Team TDF Barnabas Begins Second Phase of Interns Cabin

During October, Team Barnabas–a Sunday school class from TDF in Nashville  consisting of young adults to middle aged adults–spent their time in the jungle putting together the flooring and the roof that will end up being the second intern cabin on the property at Jungle Kids for Christ. TDF (The Donelson Fellowship) began this project with the first college team in March 2011.  It was good to see actual structure appear from the holes and the pillars that stood there before. A follow-up team from TDF will be arriving in March 2012 to help finish the walls. Thanks so much to the efforts of TDF and for all of those who have participated in this construction project.

Team Barnabas photos http://gallery.me.com/kaleokids2010#100119

Humbled…Thankful…So fully aware of Gods Goodness

TDF TEAM ECUADOR 2011

Humbled. . .thankful. . .so fully aware of God’s goodness. These are some of the things Darin and I felt as we watched the Sunday evening podcast of our TDF college team share about their recent experience of ministering with us in Ecuador. We cannot express how proud we were of the job they did and the manner in which they lived out Jesus Christ. They are truly an awesome bunch of young men and women, and we have no doubt that God is going to use each one of them to advance His Kingdom, whether home or in distant lands.

Thinking of their visit is a reminder to us of something we have felt all along since we began this journey in July 2009. That through our obedience, God would begin opening doors of service and ministry through which others would follow—some behind the scenes in sacrificial giving and intercession, and some who may even sense the call to leave all behind and come. We are in awe of how God has worked and continues to work in our lives to not only serve the people and ministries to which He has called us to, but also to open doors of possibilities for others in the body of Christ, to serve as well. As I said in the beginning of this note, we are humbled, thankful and so fully aware of God’s goodness—the only reason we are even here. The only reason that our family—as ordinary and under-construction as we all are—are able to be a part of carrying out His holy purposes.

Please continue to pray for our family and for the lives that God wants to demonstrate His goodness to, through us. We will continue to say it over and over again, but we cannot do this work and ministry without your prayers and support. As always, we know God’s call to us here, is a “body effort.” Not a Darin and Sherry effort or a Coyle family endeavor, but an effort from a myriad of people praying, financially supporting, and serving so that God’s great plans are accomplished.

We ask that you pray for. . .

Ø  Continued strengthened relationships with the missionaries and ministries we are partnering with

Ø  Continued strengthened family bonds

Ø  Continued wisdom and sensitivity as we follow His lead in everything we do

Only Because of Him,

Sherry (for the rest of the Coyle Clan)

Not Home…but Undeniably Right

Dear Kaleo Kids’ Friends and Supporters,

Last week Darin and I were driving to the San Luis Mall—the one and only place for entertainment here in the Valley (or so it sometimes seems)—and he looked over at me and said, “So, we’ve been here almost seven months. Does it feel like home yet?” I thought for a moment and said, “Honestly? No. I think that is going to take more time. But I can say this: I know it’s where we’re supposed to be. And there’s a peace and contentment in that.” Darin knowingly agreed.

No, Ecuador doesn’t quite feel like home. . .just yet. But it’s the place God has placed our family; and in the midst of trying, frustrating days of cultural and missionary adjustments, there is always this assurance within each person of our family—from Darin down to Luke. Being exactly where God wants you—wherever that may be—is peace. Even if there are various hurdles to overcome, embedded flesh patterns to be uprooted, or faith to be matured, no matter the setting, there is an underlying, sustaining peace that God gives. It’s a knowing beyond knowing and a settled focus beyond circumstances. It’s an, “I’m in this all the way, God, until you tell me otherwise.”  So right now, while Tennessee may still feel like home and Ecuador does not, it feels undeniably right. Knowing this is peace.

There are several things we would like you to pray about as God brings our ministry and family to your mind. We ask you to intercede for us because we know with certainty that your prayers are upholding each of us, and impacting our service here.

Please pray for. . .

Ø  The TDF college team that will be arriving tomorrow to minister in the jungle (we can’t express how excited our family is about their arrival!)

Ø  Strong relationships with the ministries we are partnering with—It’s About Kids/Montebello and It’s About Jungle Kids

Ø  Darin as he oversees a project of getting a container here for the ministries—this is a major undertaking

Ø  Our three children as they continue to adapt and overcome. . . especially at school

Thank you for your faithfulness to support us and work alongside us in this new home God has moved us to.  One day, though, we will really be home (Revelation 21:1-4). I can’t wait.

