Thursday, February 28, 2013

Outreach to Ecuador


Have you ever…looked back on a time in your life, maybe not even that long ago, and were able to see the changes that have taken place in who you are, how you act, and the ways in which you approach life? I have come to believe that in the moments when we think we have no room left to grow; it is there where we most surprise ourselves-if we are willing. Over the time that I was in Ecuador on the counseling outreach, I thought I had been a lot of places, seen a lot of things in my life already. But I can see now how God wanted to take me to a new level, to a deeper growth that I had only before touched on the surface. I had been on outreaches before, even to the same city in Ecuador, but I had never before taught in Spanish; never talked to so many people, listened to their stories and was able to pray for them like I did this time.

We did so many cool things in the city of Otavalo! Located approximately 2 ½ hours away from the capital of Quito, it is a beautiful city whose streets are heavily populated by tourists from all parts of the world. What attracts people to the city most is its famous “Plaza de Ponchos”, which is exactly what it sounds like, a plaza full of ponchos…among other crafts, clothing items, and souvenirs. You can note in the pictures my pants, scarves, purse and jewelry that are all typical items sold in the plaza. And yes, you have to be good at bargaining to get them to lower the prices, but my method always seemed to work. Name your price, the seller doesn’t like it, start to walk away, and then they come to their senses if they really want a buyer.

But more than the plaza or the marketplace, what impacted me the most was definitely the people. The people from Ecuador, and specifically from Otavalo, are genuinely kind and loving. All of the families that received us into their homes showered their love and generosity on us in a way unlike other Latino countries. And one of the main ways in which they show their love is by feeding you lots of food! Here in Chile, bread is one of the main food groups. Not grain, bread! And in Ecuador, the main ingredient or main food item that is eaten above all others is…rice! In a few of the houses we stayed in, rice was served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I, for one, was more than a little tired of all the rice by the end of the month, but the food in general is incredibly good, and the people are incredibly good cooks as well.

Not only was I stretched physically…ahem…thanks to all of that rice, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually as well. As I said in the beginning, there were a lot of limits as to how much I could communicate back in 2011. And there are always new words I am learning, but the amount that I have grown in terms of speaking Spanish is amazing! And I’m so excited to say that I was able to share my testimony as well as teach a whole 45 min. lesson---all in Spanish! It is so easy for me to want to hide behind a shell of protection, but that so-called protection is actually an impediment for going after things that God has indeed equipped me for. And there will be moments when I am not fully prepared in my human eyes for doing something, but why should I focus on my own limits instead of rely fully on the One who is limitless?

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”-Philippians 4:13

I had a great time in Ecuador, more than I thought at first. I’m incredibly thankful for God’s direction and provision, pushing me out of my comfort zone and into more dependence upon Him. I miss home a lot, everything familiar, and especially all of my family who are so far away. But there is nothing better than living in the center of God’s perfect will, and I believe this is a time not only for me, but for all of my family to experience the plentitude which comes from doing His will---“His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2b). Whether it’s loving on Ecuadorian children, teaching in an international school in Malaysia, serving in your church, or working your weekly job, or all of the above… “Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

I love you all and thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. As always, I couldn’t do this without you! Be blessed!

-Dawn Marie Hoffmeyer

Sunday, November 18, 2012


Translating for Ben's teaching in the church

The Titus Project team, a few Chileans, and I at the famous flower clock in Vina

  Dear Friends & Family,
  What an incredible last few weeks it has been!  I am truly amazed thinking back on it all, and for that reason I’m not sure what words to describe it to you. But I will do my best :)
   God really surprised me in a lot of ways this month! As a school, we welcomed a YWAM team from the U.S. to teach the Bible for two weeks as a part of their outreach from a school called the Titus Project. They taught various topics ranging from the Biblical overview, how to prepare a teaching, learning styles, and overall imparted a passion for the study of God’s Word.
  As excited as I was to receive fellow American’s and YWAMers at the base here, their presence alone implied major participation on my part. That is to say, I would have to switch from translating Spanish to English to translating English into Spanish, a feat more challenging, not to mention one I hadn’t anticipated taking on just yet! But if there is anything that I have learned from my time here in Vina, it is that God can give anyone the strength as well as the passion to do something when He is the One who has called them to do it!
  Several weeks ago someone encouraged me with this passage:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9
 This is so much easier said than done, but it is true nonetheless.  I have often found myself scared to death of doing something, not realizing the opportunity I am missing out on because I allow that fear to take precedent over my relationship with God. Why do I do that? Why do we do that? Why is it so hard sometimes to trust God when we say we believe that He is capable? This is still a continuous learning process for me, but I know that I am not alone, and I am so thankful for that!
  I want to encourage you all by testifying that our God is greater than our fears, and that by trusting Him with those fears He is able and willing to open amazing opportunities! I didn’t think that I could do this thing, translate from English to Spanish, having had no formal training, simply picking up the language as I went along. But God chose to use me…me! And when I was willing to be used, He blessed me more than I could have imagined!
  I now have more confidence and encouragement to speak and translate Spanish, as well as newfound friends that I believe will last for a long time because of all that we experienced together. And overall, it is such a good reminder to remember that it is not about me-my talents or abilities. It is about loving others, and that usually means doing things you may not be comfortable with at first, but in the long run they are for your own good. How awesome is it that we have a God who knows what is best for us?!

