Even in the darkest night of struggle and worry.
In the night of struggle and sorrow
We look up to You above
Praying for a new tomorrow
For a future full of hope
Even when a thousand questions remain
Even when we do not understand You
You keep carrying us with love
You who oversees it all
