Real Life Impact

Thanks for taking a moment to see what we're up to

For updates on Miguel's health, see THIS

Two things first,

1. We are gearing up to host a very different kind of Mission Trip in June of next year. It will be called 'The Good News of Messiah Mission Trip,' and there will be more info soon.

2. Miguel will begin writing again. Before cancer, he had blog with over 7500 daily followers and a robust comment engagement. He will be using a platform that costs 150.00 a year, and we are looking for sponsors to cover the first year. We are already 1/3rd of the way there, and if you'd like to sponsor a part of the remaining 100.00 dollars, please use this portal towards that end. The platform easily allows for monetization, and all proceeds will be directed toward local mission work. 

It's been a challenging time with a lot of setbacks and a few solid gains. Miguel has recently received a good report from his latest PET scan and is making ever so small moves towards healing in his fight against stage 4 colon cancer.

We did not have great success with our food basket drive in March, February, and April, but we will give another effort in October, November, and December. Our goal is to feed 50 families enough food for a week. You can donate to that project anytime and mark it 'Food Baskets' in the donation comment via this platform. 60$ will sponsor a family, and cover transport and follow-up.

Additionally, Ecuador has never really recovered from COVID or the droughts and electric outages after. We deal with primarily rural and impoverished areas, and could sure use some help in helping others with the most basic of necessities.

Please consider using this platform for a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation.

We have been invited to share a community service space in town and are thankful for the opportunity.

We are currently holding our Discipleship Group / Church meetings / Meals around a table with Bible teaching / and counseling in this small but intimate space.

Miguel has been out and about in surrounding communities street preaching and we are visiting house to house creating opportunities for conversations and new relationships. HE is currently mentoring a few new young men, and it is a testimony to God's working in our midsts. 

Overall, the 'street ministry' has been going fairly well as he navigates treatment, exams, and other medical appointments.

Your prayers for his healing, strength, and his continued ability to 'mission'  well are greatly appreciated.

We are also, quite by 'accident,' ministering to a few who have lost confidence in the church or have backslidden but remain open to hear something, anything, encouraging to restore hope and fellowship. It's kind of a rescue operation for those leaving churches by the back door.

With your help, we can continue the kind of mission and relief work that is informed, long lasting, and non-toxic. We seek to create both opportunities for reciprocity, and a 'pay it forward' attitude. We do this while preserving human dignity and being a light to the nations. We believe that our multi-pronged approach to mission and poverty relief -- having done our homework in this field for nearly 20 years truly develops and serves those impacted by the constant pressures of injustice.

So many have asked how they can help us serve our local community better. We are honored and encouraged by your desire to come along side us in the effort. We have been using this fundraising platform for years, and it is safe, trusted, and we are able to access your donations easily. 

For certain, as we move in our current direction, we will encounter, as always, families in need. We are committed to helping those families in any way we can based on the resources available. If you'd like to contribute to helping those families, providing food, medicines, doctor visits, and the like, please use this platform towards that end. 

The work seems ever more challenging, but it is joyful. In order to extend the hope of God to all, which we believe is our calling, we depend, especially now, on one-time and recurring monthly donations.

We are honored to serve and are grateful to all those who make this possible by your consistent financial and prayer support.  

Thank you for your consideration.

Miguel, Lauren, and Kate 

Please take a moment now to join us in prayer for:

1. For our health and safety. The last three years have seen an uptick in violence, theft, drug use, and insecurity in Ecuador. It has also been particularly challenging for us as we do our best to take proper care of ourselves, eat right, and stay active, but your prayers are surely appreciated.

2.  For the ministry work in the communities of Olón, San Vicente de Loja, Montañita, and others.

3. That the Word of God would prevail in our midsts. 

If you are interested in coming and working with us directly, we'd be glad to have you. Let us know.