Oct 15, 2025
Hi Friends!
I’m currently on an island, accessible by boat, off the coast of Ecuador, where I’m learning Spanish and supporting the priests with pastoral work, including visiting remote communities. I’ll also be helping at the local school soon.
I am writing to ask for your valuable prayers in the coming days. This week was meant to be the village feast, a time that brings celebration, activity and increased traffic to the island. However, due to a recent rise in local armed robberies, the municipality has decided to cancel all planned events — a decision that has not been well received by some residents.
Protests are expected tomorrow. We are hoping for a peaceful demonstration, though there is concern that violence, including the possible use of firearms, could occur.
The island is generally a safe place, apart from the occasional presence of pirates in the surrounding waters. Please keep everyone here in your prayers — for peace, safety, and the well-being of all. And kindly pray as well for the grace to learn Spanish; I get a little nervous when practicing with the locals.
With Love,
Josh