I
n July 2014, we went on a short term, two-week mission trip to Ecuador along with eight others from CGBC and ten others from Chinese Independent Baptist Church in Oakland, California. During the two weeks, the team participated in many ministries: DVBS, women’s ministry (crafts, Biblical teaching, and a “princess party” to honor women), men’s ministry, couples ministry (The 5 Love Languages), youth ministry, home visits, dental clinic, and construction. During the two weeks, we learned that it is all about people.  

*  We ministered with Allen Graham, a long time CGBC missionary to Ecuador.

*  We ministered in churches where relationships with their pastors and people have been cultivated and nurtured for 14 years.

*  We experienced the hospitality of loving people who shared their modest possessions with us unselfishly.

*  We saw the young people of our team enabled by the Holy Spirit conduct DBVS with vigor, vitality, and excitement.

*  We labored and served with locals who love God and their church.

*  We “prayer walked” for people through the downtown of Muisne.

*  We saw a woman accept Jesus Christ as personal Savior.

*  We had moments of reflection and remembered a former team member who loved Ecuador and is now in heaven.

*  We and many former team members are supporting a young lady through college.

*  We learned humility and modest sacrifice.

*  We met and hugged our Compassion International child and her family.

*  We developed lifetime friendships and relationships with our team members.

met & hugged our Compassion Int child     

Upon our return, we learned that God has taken home Mr. Luis Chimarro, the patriarch of our host family in Juan Montalvo. He was loved by previous teams and he will be missed. We continue to learn that God wants us to have a vision and outlook towards the people in this world who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.