Much to the disappointment of all involved, the GO Ecuador 2 team has been postponed.
An outbreak of Dengue Fever in the coastal area of Ecuador has led us to determine this as the best course of action for the safety of this student team. With at least five local people and one returning SCC team member ill from this mosquito-borne infection we believe the only solution is to wait for the mosquito season to end and look for another time for this team to go.
It is important to recognize a few key points in this decision.
First, we believe our God is sovereign and will work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. He will work this out and all involved will be stronger for it in the long run.
Second, we do not make a decision to postpone a team lightly. We recognize that all teams accept a reasonable level of risk in going. Our desire to take the Good News to the nations and mature in our own faith means this inherent risk is acceptable.
But we also acknowledge our responsibility to manage that risk, especially with student teams. While no one has been in a life threatening situation from this strain of Dengue Fever to our knowledge, it can be very serious and so our leadership team’s decision to wait is the right call for now.
All GO Ecuador 2 team members will have opportunities to serve, either in the near future or with another team. We thank all of them for their patience and understanding as we seek the Lord’s guidance in moving forward. We know everyone is disappointed but we encourage each person to pray and seek the Lord in this time, trusting He will work out the future for all of us.
Thank you all for serving and caring for others who are in situations of need. Your hearts of compassion will continue to make a difference for Jesus as we all work to glorify His name to the nations.
Dave Stewart
SCC Global Outreach Pastor
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