Blog

One could have never imagined all that the team experienced during our stay in Ecuador. From high mountain altitudes to hot coastal humidity, from deserts to jungles, from the poverty of the low class to the privilege of the upper class, every day offered a new opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and learn of a new people and culture.

But more than all this, the highlight of the trip for all was the opportunity to build relationships with the people. There was never a day during the trip that we weren’t with Ecuadorians. They ate with us, roomed with us, traveled with us, shopped with us, taught with us, lived with us.

Many of the team members learned that missions is about allowing Jesus Christ to build relationships with those of a different culture and country. If you look at the lives of missionaries such as Jim Elliot, Mary Slessor, Hudson Taylor, and many others, they were all about allowing Jesus Christ to live through them as they were absorbed into the strange culture of new places. As the nationals saw that the team was willing to spend of themselves every moment of every day, trust developed and the team was able to share and proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Because people saw them live in everyday life situations, not just give a presentation and then leave, they saw the reality of the Gospel in a life surrendered to it.

This is what the team accomplished. They let Christ live out His life through them day after day, and as He lived through them, lives were touched and changed for eternity. As the team returns home, gets caught up on sleep, and proclaims the incredible works of God, may He be the one to establish the work of our hands.

Jacob Matchak and Elizabeth Fox, signing off for the Ecuador team

PS – Next year’s trip to Ecuador is already on the schedule! It is tentatively set for three weeks in June. More definite dates will be coming soon. Mark it on your calendars and pray about serving the Lord in Ecuador in 2009!

The church in Quito put on a farewell lunch for all of us. They were so kind! We are going to miss everyone at that church - Pastor Benjamin, our translators, the kids’ workers, the children… all of them.

Pastor Benjamin and the translators saying thank you and goodbye to the team.

Pastor and Mrs. Salazar of The World Needs Christ ministries. They helped coordinate the mission trip and then traveled with us all over Ecuador. We never could have done it without their help! From the whole team: “Thank you so much!!!! We couldn’t have done it without you!”

Comments (3)

A cluster of friends…some tears…and a strong sense of God’s presence transformed a quiet part of the bus into a beautiful sanctuary tonight as a couple of us huddled together and reflected on the events of the trip. Our last complete day in Ecuador was coming to an end, and there was plenty to reflect upon.

The first part of the day was spent doing our duty to the economy as we browsed a large handicraft market. We all did our best to promote economic equilibrium as we moseyed around the vendors and enjoyed some fabulous buys.

In the afternoon, we travelled to the 13,500 foot height of TelefetiQo. Here we experienced astronaut training 101 as we boarded the gondola and were propelled up the mountain, leaving behind much of the air we human beings seem to find necessary. Incredibly dramatic views awaited us at the top, and it truly felt like we were on top of the world glimpsing sights reserved only for eagles. Quito is a long, spread-out city, nestled between the peaks of the Andes Mountains. The view was amazing as we could scan the entire length of Quito, from one end to the other. One had to wonder just how the Spaniards found the native Indians in this part of Ecuador and just how they conquered and then built the beautiful buildings that are scattered throughout the city.

Coming to the end of this trip is, in a way, like our descent from TelefetiQo. We have participated in amazing things, and while we look forward to returning home, we have been forever touched by our experiences here. A huddle of friends and a few tears will be a common experience as we finish out this trip, because we are reluctant to leave our Ecuadorian family and the ministry encountered here. But we return with a new knowledge of the reality of Jesus’ promise to heal the broken hearted and set the captives free, and the confidence that God’s beautiful work will continue in Ecuador.

Molly for the team

Boarding the gondola.

It was kind of like a ski lift, only higher. Don’t worry, moms, it was totally glassed in. No chance of falling out.

Loriann and Ben at the top of the world.

We were actually higher then some of the clouds!


It was much, much cooler at the top then down below but the view was spectacular.

Contrasted with the hustle and bustle of Quito below, it was calm, quiet, and still here at the top.