Only Because of Him,

Sherry (for the rest of the Coyle Clan)

Our Christmas In Ecuador

Happy 2011 from beautiful Ecuador!

Another year has come and gone, and what a year it has been for our family. We’ve witnessed God solidify an incredible group of men and women that make up our Kaleo Kids board; supply financial needs in unexpected, miraculous ways; make a way for our family to attend much-needed, invaluable training at CIT; begin ministry in Ecuador just one year after we answered the call to go; and help us adjust as we live and minister in a new culture. Equally important, He’s given us a great support system through our TDF family and many others who believe in what we’re doing. All we can say is, “God is so good, and to Him alone belongs the glory.”
Recently, our family passed a significant milestone—experiencing the holidays for the first time in a foreign country without family. Remarkably, we all did very well, other than a few moments here and there, one such moment being the news that it snowed in Nashville on Christmas! We were hoping, at least for some rainy, gloomy weather here in Quito to make it feel a little “winterish,” but it ended up being very sunny and warm. Alex declared, “Why does all the good stuff happen when we leave!” Sounds a little silly, I know, but we’ve come to realize that sometimes God calls you to give up the “what has been” to experience the “what will be.” And though it may appear to be a “sacrifice” in your momentary, fleshly thinking, as you witness God’s perfect plan unfold, the “sacrifice” is no sacrifice at all. It is simply your duty and honor in service to the One who paid the greatest sacrifice.
We truly hope this New Year is as blessed for you as it has been for us. We want you to know that we fully realize that without your financial and prayer support, our ministry would not be possible. As we’ve said before, this ministry is a “body effort.” We may be the ones physically present in Ecuador, but it is the body of Christ behind the scenes that is carrying out God’s work with us, through His empowerment.
As you pray for us in this New Year, please pray for:
• daily, Spirit-led wisdom
• our sphere of influence with the students we teach
• the mission teams we will be hosting and leading
Finally, if you’ve never done so or haven’t done it in awhile, we want to encourage you to visit our website—www.kaleokids.com—for a viewing of updated photos and happenings.

Only Because of Him,

Sherry (for the rest of the Coyle clan)

“. . .but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” (John 14:10)

The Joys and the Challenges of the Weak and the Flawed

It never ceases to amaze me how God calls weak and flawed vessels to carry out His work. Weak and flawed vessels . . . this is how we see ourselves. Yet, God in His grace has chosen us for some very specific works here in Ecuador, using our past life’s experiences to further His Kingdom. There is not a week that goes by that we are not aware of our unworthiness. Only He is truly worthy.

The past month and a half has brought some joys and challenges. Perhaps the biggest joy was the arrival, in late October, of our board president and treasurer, John Hooper and Van Stewart.  Along with them came our beloved (and sometimes aggravating) labrador, Kyra. We had been separated from Kyra since late May, so it was literally like Christmas when they arrived. Our kids were definitely thrilled to have their sweet dog back. And what a blessing to have John and Van come to Ecuador, visiting and encouraging our family, catching the vision of the ministries we are serving with, and seeing the work to be done here. We are so thankful that God brought the two of them—as well as the rest of our board—alongside our family. Each member of our board is an invaluable part of our ministry—Kaleo Kids.

Challenges, along with joys, are what make life, life; and last month I faced a new one for me—having some health issues in a foreign country. Getting a doctor I felt confident in, scheduling appointments, and having to have a translator in the midst of it all was a little unnerving at times; but God always watches over His own, doesn’t He? He provided a highly recommended, competent doctor and then through an unplanned event, put me in the hands of one of the best radiologists in Quito who did my ultrasound. She even spoke very good English. Even though I somehow managed to get a very bad stomach virus throughout this whole ordeal and Darin had to leave to help drive a visiting team to the jungle, God brought me comfort and peace throughout that week—through Boris and Fernada staying with the kids and me, friends dropping in to see if I needed anything, school personnel who were understanding, and many dear friends in the States who were praying.

The second challenge was our first holiday away from home. How different are the holidays without family. But even so, we ate a delicious, traditional Thanksgiving meal and had fun fellowship with a houseful of new friends God has brought into our lives. I have to mention, though, that we didn’t eat until 10 pm! What should have been a 6 pm meal, ended up being consumed 4 hours later due to a 30 -pound turkey that took way longer to deep fry than expected, encouraged, of course, by the typical South American attitude towards time. But as my mother would say, “Oh well, you made a memory.”

