Missionary Works Stalls as Strike Becomes Uprising!

Missionary work in Ecuador came to a standstill this past week as the transportation strike morphed into an uprising of Ecuador's indigenous population.  Young missionaries have been counseled to stay inside and away from the protesting and contention.  The sights, sounds, and smell of the uprising are ongoing and proof positive that unrest continues.

As the uprising moved into its 7th day, conditions became more severe.  Black clouds of exhaust billowed up from tire bonfires ignited in the middle of major intersections.  Tear gas guns boom every few minutes causing the smokey gray particulate to accumulate and dissipate; leaving you with a burning sensation in your eyes, nose, and throat.  Police and emergency sirens blare day and night.

Tires burning at the intersection two blocks from our apartment.

Tires burning in the sunset near the SuperMaxi store we shop at.

The indigenous people are gathering from all over Ecuador.  Some come on foot carrying their food supplies and sticks. Others, are crammed into the back of trucks or pickup beds, wearing protective face masks, holding sticks, and waving the Ecuadorian flag as they shout and yell.  It sounds crazy and it is.  Yet, in spite of all the turmoil we feel safe and secure.  The question in our minds is, "How much longer will this last before it is resolved and peace returns?"

Protestors gathering at our intersection.

The latest development occurred yesterday when the government declared a militarized zone and ordered everyone off the streets by 3 PM.  If you were on the streets after 3 PM you could be arrested.  We didn't take any chances.  Below is a photo of Red Cross workers mobilizing at our intersection shortly before the 3 PM curfew went into effect.

A view from our apartment window of the Red Cross mobilizing.

Violence and looting escalated on Tuesday, October 8th, in the Chillogallo and Turubamba zones.  As a result, thirty missionaries were removed from their sectors and relocated to our area.  We now have a total of fifteen sister missionaries in the apartment upstairs and nineteen Elders in the Office Elder's apartment nearby.

We think the missionaries are doing extremely well, considering their isolated and cramped living arrangements. They have permission to go out for food in the early morning..... if it is safe.  Otherwise, they are to stay inside.  We have given the sisters a key to our apartment so that they can come and go while we are at the office for a few hours each day.  My laptop is available for them to use to contact their families, watch conference or Book of Mormon videos, work on My Plan, or whatever else falls within mission guidelines.

Residents in our apartment complex met last night to discuss a security & safety plan, garbage disposal, and water usage.   The safety meeting gave us the opportunity to meet our neighbors.  We were impressed with the general concern for one another's safety, the organization of the meeting, and the discussion that ensued.

Our mission had forty baptism scheduled for this weekend.  All forty baptisms were postponed until further notice.  Church services for our faith were cancelled throughout Ecuador.

Today, with permission from President Barlow, Ecuador Quito Mission President, we held a sacrament service in our apartment for the sisters and us.  It was a sweet experience as we prayed, sang hymns, partook of the sacrament, and shared testimonies.  We felt strengthened as we renewed our covenants together under the comforting influence of the Spirit.

Preparing for sacrament meeting in our apartment.

We gathered in our apartment again this evening to celebrated Hermana Fernandez's birthday.  We enjoyed cake, ice cream, games, singing, and prayer.  It has been a good day and we are grateful for the choice opportunity to associate with the fifteen amazing sister missionaries who are weathering unrest and violence with us.

We don't know what tomorrow will bring, but right now Elder Lewis and I are planning to go to the office for a few hours.  With missionary work at a standstill we don't have a lot to do, but we are expecting some of the nineteen Elders who were relocated to our area, to stop in and use the office computers to contact their families.

Please know that your prayers for missionaries - general and specific, are felt and appreciated. 

Love to all!
Elder & Sister Lewis