The Faces That Changed My Life: William's Trip to Ecuador

We went to Ecuador to meet people and go places. Although we found more than that, we found friends, hope, and a united love for Jesus.

We saw problems that might seem tiny to us but massive to them. We saw people living in homes smaller than some of our bedrooms, and the deeper you look into these homes, there are two things you might find: a desperate need for the Lord in their lives—for hope or sanctuary—or a love and knowledge of Jesus deeper than many people who are not in poverty can even begin to understand, let alone achieve. Even though they are surrounded by hardship and suffering, they unite at church to worship.

I learned of their need for twenty-five thousand dollars to buy and construct a separate building to serve 350+ children in their community. The building they currently have doesn’t have the capacity to meet the needs of their community. Each week they are serving 300+ children—and there are more children waiting to be served when space and resources allow.

I believe people from our church could raise the money needed to support our Ecuador family without that much trouble.

The church we visited and support in Ecuador also needs air conditioning units. During the hot and dry seasons, the brick walls of the building (inside and out) become so hot you can’t touch or lean on them. Inside the building, it can be over 90 degrees—but they still hold classes, gatherings, and services. When the building was built, they had four air conditioning units. The pastor elected not to have one in his office, but prioritized the AC units to be put into the children’s rooms.

One way we could continue to support our brothers and sisters is to gather together to provide financial support to meet their current and future needs. Through it all, these people amazed me with their determination to help their community and glorify God. During our trip, we met a lot of the children who visit the Center—many of them are my age. I was able to hang out with them, get to know them, and play soccer with them.

At the end of our trip—on the last day—we met our sponsored child, Helen. We have been writing letters and exchanging photos with her for over seven years. Helen was accompanied by her mother and her tutor. Through our conversations, her mother shared that because of our sponsorship of Helen, we have also impacted the health and wellness of her siblings and parents. All have been impacted and forever blessed by our monthly sponsorship.

We bought a backpack full of new school supplies, new clothes, new shoes, new toys, and toiletries for Helen. She cried when she opened all the contents because she had never received a gift like that.

I look forward to going back to Ecuador and bringing my sister when she is old enough, so she too can meet Helen and see the Center we support. My hope is to go back and help be a part of building their new building, and fundraising to support the amount they need to grow and expand.

The question is not if you’re called, but to whom and to where you’re called.

Join us for Sending Sunday on November 9 as we unveil our lineup of 2026 trips. After both services, stay for an interest meeting in Annex 2 to learn more about each trip and how you can get involved.