News & Stories

Crime Spree Impacts Alliance Missionaries

December 23, 2008

A rash of robberies in Quito has Alliance missionaries and their national partners on the alert. “This season is one of the most dangerous in Quito,” says Alliance missionary Teri Newburn, who serves in Ecuador on special assignment to the Alliance Academy, a school for missionary kids (MKs).  
 
Newburn and her husband, Keith, report that several of their friends and colleagues were robbed or assaulted, including a teacher at the school. In addition, Teri’s identification papers (including her driver’s license) were stolen.  
 
“It seems like every day there’s a story of someone who got robbed or assaulted,” says Newburn. One student at the Academy had his cell phone stolen in front of a church building. While another MK was talking about Jesus and sharing his lunch with an inebriated man, a thief approached and demanded money from the boy. “The drunk man got between them and prevented the robbery,” Newburn continues. 
 
Thieves broke into the home of a friend of the Newburns, stealing his camera and computer. “A few houses down from where he lives, thieves held a woman hostage one morning while robbing her house,” says Newburn. 
 
“These are our friends, our students, our colleagues. We need your prayers for safety and protection! Thank you for praying with us for safety and peace. We are so grateful for each one of you being a part of our lives.” 
 

How You Can Help

 
Pray that the stolen items, including Teri Newburn’s documents, will be replaced quickly. Also, pray that God will protect the innocent and bring the thieves to repentance.