Photos courtesy of Laura Clawson, Loriann Hodgdon, and Elizabeth Fox.

Comments (1)

Today started out quiet. We had to get up early and the whole team was a little tired, so our first bus ride of the day was spent in absoluto silencio.

The reason for getting up so early was on my account (thank you team for being so understanding). My motive for coming down here was a little different then my fellow team mates. I came down to look at Ecuador through the eyes of someone who wants to live in a South American country on a permanent basis. I feel like God has called me to be a medical missionary, though I’m not sure to which country He is summoning me. On this trip I wanted to observe some medical clinics to see what the health care side of missions looks like. Before coming down here Elizabeth set up a time for me to meet with an American doctor and spend a morning with him out at his clinic.

Ruth and Molly with Dr. Quist.

While the rest of the team finished painting the nursery at the church, Molly (who came along to keep me company) and I met with the doctor and drove with him and another Ecuadorian doctor out to the clinic. On the way there I was able to get many of my questions answered, but I also found out that I was going to be assisting the two doctors in their procedures. This was incredibly intimidating, but also very exciting. When we arrived at the clinic Dr. Quist (the American) gave me a basic run down of what we would be doing and then we jumped right into working on patients.

The team getting a tour of the clinic.

It was fascinating to be right in the middle of the medical work. I won’t go into detail because I don’t want anybody to feel sick after reading a Global Encounters blog. It was good for me because I didn’t become ill. This is something that is definitely going to play into whether or not I can be a nurse. It went super well, and I came away with an increased confidence that God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave me my calling.

Touring Hospital Vozandes - one of the foremost missionary medical facilities in the world.

The rest of the team eventually met Molly and me out at the clinic and we all got a tour. We then went back to the main hospital and got a tour of that as well. Following lunch, we finished painting the nursery, which turned out to be a beautiful seascape (well, we hope the Ecuadorians think it’s beautiful) and then we ate dinner at an Italian Ecuadorian place.

We finished the day on a quiet note again. We all gathered in the living room at La Casa del Padre and had a time of prayer. It was a nice way to end the day, and nobody wanted to go to bed. Our days have been full and I am so grateful for all that the Lord has allowed us to experience. I know I’ll leave this trip having more confidence to move forward in His plans for my life.

Ruth, for the team

One little fish…

Two little fish…

Three little fish…

Four little fish…

Five little fish… (Elizabeth and Molly drew seaweed and ocean creatures on the wall while the rest of us filled them in with paint.)

Lots of fish!! Here we are sitting in the middle of the completed project. In the words of Pastor Benjamin when he came to inspect our work, “Que chebere!” (How cool!).

Photos courtesy of Loriann Hodgdon and Jacob Matchak.

Comments (2)

Treasure each moment. See God’s majesty in the beauty of the mountains. Take part in Christ’s hand touching the lives of the poor and the lost.

Today’s opportunity was to travel to a small mountain village. As we drove up the winding road, we saw houses but very few people. Every once in a while we would see a little child catch site of the bus approaching and quickly run into the house as if to hide. When we finally arrived, we pulled over and looked around for the kids. There were none to be found. Jacob and Pastor Salazar began yelling at the top of their lungs for the kids to come. Realizing that they were probably scaring them off more then encouraging them to come, we walked along the hand-laid stone roadways, up and down hills, inviting children and adults alike to hear His story and enjoy a meal. They finally started arriving: first two or three shy kids came up, then more would approach as they saw the balloons, until eventually we had around 45-50 kids as well as women.

The people of the area were reserved and cautious, responding with suspicion to us, in vivid contrast to the typical warm South American welcome. We made many balloons and passed out lots of candy to the kids. As Jacob told the story about the little boy with his five loves and two fish, we gave fresh bread and drinks to all that came. It was such a beautiful sight to see God’s love being freely given and received. From the oldest wrinkled grandmother to the smallest dirty child, lives were touched by Jesus! By the time we left all suspicion was gone and the kids darted after the bus, waving excitedly as we drove down the mountain. The same kids that hid in their homes now ran outside with big smiles on their faces to pick up the candy thrown from the crazy people hanging out the windows of the big yellow bus!