God is so good—in the midst of joys and in the midst of challenges. And though we are all weak and flawed, He chooses to love us, stretch us, and use us to fulfill His purposes. How worthy He is!

As you pray for our family and ministry, would you please pray for the following:

• the upcoming Christmas season, as we will more than likely, experience some “holiday blues”; also for our extended family who is especially missing us during this time
• my health, as there are still some issues I am dealing with
• our family’s daily walk with Christ
• continued good relationships and effectiveness with the ministries we are partnering with
• most urgently, my sister-in-law, Kristina Sifers, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this week and is scheduled for surgery on December 21^st

Only Because of Him,

Sherry (for the rest of the Coyle clan)

Two Month Update

Bounes Tardes, Family, Friends and Supporters!

We’ve been here almost two months (hard to believe!) and can really see where routine and normalcy is finally settling in for our family. Not to say that we’re never faced with the “unfamiliar” or “this just doesn’t feel natural” moments, but they seem fewer and far between than in the opening weeks after we arrived. I’m sure a lot of this has to do with getting back on a “school routine” after a long summer break. Breaks are nice, but routine is always a good thing. So far, school is going well for Luke, Ashlee and Alex; and though there are some significant differences with how things are done in the States, compared to how they are done here, each one of our kids has handled the adjustments well, with minimal upset. We know this is due to prayer.

So that you are more aware of how you can pray for us and our ministry as a whole, we thought it would be beneficial to give you a brief breakdown of the ways in which we’ve been ministering so far. As we’ve mentioned in previous correspondences, the organization we are primarily serving with is It’s About Kids,which runs a private Christian school called Montebello Academy. This year they have 370 students enrolled. Though I came to Ecuador to write Bible curriculum for the school (called Imago Dei), God opened a new door of ministry— teaching two honors-level English classes—once we arrived. This was a definite need at the school and one which God gave me peace to meet. I am teaching four days a week—a total of nine hours—and love being back in the classroom after an eight-year sabbatical. I am still focusing on the Imago Dei curriculum, but am just in the note-taking, studying stage right now—presently focusing on Genesis 1-8. Obviously, things took a “little turn” when got here, but have fit perfectly into God’s overall plan. Darin is also a regular presence at the school, helping out in various ways, but most importantly, working alongside Ron Stiff(the school’s founder and director) on getting much-needed materials for the school from the States.

As far as the orphanage, For His Children, we have been able to visit once, allowing our three children to see their needs and develop an interest in serving there; in time, we envision volunteering once a month as a family. But for right now, we know that the school and the jungle ministry, Antioch, must be our primary focuses. Antioch is an extension of It’s About Kids, and is overseen by a young Christian couple, Roberto and Charmai. We have met with both of them on a couple occasions when they’ve been in Quito and Darin has also kept in weekly correspondence with Roberto. We are excited about what God is doing in their ministry and how our family can be of service and an encouragement to them. Our ministry objective is to make the 4-5 hour trip to the jungle, one weekend each month and help lighten their load, as well as visit two neighboring villages down the Nappo River that they presently minister to. These visits will focus on Biblical education and basic medical attention. The weekend of October 1st will be our first scheduled trip and our family is eager to see what God has in store for us. Antioch will also be a primary focus of support for short-term teams that Darin will be organizing and bringing in from the States. We are so pleased to say that we already have a team scheduled to come in March 2011 from our own TDF college life-group, led by Curt Holland. They will be working on a week-long building project,which will greatly benefit the ministry there, once it is fully complete. Such volunteer teams are an absolute necessity in fulfilling God’s purposes through this growing ministry.

Besides Montebello and Antioch, though, God has given the sweetest and most humbling opportunities to minister right in our neighborhood as we have been able to feed and provide some clothing for two very poor indigenous families who weekly frequent our street’s trash cans. What an honor it has been to give bread and clothes in Jesus’ name. Sometimes, God brings opportunities right to your door. Sometimes. . . these are the ones that touch you the deepest.

We want to sincerely communicate that you are all such a critical part of what we do here. Your prayers are upholding us as God gives us the strength to serve and the clarity of vision to see the needs around us. Your financial support is making it possible for us to work here in the name of Jesus Christ. We are deeply grateful to our Sovereign Lord for all that you are doing to support us in every way.