Sunday, September 30, 2012




"The old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Cor. 5:17b)


Greetings to everyone in the States, Denmark, Malaysia, and beyond! Fall is my favorite time of the year-I love how everything changes and the way the colors become more vibrant and breathtaking.  Unfortunately, here in Chile the seasons are reversed and instead of fall we are welcoming spring, which implies a mixture of rain and sunshine as summer gets closer. However, nothing is like a good Ohio fall! Those of you in that part of the world, you have my permission to enjoy it a little more for my sake!

After a lot of waiting, preparing, and praying for the Foundations of Counseling Ministry school, as of September 12th we welcomed 9 students to the opening of the what is a time to receive new things from God: “…the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor.5:17b). This is the word the directors of the school received as the promise of all the new things that God wants to do in our lives as we seek His holiness and restoration. Just before the opening, I was able to travel to Pichilemu, the city where I did my own DTS and Counseling school, for the wedding of a friend at the YWAM base there.

It was such an encouragement for me to be able to visit friends; to catch up on each other’s’ lives, eat empanadas, get dressed up for the wedding on the beach, and just relax a little bit. It was truly a refreshing time, albeit short,but overall a reminder that I am where I need to be, here in Vina del Mar, serving with this YWAM base.
Over a month since my arrival, I have now become much more comfortable and acquainted with things around here! For example, I now know how to navigate myself around the city in a bus-where to get off and get on-as well as how to get to the store, mall, and marketplace (all very important locations!) I was so ready for the school to start in order to have more of a routine and a daily schedule. Isn’t it funny how sometimes we crave to be left alone and unhindered by the pressures of a schedule, whereas other times we need the push of a calendar to keep us motivated and on track? Needless to say, I am thankful the school has finally started!
The school is comprised of 9 students: two married couples, one local pastor, and four singles. Including the 7 members of staff, the school is a representation of 7 nations: Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, England, and the United States! It is so cool to see how people from such diverse backgrounds come together with a unified purpose and passion-to know God and to make Him known throughout the world! In the Foundations for Counseling Ministries School, the focus is centered on inner healing and restoration. The school consists of intensive classes founded on Biblical principles and teachings, as well as growth in small groups, intercession and praise and worship sessions, etc. As ministers and missionaries, if we want to be equipped to heal and restore peoples and nations, we first must undergo a healing of our own.
On a more personal level, God has been revealing things to my heart in a way like never before. I have heard these teachings and have gone through the discipleship, but this time is different, and it truly is a time to receive the new things He wants to bring to my life! The most amazing thing is to realize that God chose to use me, to bring me to a place where He wants me to be in order that I may grow more in Him. And sometimes the best place to grow in Him is to be where I am most vulnerable, so that I depend on His strength. I know that a lot of you can relate with this feeling, or this understanding, that sometimes it is necessary to be put completely outside of our comfort zones, not to second guess God, but to draw even closer to Him. I want to encourage you, that if you are going through a time of fire, know that God is refining you because it is for the best, and it is to bring out the best in you! But it is a process that takes time, and sometimes more time than we would like or prefer. Don’t try to waste the time that God has given you, wishing it away or wishing for a more comfortable time to come. God has a purpose, even if it is simply to show you more of Himself, He has a purpose, and His plan is perfect. This has been very comforting to me as I have struggled with feelings of loneliness, worry, anxiety that I am taking a wrong step, or just discomfort in being in a different place. I miss all of you; friends, family, church-family, etc., but I know that God moves us and guides us with our best interests at heart. Even when it doesn’t make sense!
I want to ask you to be praying for some different needs, personally as well as here at the YWAM base:
·         To be able to finish with the construction of two bathrooms, one for men and the other (obviously) for women. In total, we are 18 people sharing one bathroom, which includes the shower and sink-everything! While this has been a great opportunity for growing in patience, it would be really wonderful to have more available toilets and showers!
·         For the finances of the base, school, as well as individual students. Everyone is equally challenged in the area of finances, which affects the amounts that can be paid for the use of water, electricity, and gas. Please pray for a miracle in the area of finances, that people will be able to have what they need.
·         For health and safety-thankfully, I have never gotten sick other than a slight sensitivity to certain meat (which I will no longer be eating!). There are two pregnant mothers’ on the base as well, all sharing one bathroom! Please pray for the protection of their bodies and the babies they are carrying.
·         Please pray that I continue to grow in my Spanish abilities, both speaking as well as translating. It has been a rough ride getting back into the practice of translating and speaking Spanish all the time, but it has been getting better!
·         Overall growth and discernment for the ways in which God is leading. Basically, I have no idea what is to come after this school, so please pray for God to speak clearly to me, and that I may be sensitive to hearing His voice.
As always, thank you for taking the time to catch up on my life! It is a such a blessing for me to be able to write to all of you and share what is going on. Also, please feel free to write me with any updates or news…I would love to hear from you! Thanks again for sharing with me in the things that God is doing here in Chile as well as around the world. I love you all and miss you! Have a wonderful day!
-Love, Dawn Marie