After our two-hour drive back into Quito, the day was spent with securing supplies for the nursery-painting project, drinking a delicious latte, enjoying group devotions, and bonding with each other around an enormous bonfire.

Breanna, for the team

Ben handing out food to the kids.

The contrast between Jacob’s Converse and one of the kid’s Converse says volumes about the needs of this area.

Christina has done a fabulous job of recording not just the moment, but the spirit of the moment.

Kathleen making friends with little mountain kids.

A simple story told to simple people of a great Savior.

Soda: the international beverage.

Putting bread in the hands of poor, dirty little kids - what a privilege!

Our sandwich-making crew.

Many of the women still wear the traditional garb of the mountains, including strands and strands of beads.

The whole group of us: Americans, chicos, grannies, moms, and balloons.

The bonfire… our Ecuadorian friends enjoyed the smores. Apparently they’re not made here in Ecuador.

Pictures courtesy of Laura Clawson, Christina Dickson, Elizabeth Fox, Loriann Hodgdon, and Jacob Matchak.

Comments (1)

Monday, August 18

Praise the Lord! Not only was Jacob finally tired enough to let us sleep in this morning, but clean showers (where flip flops are not needed) and floors that have been swept and aren’t slimy, have lifted all of our spirits! The smell of our work in Esmeraldas has faded and our cleanliness is back to normal.

The sights of downtown Quito, which we visited in the afternoon and evening.

Our morning/afternoon (depending on when each person crawled out of bed) was filled with moments of praise for the great works the Lord did in the lives of the people of Esmeraldas! We were overflowing with praise and gratitude to be part of God’s plan.

During our group devotions the Lord really opened my eyes while reading Luke 15 (the lost sheep). God desires those lost to be found. But how can they be found if no one is willing to find them? So many times we disregard people that are lost. Maybe they’re not like us. Maybe they’re dirty and smelly. Maybe they are so different we can’t relate to them. In my own life, I find myself drawn to these people. God brought out a side of me I had forgotten about: a passion for people who are lost and can’t find their way back. A passion for people living life for the wrong reasons; drugs, alcohol, sex. A passion for people lost as I once was. That passion comes from living that life. Can you imagine if all the lost sheep were found and rejoined to the Shepherd? God rejoices over one lost sheep - one! What if they were all found? The magnificent rejoicing of our Heavenly Father and His angels would be astounding.

As our day of shopping in majestic downtown Quito ended, we were faced with the reality of the closing of our trip. Our first departure and goodbye was Chris. I was hit with the sadness of the trip ending in just a few more days. There is so much more we could do here. Feeding the hungry, hugging more children, providing clothes and shoes to those in need, sharing Jesus’ love with everyone! I’m already looking forward to the next adventure in South America!

April, for the team

The national cathedral

They call their climate here “perpetual spring.”

Main square in downtown Quito. This is a beautiful city!

Inside one of the cathedrals

Photos courtesy of Christina Dickson, Laura Clawson, Loriann Hodgdon, and Elizabeth Fox.

Comments (2)

Sunday, August 17

Today was our last day in Esmeraldas – the green coastal gem of Ecuador. It is hard to believe that one week has passed and now we are leaving. This morning we went to the iglesia of the pastor who had hosted us during our stay in Esmeraldas. Everyone was involved in the service as each of us gave a little testimony of our favorite part of the week. Pastors Jacob and Salazar tag-team preached and all of us sang our traditional “Blessing Song” for the church. We were totally overwhelmed by the love and hospitality of the church and all they had done for us during the week. It was very difficult to say goodbye to the church and Esmeraldas. The pastor told Jacob that his church has had groups come and do building projects for them but this was the first time any group had come to Esmeraldas to build relationships with his people. He was very moved and challenged both his church and our group to not forget one another. One little girl clung and cried to me and would not let me go. My desire to return to Ecuador grows stronger every day I am here, even if it is just to hug this precious little girl again and to tell her that I did not forget her.

