July 5, 2010 issue
Once at odds over faith, Ecuador couple lead church
By Holly Blosser Yoder and Lynda Hollinger-Janzen Mennonite Mission NetworkRIOBAMBA, Ecuador — After 30 years, Beatriz and Daniel Escobar are singing together the songs of faith that once divided them.
Beatriz and Daniel Escobar have formed Riobamba Mennonite Church. From left, Maite, Beatriz, Daniel, Denis and Santiago Escobar. — Photo by Don Rheinheimer/MMN
And they are learning to lead the 1-year-old Riobamba Mennonite Church in the Andean mountains.
Until three years ago, the idea of serving in a pastoral role together would have been unthinkable for the couple. Although the Escobars have had a loving home, they were quietly at odds over religion for most of their 36 years of marriage.
Beatriz Escobar, who grew up in an evangelical Christian milieu, said that before her husband’s conversion, church attendance meant little to Daniel beyond being a national pastime — something one did on holidays, like going to a bullfight.
“I was critical of both Catholic and Protestant hierarchies,” Daniel Escobar said. “When my wife brought up church or faith, I was very stern and resistant.”
Many factors contributed to Daniel Escobar’s conversion, but the patient faith of his wife — a scientist, teacher, singer and poet — is what finally convinced him.
“Before my conversion, things that interested me were cultural, such as poetry and fiestas, or fun times with friends; but also I was always working for the rights of the poor,” said Escobar, speaking of the days when he poured his best energies into academia and his law practice.
Escobar repeatedly told his wife to destroy the poems and songs of faith she composed. As a result of Daniel Escobar’s aversion to all things related to the church, the couple rarely discussed faith.
“Out of respect for Daniel, I didn’t argue with him or even attend church much,” Beatriz Escobar said. “I prayed for Daniel, that Christ would save him and our household.”
She waited and prayed for more than three decades.
Comment on the article Once at odds over faith, Ecuador couple lead church
The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.
Download
Download a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
