As missionary evangelists we chose to work in Ecuador because it was the most unchurched country in Latin America. Since 1997 Carina and I have worked to build anational organization which now has 9 churches and soon will launch the Ministry Training Center dedicated to the training of new leaders that will continue to evangelize and plant churches across Ecuador.

   We have a tremendous confidence in God’s ability to enable us and those we are working with to do what needs to be done and at the same time we have a profound since of responsibility to continue learning from scripture and from experience how to better co-labor with God. Being able to understand scripture as well as being willing and capable to express it is the pursuit of Christian maturity and this is what we seek to seed in Ecuador as missionaries.

   Our recent convention was the most productive effort we have made up to this point. We have pastors that are decidedly good men and women. We have churches planted in key areas of Ecuador. Now we have not only a shared vision for Ecuador but also and shared commitment to properly train our people. In all, this an exciting season to be working in Ecuador. We are both proud and thankful to be in the position we are in. Thankyou for your prayers and support as we continue to belights in this generation.The underlying conflict of humanity is hat we have all been seeded by both God and by sin. There is a natural intuition inside of every person born into this world. 

Humanities Conflict

The underlying conflict of humanity is that we have all been seeded by both God and by sin. There is a natural intuition inside of every person born into this world. 

Gen 1:26  Then God said, "Let us makehuman beings in our image. NLT

   On this first side we have the seeds of greatness, virtue and nobility written into our hearts It is instinctive for us to know what is good and acceptable in the sight of God. Paul talks about a set of principles or a law that is written into our very hearts that guide us through life; a code of conduct before both God and man.

Rom 2:14-16 Even Gentiles, (or unbelievers) who do not have God's written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. NLT

   We have within us the power of both good and evil, life and death. From the very dawn of human decision, we have struggled between God’s wisdom and our own. As Adam and Eve sought their own path, they released sin within themselves and consequentially into all of their offspring. Their intention was not to separate them from God but by rejecting His word separation was the inevitable result. It was not that they were unhappy with God and sought freedom from his control but rather they were intoxicated by their own desire for what they thought was “more”.

   Lust is when a good desire goes bad; wanting things created by God outside of God’s parameters. Jesus gave us example of how to bring human needs into agreement with God even in the most difficult circumstances. (Luke 22:42) Sometimes the limitations of human reason cannot see the breadth of eternal consequence but the Holy Spirit is ever present ready to guide us through our internal convictions. This is what gives us opportunity to exercise faith and obedience in God’s word even when we do not understand all that His word means.

   Adam and Eve struggled between their own desires and God’s and in the end they leaned left instead of right and sin was released into their lives and ours with them. They released this seed in their children that caused such a tremendous conflict in their lives that Cain eventually killed Abel in a burst of unbridled jealousy and passion. Both of these boys reacted instinctively towards God but there was a struggle in them with the image of both sinful parents and a holy God living within them.

   Cain, as the seed or offspring of Adam and Eve, was torn from both within and without by the war that is common to all humanity. It is the war between the flesh and the spirit. (Gal 5:17) There is obviously a choice as we see contrasted the life of Cain and the life of Abel. These men were not helpless in their pursuit of life but rather each one chose what they would direct their affections toward. Abel was righteous and he pleased the Lord (Matt 23:35) while Cain’s choices seemed to set him against the very creator of all things.

   In the most tragic moment in the life of Cain God was there speaking to him with a passionate fatherly kindness, affirming in him what he needed to do to get beyond his inner crisis. He said, Cain,

Gen 4:7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, BUT YOU MUST MASTER IT." NIV

   Accepting God’s word trusts His trust in you. He knows your strength and capabilities. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord is to follow God’s truth and His counsel but to follow the evil desires of our sinful nature is to choose the broad road that leads to destruction. This is humanities conflict. Remember thought that we were predestined not to fail but to be conformed into the image of God’s dear son who is our Lord and Savior. This is a fight we were designed to win.

By Donald O'Dell