This church became our family.

After being sent off with blessings by the loving people of Esmeraldas we got on the bus to head back to Quito. It was an uneventful ride occupied by snacks, snacks, and more snacks! We also did more than our share of talking and singing, along with more snacking. It was also a good time of reminiscing about the week and what we had learned and would apply to our lives.

April’s cute laugh can be heard from anywhere on the bus… even when she’s hiding.

After about eight hours of traveling we arrived in Quito and happily put on sweaters for the wonderful cool, dry weather of Quito. It was so nice to not be sticky any more! We then stopped at a hamburger shop owned by a Christian American named Rusty. Have I mentioned that we’ve eaten a lot today?

Arriving back at La Casa del Padre in Quito. Anyone know who the shadow is?

Although there is sorrow in our hearts to be separated from the warmth and joy of the people in Esmeraldas we are again comfortably settled in our home away from home: La Casa del Padre, our lovely hostel here in Quito. May the Lord bless our remaining days here in this nation on the equator.

Kathleen – for the team

Hey, Josiah - check this out. Ben is sharing in front of the whole church! I told you…

Scenes along the way as we traveled back to Quito.

Ecuador is a land of natural color.

Bananas are everywhere! We even had tostadas made from bananas before we left the church. They were delicious!

Next year we’re going to save money and just rent a truck. Who needs a bus anyway?

Even our translators were shocked at the poverty we saw from the windows of our bus.

A quick stop at a jungle gas station. You don’t even want to know what the bathrooms looked like.

Photos courtesy of Laura Clawson and Christopher Schweickert.

Comments (3)

Saturday… it was a blur.

We headed to the school early in the morning to start our all-day kids’ program. Game teams, craft teams, and lesson team all kept the kids busy and happy as the whirl of purple, blue, green, yellow, and red groups rotated from one team station to the next.

I am so proud of this team! They have been used by God to show Christ’s love to these kids in the midst of heat, dirt, and long hours… and it shows. As we said goodbye at the end of the day, the kids were clinging to us, asking for a hug over and over again, getting our signatures on their bandannas, and in no hurry whatsoever to go home. The pastors told us they’ve never had a mission team that has built relationships with their kids like this team has done.

We wrapped things up with the kids and packed up our supplies, but this was not the end of the day. Off we rushed to the city hall for an evening with the mayor of Esmeraldas. Marimbas, cultural dances, and tapao blended together for an incredible evening of Ecuadorian culture. We were blown away that the mayor would go all out for a group of almost total strangers. It was the warmest welcome Global Encounters has ever received from a city official. The mayor expressed his appreciation for our work with the children and we definitely have an open door to return.

But wait, there was still more in this day that kept going… and going… and going. A family from one of the churches offered to treat the whole team to ice cream, so after we left city hall, we headed downtown. Everything in the ice cream shop was made from special family recipes. Wow! Incredible!

You might think that would be the perfect end to a busy day, but there was a crowded town square right across the street. So many people there! What an opportunity! Within a few minutes the team was scattered in groups all across the square engaging random people in conversations and sharing the Gospel. Once you get started, it’s not difficult to share the Gospel here. People are very open. For many of the team members, this was their first experience of street witnessing. They did such a good job!

By the time we finally climbed back on the bus everyone was tired, hot, sticky, dirty, bug-eaten, grubby, sweaty, disheveled… in a word – missionaries! The team looked beautiful!

Elizabeth, for the team

Ruth saying goodbye to the kids.

A lesson on craft team 1.

Laura and April saying goodbye.

Kids we love.

My little friend Sarita.

Molly with the cheer leading squad.

