The Panaghia's Pantry Team is excited to announce that we have expanded the ministry to include Housing. Panaghia's Housing has already constructed a new home for a large family in need in Ecuador and plans to offer some smaller housing grants throughout the year. If you would like to donate towards either Panaghia's Pantry (our food program) or Panaghia's Housing you can do so HERE. Please be sure to specify which area you would like your donation to go towards.
What a joy it was for us to have Kosta and Nancy here with us! They got to know the Panaghia’s Pantry team here in Ecuador and saw first hand how things come together here.
They arrived on Thursday April 7th and we put them straight to work the very first day. Nancy helped me count out 680 portion bags and 170 distribution bags to be ready to portion the food kits.
On Friday morning Nancy, Kosta, Vasili and I began portioning and bagging 1200 pounds of food to be included with the approximately 200 pounds of chicken arriving on Saturday morning for our delivery to some inland villages to the south east of us.
In the afternoon some of the team arrived to visit and began working on the beautiful wooden crosses which were donated by George and Mona Giolas of the Giolas Foundation. Some of the crosses needed to have string added to them so they could be worn. Others had short chains for hanging on a wall or in a car.
Along with the crosses they donated laminated prayer cards in Spanish. Beautiful gifts that we are including in the food kits. They’re were so many they should last for quite a few deliveries.
On Saturday morning with Alfonso's vehicle plus an additional car and 1 truck we loaded everything and when the chicken arrived we headed to the three villages. Nancy and Kosta were able to distribute with us and Nancy even handed out Pascha bags with candy to 60 children. One stop was at a school where they were having bible study. The children were so happy to get their treats!
On Sunday we went out to visit the family in the house that Panaghia’s Housing built and we were able to bless their house and them with Holy water from St. Spyridon. Nancy and Kosta gave them an icon which we hung in their new home. They were so grateful! When we left there we went to visit two other possible housing projects. With God’s Blessings we hope to be able to help two more families repair and finish their houses.
Thanks to some of the Philoptochos ladies who helped with the purchase of children's clothing that Kosta and Nancy brought, we were able to put smiles on children's faces and those of their parents.
We weren't able to distribute all of it so we will do the rest as we deliver food kits each week.
It was a super special time for us having Nancy and Kosta with us doing the work of this beautiful ministry, we look forward to many more visits from them and others in the future!
Love in Christ,
Yota
Click below to view more images.
