Maria grows with First Fruits

By Tanya | Ecuador in South America

Tanya (left), her two kids, and Darnelle.

After losing her job during the pandemic, Tanya connected with an SIM-partnered church plant in Loja, Ecuador, and saw her family become united in Bible study. Read her testimony below.

For almost eight years, I worked for a government company in Ecuador. I made a steady living, since it was permanent. I thought I would work there until retirement, but then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived.

In the beginning, my colleagues and I worked from home. But as the country’s economy seriously declined, my company closed down. At the beginning, I did not think that I would lose my job, so I took it easy. But eventually, the notification of dismissal came. It was a very hard blow, since I had a fixed salary that covered the basic needs of my home and family. I was worried and thought: “And now, what will I do? How will I be able to pay my debts?”

Just at that time, my friend Darnelle began to send online Bible lessons for my four-year-old son. Darnelle works with SIM in Loja, and I got to know her through a small church plant she’s involved with. With the lessons, I started teaching Bible stories to my son, as I was dedicating more time to childcare. My son liked them very much, and as a family, we were learning more about God’s word.

I had a lot of conflict with my teenage daughter and didn’t know how to move forward. Darnelle encouraged me to start reading the Bible with her. She became much calmer during this time and appreciated the efforts my husband and I were making.

In some moments, I had questions like “Why did this happen to me?” But now, I can see how God used that situation to teach me a lot. Through teaching my son, God’s word has guided us to grow more united as a family. Now we get along much better with each other and enjoy a better atmosphere at home. I thank God for his help during difficulties and for using wonderful people who encouraged me on my path in moments of darkness.

Pray for

• Tanya and her family in this difficult time, for God’s work and peace in them.

• Tanya would get involved in children’s ministry in the church where she assists, because she connects well with children.

• God’s guidance for those on the SIM Ecuador team who are planting and strengthening churches in the rural area of Loja Province and for open hearts of the people they work with.