Early in the week we made friends with a Colombian family. They fixed us an incredible lunch which we enjoyed during a quick break.

One of the traditional dances from the evening’s festivities. Everyone got involved at the mayor’s insistence!

The musicians played with passion and enthusiasm and a whole lot of volume. The clarinetist was absolutely unbelievable!

Photos courtesy of Christina Dickson, Laura Clawson, and Elizabeth Fox.

Comments (2)

What do you have when you combine Christians passionate about Jesus and children with Ecuadorian young people passionate about their country? One amazing day!

Jesus periodically took his disciples aside to rest. This morning began quietly while we slept in and recharged for the finally week in Ecuador. For team devotions we gathered on the roof of the restaurant and shared a very special time in God’s Word and in singing. Then we split into small groups and spent time praising God for His abundant love and care, and praying that we would grow deeper in our relationships with Jesus and be even more focused on Him.

In the afternoon we enjoyed visiting again with the teenagers at the academy for children of naval personnel. If my Spanish were half as good as their English, I would be overjoyed! We mingled among the groups of students and conversed with them in English on topics of all kinds (i.e. the beauty of Ecuador, school, driving, careers, and politics). One group asked about my reasons for coming to Ecuador and I shared about my relationship with Jesus. At the end there was an informal large group and Christina, Chris, and Elizabeth shared testimonies. This week and last we have had the privilege of interacting with the up and coming generation of Ecuador. These children will be the next leaders. I am praying that they will turn to Christ and in turn impact their country through the power of God.

Tonight we did not have an official children’s meeting, but unofficially we did a game night with the children who came with their parents. Playing soccer in flip-flops was a blast! I am so glad we played with mixed teams of our group and the Ecuadorian children. Had it been the children versus us, the children would have whipped us. Later we played basketball in bare feet. Sports are a great way to overcome any language barrier. We taught them “Electricity” and they taught us “Tingo, Tingo, Tango.”

Being here we have been somewhat oblivious to the Olympics, but that changed this evening. Towards the end of the night I sat in the middle of a bunch of charged children enthusiastically cheering on Jefferson Perez, the Ecuadorian speed walking Gold medallist of 1996. As he raced tonight in Beijing, we all sat in the dark watching him race on TV in the large group room, waving bandanas, clapping, and chanting “Vamos ecuatorianos que esta tarde tenemos que ganar” and “Ecuador Ole, Ole”(Go Ecuadorians, today we are going to win). Ecuadorian patriotism ran high among the enthusiastic children. Together we cheered him on to a silver medal.

Following the time with the kids, we went to the church for a late supper. As I walked off the bus, I was told to help delay Chris, as the room had been decorated for his birthday. Chris was greeted upon entrance with cheers, balloons, and the explosion of party cannons filled with confetti. As always, we enjoyed great food and fellowship.

Jessica, for the Team

That was quite the candle on Chris’ cake!

Molly playing with kids during our “game night.”

Ruth playing electricity with the kids.

Hanging out on the playground.

Hot, sticky, sweaty - we love it!

Photos courtesy of Christina Dickson and Laura Clawson.

Comments (0)

Thursday, August 14

Day 5 in Esmeraldas: still hot and sticky, but I am finally starting to get used to it. Today we went to see the mayor of Esmeraldas. We had a great time together. We went to the city hall, and as we were walking in, people would stare at us as usual. Once we were finally in one of the mayors offices we had to wait there for a while. We talked about what we would do and what were we going to talk about when he showed up. The clock was ticking and nothing was happening, but we were comfortable because it was one of the few places here with AC. When we finally met the mayor he welcomed us to his city and talked to us a little bit about its history and its unique culture. As we wrapped up he obviously liked us so much he invited us to dinner with him on Saturday with local live music. Stay tuned, it should be interesting. It was really cool to talk to the mayor.

