HCJB Global missionary retiree Lois (Hatt) Vásconez received public recognition by authorities in Ecuador's capital city, Quito, for decades of work highlighting the rich musical heritage of her host country.

"I feel-and felt-very honored . . . very honored," she said of receiving the prestigious award, a Mention of Honor by the Metropolitan Council of Quito on Nov. 28.

Arriving in Ecuador as a single missionary in 1954, she married Oswaldo Vásconez, an employee at HCJB Global, several years later. Although her primary focus has been on music, she also helped in "Russian recordings, in German and eventually in Japanese, and of course in English and Spanish," she said.

Describing her as giving "service to the culture of our country and the city of Quito as a carrier of joy and hope," the council recognized Lois, 82, for spending more than 50 years in Ecuador. She was presented with a pergamino (illuminated parchment) and a medallion for her service.

In addition, crowds gave Lois a standing ovation at last month's Quito Day Concerts, held to honor the founding of the city, as she received a plaque from members of the Coro Vozandes y Orchesta (Voice of the Andes Choir and Orchestra).

"Lois is never happier than when she is making someone else look good," said missionary Chuck Howard who has spent most of his life in Ecuador. "As an accompanist, she is able to cover up for a performer's mistakes," added Howard, who has sung under her direction on many occasions. "[She makes performers] sound better than they actually are. In this she is a wonderful example of dedicated grace and humility."

Quito's city council issued a statement that said, "Besides serving more than 40 years as pianist for the Coro Vozandes, she has worked to help the needy, among other humanitarian deeds as a missionary with HCJB Global in Ecuador." The mission, founded in 1931, operates broadcast and healthcare facilities with education and training a vital part of its strategy.

Lois presents a challenge to this interviewer, deflecting attention away from herself and onto musical abilities of her colleagues. Readily, she acknowledges that the Quito Day Concerts were started by late missionary Gene Jordan. She was his reluctant replacement as choir and orchestra director.

"I did enjoy directing, I can't deny it. But I've never considered myself a director because of my very strong shortcomings," she said, acknowledging that she learned by experience. And while she didn't train in music education, she has taught hundreds of piano students throughout the years. Recently she handed the concert director's baton to missionary Michio Ozaki.

"When I began directing the Coro Vozandes with absolutely no experience in directing orchestras or large choirs, Lois was my pianist, allowing a rookie to take her spot as director," Ozaki said. "She never felt the need to poner las manos en la masa (put her hands into the dough), but allowed me to make my mistakes and be the director. However, she was always there to help me along in her quiet humble way. I am very thankful she was there. I am so happy she received this very well-deserved honor."

Coro Vozandes and the smaller traveling ensemble, Conjunto HC, have appeared in schools, military academies, plazas, shopping malls and concert halls. On occasion, the choir has even been invited to sing to Ecuador's chief executive at the presidential palace, most recently performing for President Rafael Correa on Monday, Dec. 17. The mission presented the president with a book commemorating the 75th anniversary of HCJB Global.

"I am very convinced that there are people who would never darken the door of a church to hear someone sing or play, but they would go to a neutral building to hear a choir," said Lois of the concerts' appeal to the general public.

"And there they hear the Word of God. Many hearts have been touched. I'm glad to have had a part [in this evangelistic outreach]. Little by little, more Ecuadorians have joined the choir, and that's thrilling because it's not a foreign project."

Throughout the years Lois has often led music groups during live radio programs-a format that presents its own set of anecdotes of people's peculiarities, on-air gaffes or ways of relieving (or generating) tensions! Lois can recount such stories as well as other radio talents.

One of the live shows that Lois was involved in for many years was the English-language, Sunday-evening program, "The Back Home Hour" (later renamed "HCJB Today"). It mirrored an earlier performance of the Spanish-language "Pláticas Dominicales" (Sunday conversations) with a short break between performances.

Of late missionary Bob Savage, she said, "He would usually go home between programs and have his onion sandwich, and I mean it was an onion sandwich. He took so much ribbing when he came back!"

She also recalls the inspiration of seeing Merrill Dunlop in concert and the privilege of playing for the "Treble Harmonies" program with Don Hustad who both encouraged and challenged her musical skills.

A 1946 graduate of Moody Bible Institute's music course in Chicago, Lois later joined the staff of Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music (now Cornerstone University), heading the music department and serving as dean of women. Besides composing two choruses and a hymn, she founded and directed a 20-voice mixed group, the Choralaires. She also led a ladies' quartet, and said, "that's the kind of music that I really, really enjoy arranging!"

Lois and her husband have three grown children, Elena, Sandra and Oswaldo, who has served as medical director at Hospital Vozandes-Quito. Continuing in music, she still teaches piano to local students. Asked about future endeavors, she hearkens back to a motto that God gave her decades ago, "Making Music for His Glory," based on Psalm 28:7.

"I would like to have as many years as God gives me, honoring Him, especially by music," she said.