Please continue to pray for us as we live and serve here each day. When God brings our family to your mind, pray that. . . .

• We will daily “live a life worthy of the calling “(Ephesians 4:1)
• We will keep Him and His Word as the focus of each day (Psalm 119)
• We will be sensitive to His voice and leading (John 10:27)
• Our children will continue to adjust, and we’ll be able to manage those moments when they are a “little blue,” missing loved ones and home
• Our family unit will keep growing stronger and unified as we live out this mission (Ephesians 4:2-3; 11-16)
• Our efforts of learning the language will be rewarded

Thank you, again. If you want further information on how you can pray and support us, please continue to look us up on the web. You can also find us on facebook (Darin Coyle and Sherry Sifers Coyle) or email us at kaleokids2010@gmail.com.

Only Because of Him,

Sherry (for the rest of the Coyle Clan)

Sometimes, You Just Have to Focus on the $2.50 Roses!

“Sometimes, you just have to focus on the $2.50 roses.” This is the thought God brought to mind when I was opening the package of beautiful, ivory roses Darin brought to me from one of his quick grocery store runs. I still marvel at the cost of flowers here in Ecuador. I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself as I filled the vase up with water, that if he had purchased these in the open market, he could have saved a buck. Yes, in the open market, you can buy a dozen of exquisite roses or other bouquets of competing flowers for $1.50. Sometimes, just $1.00 if the time of day is in your favor or the right mood strikes the seller. This is the sweet reality of living in close proximity to the equator, so flowers greatly abound. But whichever of these lowly rates, getting to enjoy some of God’s gorgeous creations this cheaply is one of life’s nice blessings in my life right now. And this is what God wanted to remind me of.

Our family presently lives in a country where so much is different from what we’re used to. And if I am speaking frankly, some of the differences frustrate, unnerve, and make no sense to us. But God has such gracious, and occasionally unique, ways of reminding His children to focus on the blessings in new—and even extreme—situations. For me that afternoon, it was the roses. But it didn’t stop there. God then brought to my mind the very inexpensive, delicious neighborhood bread our family weekly gets. The New York Pizza parlor that is right around our corner, which makes the most authentic, delicious pizza for us to enjoy. (However, the aroma that makes its way inside our home every day is a tempting menace.) The fact that my children now attend a school with uniforms, cutting out the morning drama of “I have nothing to wear!” The fact that this school is filled with dedicated Christian teachers who strive to provide a great education. The blessing—yes, I said blessing—that watching television has been replaced with nightly episodes of Andy Griffith and Little House on the Prairie, from our series collections. The spiritual growth I have particularly seen in one child, who commented the other day that he had just prayed to God about something he was greatly troubled over because he “knew God had the power to do anything.” The fact that all three children are making strides in learning a new language, which will serve them and others in the future, as they fulfill God’s ordained will for their lives.(Notice, I said “children.” Darin and I are another story. Sigh. . .)

Yes, we are the minority, trying to find our “place” in a new and sometimes frustrating culture; but when I really think about this too, it is a blessing, as well. Because it creates a level of dependence and an attitude of humility that breaks down barriers and allows God to move and work in ways we’ve never experienced before.

So. . .I suppose that roses—at least the 2.50 ones—will have to be a permanent fixture on my dining room table from here on. They are such beautiful reminders of the blessings that can bloom in every situation we encounter as God’s child.

Only Because of Him,

Sherry (for the rest of the Coyle Clan)

Taking Out the Trash

As we continue to ask the Lord to help us search for more opportunities, we are blessed to find them. There is a family we have met on our street that are a part of the hopeless and less fortunate. This family spent the entire day searching for food up and down the road we live on. I never thought that I would say this, but I am begining to love to take out the trash. The reason? It gives me the chance to love on these people. Yesterday, I approached one of the little girls in this family and gave her some bread and cookies. The smile that came from this small, innocent child was precious. I then gave her a big hug and walked back into the house, leaving my front door open. Minutes later, there she was at my door with an empty jug in front of her. I asked her if she wanted water and she smiled and nodded, “yes.” I believe that the Lord is opening the door for these kind of weekly opportunities to gain their trust and share His great love for this family.