When we were finished we ate lunch at a great restaurant on the beach. We then went back to our hotel for our formal team photo shoot. We were quite the sight and many people stopped to watch the crazy Americans take a ton of pictures in their blue and yellow shirts. After we were “finally” done, some people took a nap while others walked on the beach. [Editor’s note: the official team photograph will be posted at a later date. We don’t want to give everything away all at once.]

At 6 o’clock we headed to the school to run another evening with the kids. Today’s lesson for the children’s program was about forgiveness. My team put together a craft; we made signs that said “No Fishing” on them. The way it ties together with forgiveness is that when you forgive someone its like throwing their sin in the water and you should not fish for it to bring it back up.

After the kids’ program was over the church fed us dinner and gave all the guys bracelets with our names on them and all the girls necklaces with their names on them. It was very cool and everyone loved them. Back at the hotel, we all dropped into bed happy because Jacob is being nice to us and letting us sleep in! It’s about time!

From a hot and sticky place……….. Miguelito (Michael) – for the team

Michael and Ben with a bunch of the school kids. [Editor’s note: we also spent several hours with the kids at the school at which we have been working all week. It was a packed day!]

Ruth talking with one of the little girls. Conversations are so interesting when you only understand about 1/3 of what’s being said.

The kids have learned the Bible verses with amazing quickness.

Jacobito (Jacob) can make friends with anyone!

Pictures courtesy of Laura Clawson and Christina Dickson.

Comments (0)

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Today was another day for our team to join the ranks of kids at the primary school in Esmeraldas. When we arrived, we were greeted by hundreds of smiling and excited faces. I stepped out into the playground yard and was practically mobbed by two dozen kids calling out “Un photo! Un photo! Un photo!”

“Un photo” began as a group of 5 friends who wanted their picture taken together, and quickly grew into a throng of fifty. I kept backing up and backing up to fit them all into the 70mm frame, but they just kept moving toward me…a mass sea of beautiful Ecuadorian faces.

As I was out there, in that school courtyard taking pictures, I was bothered. It seemed like none of my photos were different. It felt like each picture was the same. Over and over again the pictures became, just more faces. One child’s face became one in a sea of faces.

When you are overseas, the fast paced and adventurous lifestyle is really exotic – for the first week. Then, after a little while, the “roughing it” lifestyle seems to cause all the people’s faces begin to look the same. And reaching out to one life looks exactly the same as reaching out to another life.

Why is that?

Because sometimes it is easy to believe that one life is just another life in the world.

Just another life.

But you know what? Along with the belief that a life is “just another life” is the accompanying belief that one life won’t make that big a difference in the world.

I don’t think that’s true.

Jesus said that He would go after those who were lost and had gone astray. This means that even those who are seemingly unlovely are those who have incredible value. I think in general, most Christians do believe this. But if each person has value, then we aren’t just one life amongst the sea of faces in humanity.

We are unique. We are individuals. We are handcrafted by God. We are called. We have purpose that belongs to no one else. We affect change. We must play our part.

So why do so few of us live as though it were a deep conviction?

The sea of humanity exists to be sure. But in Christ, this sea dissolves and in Paul’s words, “there is no Jew, nor Greek, nor male, nor female, nor slave, nor free.”

What is left when there are no racial, ethnic, status, and philosophical differences?

Just faces.

But behind these faces, is the incredible worth, indescribable value, and stunningly magnificent masterpiece of God:

The souls of His beloved.

If we believe that one soul has value, we must also believe that one soul will affect change.

Because one face sees another face.

And then one life touches another life.

After which one soul changes another soul.

Then another… and another.

And it happens again… and again… and again….

So what if each of us walked through life acting upon this knowledge? What if, when we look into the eyes of the person we pass in the street, or acknowledge the carwash employee we pass by, or just kept on taking pictures of beautiful foreign children…

What would this world look like if we Christians remembered that in this life, we are not just a sea of faces?

Would we see past the face? Would we see into the eyes? Would we reach a life? Would we change a soul?

Christina, for the team

Pictures courtesy of Christina Dickson.

Comments (2)