Jungle-River Wall

A good neighbor is such a blessing! Have you ever had a time when your neighbor helped you in a pinch?

I remember one winter, I was snowed in, and I really needed to get to work.

Bundled in boots, scarf, mittens, and coat, I grabbed my snow shovel and stepped out the door, ready to attack that driveway!

Was I surprised!! My neighbor had already cleared my driveway with his snowblower! He had done it in a matter of minutes.

And that reminds me of you! You are like my neighbor, because our friends in Ecuador were in a pinch.

They had gotten an unusual amount of rain, and the river was getting wider and wider. The banks began to erode, and the roaring waters of the swollen river were getting closer and closer to the Cofán community’s church, built on the edge of the village, right next to the river.

Just a few more feet, and the church building would have come tumbling down into the muddy waters. This building is an important part of the community; not only because the people worship there together on Sundays, but also because it serves many other important functions within the community.

On their own, it would have taken months for the people of the community to save enough money to buy the supplies they needed to save their church. By then, the building would have been washed away by the rushing river. But you responded quickly by sending resources to help buy the supplies they needed to build a retaining wall. The leaders of the community got busy, buying materials and building the wall. They spent many hours collecting rocks and carefully stacking them to build a strong and sturdy wall.

With your help and with the community working together, the church building was saved!

Today, they have a rock wall that will last for many rainy seasons to come, and they send their heartfelt thanks to YOU for making that possible! Thank you for being a good neighbor by helping our friends in a pinch!