December, 2025
“You have produced everything a school was meant to do and be.”
–Ruth Barr (visiting retired school teacher)
“Thank you so much for everything you are doing for our children. Every day, we mothers dream that our children will be something in the future.”
–Milena Yiyoguaje (Cofan mother in the deep Amazon jungle)
Dear Saints,
I took a step back last month and saw something that amazed and blessed me greatly. In our tiny village of 175-200 individuals, we have 5 (count them – 5) graduating from university with a four-year degree. Four of the five have an illiterate parent.
For those that do not know, Tambo came into existence about 50 years ago as payment to local indigenous slaves for 400 years of labor to the Spaniards. Those that moved here were born slaves but freed in 1968. We came into the life of Tambo in 2001 without electricity or bathrooms. The village elders accepted the offer of a school in 2003 and the Lord began a miracle. The original goal of the school was to have the students pass sixth grade, being able to read and write. To date, there are 7 university graduates in the village, ALL of which either attended SEA LA LUZ school or teach in the school. Look at what great things the Lord has done! Out of the literal mud and abject poverty, God has done a work of transformation. Although not everyone in Tambo acknowledges Jesus as Lord, God sends rain to both the wicked and the righteous – especially when His children pray. All the homes have floors and indoor plumbing, refrigerators, washing machines and several have cars. What a movement to be part of – we are so thankful.
Last week, the Lord put on my heart to have the school children write thank you´s to God for something past, present and future. Ecuador does not celebrate “Thanksgiving” but we try to be sure and have time set aside during this week to have the children express their thanks. One 4-year-old thanked God for giving him wisdom. In the fourth grade class they concentrated on thanking God for families and provision. The older children were very aware and thankful of God´s protection of themselves and their families.
It blesses me that in total freedom and confidence the children call God by His Names: The Lion of Judah, My Rock, Light of the World, Prince of Peace. We trust you think of and talk to Him with confidence as well. Father loves spending time with you and hearing you call Him by Name.
We are thankful for you, your notes and your prayers for us. Your financial support is something we need and are very thankful that God puts it in your heart to bless us in this way. Our teachers thank God for you as well.
To each of you, we pray a “thankful” Thanksgiving time and a Blessed Christmas.
Together for His Kingdom,
Dave, Sharman and Kjersti
Misión SEA LA LUZ
El Tambo, Napo Province, Ecuador
[email protected]
Phones: Ecuador Cell: From inside Ecuador: 099-917-0311; From outside Ecuador: 593-99-917-0311 Voice over Internet Protocol (Skype): 1-951-846-6979
HEADQUARTERS: Pure In Heart Fund 38416 Cherry Valley Blvd. Cherry Valley, CA 92223 President’s (“BJ” Stavness) E-mail: [email protected] 951-231-4872