Darin (for the rest of the Coyle clan)

The Least of These

“Lord, when did we seen you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” ( Mathew 25:37) I am reminded of this passage daily as we begin this journey and we pray for opportunities. I was leaving out of our home the other day when I saw an indigenous women in her 60′s or so picking through our trash. The first thing that came to my mind was, “That is disgusting!!” But then  I began to realize the Lord wanted me to witness this event because He was wanting me to respond. We pray many times for Christ to use us and give us opportunity to respond, but many times when He reveals Himself to us we say,”" That’s discusting!!! Are we disgusted with the things Christ sometimes requires, or do we respond to Him in obedience?

It took me a moment to have a change of heart and to realize that this was an opportunity God was giving me to show the love of Christ. I responded by going back into my house and getting an entire bag of fresh bread. As I began to walk back out I realized that this was a D6 moment and so I grabbed my middle child Ashlee and told her to come outside with me. We turned the corner and I looked at Ashlee and said, “Give her the bread.” She said quietly ” Is she going through are trash?” I could see the same disgust that was in me run through her. Then she handed the old woman the bread and the woman reponded by cracking the biggest smile. In an attitude of gratitude, she held her hands together as if she was praying and nodded her head up  and down. We didn’t want to embarrass her so we just turned and walked back into the house. After we entered the house my daughter tuned to me and said,”Dad, did you see her smile?? She was so happy!!!” A teachable moment, not only for me, but for my child.

Interesting enough, the old lady took half of the items in my trash. I hope she returns so I have other opportunities to teach my other children this valuable lesson of “the least of these.”

Darin (for the rest of the Coyle clan)

My First Policia Experience…. and Hopefully My Last

My First Ecuadorian Policia Experience. . .and Hopefully My Last

Driving in Ecuador is no easy task. I have been driving all my life–fire trucks, ambulances, and tractor trailers– but since living here in Ecuador, I realize that I am not really as good of a driver as I thought. My wife is happy I finally admitted it.

So. . . I was talking on the cell phone (without my seatbelt on, I might add) trying to get directions since I was turned-around in a very busy and congested area en route taking the kids to the open market. Immediately, I realized I had done something wrong when the Policeman walked up to my window and began yelling, “Bajar el teléfono y detener el auto”! which translates, “Get off the phone and pull the car over!!!” I knew I must have done something wrong, and as I pulled my car down a side street, I began to go over in my head what I was going to tell the policeman. . . what my excuse would be. Then I realized something that frequently slips my mind. . . . I can’t speak Spanish! The officer approached and began speaking loudly and angrily. I was in a bad position.

Luckily, I had one of Ron’s Ecuadorian kids with me. But the problem. . . .Tony has spoken English for so long that he sometimes has a problem remembering how to speak Spanish. . . .really!! I quickly turned to him and said, “Tony, tell him I was a fireman in the States and see if he could just give me a warning.” Little did I know that this will not work here. The officer continued to ramble words out and then Tony explained that he wanted my registration and that if I didn’t have it he was going to tow my car. I began scrambling to look for it, but soon I remembered that the owner of the car I had just bought still had it. Major stress started creeping up my spine as I realized how powerless I was. But then I thought to call a very good friend of mine named Boris. Boris is Ron and Sharon’s oldest foster son who is the guy you want to have in a pinch. He is a native-Columbian and has natural abilities to handle stressful situations. When I reached Boris he stated that he heard my entire conversation with the police. He was the one I was calling for directions, and when the police pulled me over I never turned my phone off. He was already on his way over.

As I waited on Boris, things began to calm down a little and I began to have a peace come over me. I knew that the Lord would take care of us and get us out of this without trouble. Boris soon showed up and spoke to the officer at the back of the car. He quickly returned to the driver’s side and told me to give him a $10. “Fast, man,” he said. I pulled out a $10 bill and handed it to him, and he returned to the back of the car where I could see him work his magic with the police officer. Within a few minutes they were smiling and laughing and I knew that this would end well. Boris returned to my window and said, “Take off.” So I left quickly left the scene with a huge sense of relief.

I am so thankful my Guardian Angel showed up and I was released. Though he didn’t look much like the angels I’ve seen in books. This one was short, dark-skinned, uses the word “man” a lot when he talks to you, and knows that when you get stopped by the policia here in Ecuador, sometimes it takes a 10 to get you off.

Darin (for the rest of the Coyle clan)