By Robert DiCrasto, MAF Communications Specialist, Ecuador

In Ecuador, the frontier is the eastern jungle, and we call it by the Spanish word for East, “Oriente.”

Since I arrived in Ecuador as a radio technician for MAF, I have purposed in my heart to focus my energies on the needy in a part of the Ecuadorian jungle known as the “Oriente”.

Throughout the Oriente, only footpaths and rivers connect the small villages where people struggle to survive in the Amazon. The village of Mashumarentza (MAS) also has no road. But it has an airstrip, cleared and leveled by hand. We landed there in a MAF bush plane recently to install another modern marvel, a new two-way radio.

The culture in which I was raised taught me, “Don’t stare. It’s rude.” But in the jungle, children and adults alike have the uncanny ability to stare me down for minutes at a time. Despite my upbringing, I also stare at times at the stark differences between our cultures. I’m not accustomed to the hunger, the 14 year old mothers with a child or two riding on their hips, the strange sounding tongue as villagers discreetly communicate, or the amazement when I take out a simple tool to do a simple task. “How much does that cost?” they often ask.   

The work begins by raising the pole used to elevate and direct the radio antenna. There is no electricity in the jungle, so we install the solar panel’s pole and assemble this technological wonder that transfers sunshine into electrical power stored in a battery. Lastly, we move into the radio shack where I complete important connections and demonstrate this newer system to the jefe (chief) of communications.

Thanks to the generous donation of concerned people in the US, the radio system brings hope to the isolated people of MAS. The radio will bring the MAF air ambulance to the rescue of those bitten by poisonous snakes, illnesses and accidents—all too common events in these wilds. It will allow MAS to give weather reports to MAF pilots who crisscross the jungle to deliver community development projects and spiritual enrichment.

A prominently displayed plaque in the radio shack announces there are people in the world outside who not only know about the people of MAS, but also care enough to contribute to their lives and future. Most of all, the plaque states the radio is dedicated to the glory of God.  

When I had finished my work, the MAF pilot, Captain Dale, was discussing some important matters with the village chief. I started to kick a little round nut back and forth with a small boy. Moments later, a child bellowed out “eendooor!!” The game was on! It was me against all the little children in an energetic “indoor” soccer match in the vast Amazon rain forest bordering Peru.

As we flew back to our base at the edge of the Oriente, I was filled with gratitude for the folks who have joined hands with us to provide help to the isolated people of MAS and the many other outposts MAF serves in this jungle. And I was grateful for the opportunity to serve in a work that fulfills my desire to serve our Lord.

	Raising the antenna so the radio will be able to communicate to other villages and outside help.
	The Ecuador radio project is installing 60 radios in specially made wooden boxes in jungle outposts throughout the Oriente.
	Robert DiCrasto surrounded by new friends who now have a new connection to people who care.
	Saying goodbyes before flying back to base at the end of a productive day. The new solar-powered radio will serve this isolated community for many years.