It not about a rabbit... not even one that lays eggs. It's not about "Easter egg hunts." It's not about chocolate-covered, marshmallow-filled bunnies. It's not even about dressing the little ones up in their Easter suits and bonnets (though that really is cute).

No... Easter is about this one thing; HE HAS RISEN.

Today is the day that we celebrate the resurrection of CHRIST.

HE HAS RISEN INDEED!

Copyright © 1999-2008 Chaplain Skip Straus and Emergency Ministries.

Cindy and I just returned from Quito, Ecuador. This was my second year to go with the Medical Mission Team from our church. This was Cindy's first-ever mission trip. Ask her how she liked it: chapswife@emergencychaplain.org.

We joined a team of 4 doctors, a couple of paramedics, five nurses and 22 other other servants of our REAL CHIEF. The team, sponsored by our church (WoodsEdge Community Church) was made up of people from six different churches. We had two folks from Alaska, one doctor from Colorado, a local Ecuadorian dentist, an American missionary doctor and the rest from here in Texas.

Our team set up a clinic, a pharmacy, a dental van, a children's ministry and a prayer tent in the tiny area of Santos Pamba, Ecuador - an area that sits on the side of a mountain at about 11,000 feet. From there, one can see the city of Quito in the valley below and majestic, snow-capped volcanoes above.

During the clinic time, we saw over 1300 patients. Most importantly, we saw several hundred ask CHRIST into their life for the very first time! It was amazing.

Last Monday was our Anniversary. At the end of our morning Praise and Worship time with the group, I dropped to one knee and told Cindy how much I loved her and asked her if she would marry me all over again... she had her out, but she said "yes" - (hehehehe). Our International Missions Pastor, Tim Martin, officiated as we renewed our vows before GOD and the team in Quito.

Towards the end of the trip, I apparently pulled a muscle or tendon, causing a great deal of pain in my left shoulder. Last Friday night, at our evening service, I asked several there to lay hands on me and pray for my shoulder. Prior to that, I could not raise my arm laterally more than 3 or 4 inches without a stabbing pain hitting my shoulder. As the group prayed for me, I began feeling immediate relief. At the close of that prayer to GOD for my complete healing, I could raise my arm almost all the way up with only minimal pain. Now, five days after, I have no pain at all. Co-incidence? No. GOD-incidence.

Our verse this week tells us to be "faithful in prayer." Prayer made the entire eight days in Ecuador possible; from the finances to get us there, to the planning, the itinerary, the clinic, the travel and, yes, the healings.

In the emergency service, we would not be able to serve effectively without our radios and cellphones. In life, we are not able to serve effectively without prayer... it is our communications mechanism to our REAL CHIEF. With it, we can move mountains. Without it, we fail to acknowledge HIS power and mercy and grace - we can't experience a conversation with our Loving FATHER.

Don't forget to send your prayer request, praise reports, etc. - http://www.emergencychaplain.org/forum. Thanks for you prayers for my family and I. I am humbled to serve alongside you...

Copyright © 1999-2008 Chaplain Skip Straus and Emergency Ministries.