Our Mission Path
Serving God in Ecuador
Disciple! Who
Friends, this post was first published in August of 2020.
Matthew’s account of the Great Commission leaves little room for interpretation. The words are not unclear. In them, we find exactly what Jesus expects from His followers. He gave a specific pedagogy that is timeless and changeless. The words of Christ bind every Christian to fulfill His Commission. As we carefully investigate Matthew 28:18-20 the extent of this commission may astound you.
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:18-20
The first and second century’s result of Christ’s “all of you” approach was a world turned upside down by His authority and through the witness of His disciples. Imagine what our century could look like if the entire church took seriously their individual responsibility to Christ’s Great Commission. What if we honored the principle of universal participation in the Great Commission?
Here is the audio only version of Disciple! Who.
Here is the video version of Disciple! Who.
If you would like the book behind the lesson you can get it here!
With much love,
The Downing Family
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Caldo De Pata
Caldo de pata (cow feet soup)
Serves:10 people
This traditional Latin American comfort soup is somewhat of an acquired taste. Still life is full of adventure and this soup is worth a try, at least once. Seven out of Seven Downings recommend this unique dish.
Ingredients
- The broth:
- 4 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 lbs cow feet, washed well and cut in large pieces
- 14 cups water
- ½ diced red onion
- 5 cilantro sprigs
- 5 parsley sprigs
- 20 oz yucca
- Cow feet soup:
- ½ diced white onion
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground achiote
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups canned hominy
- ½ bunch finely chopped cilantro
- 1 bunch finely chopped green onions
- 4 tbs unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 cup milk
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
The broth:
First. Put the cow feet in a large pot, add the crushed garlic, chopped red onions, cilantro and parsley sprigs, cumin, salt, pepper, and the water.
Then. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours.
Then. Add the yucca and cook 30 minutes.
Then. Remove from the heat and let cool, and strain the broth and save broth for later. Remove some of the grease as it raises to the surface of the broth and set aside.
Then. Remove the strings from the yuca and cut into medium size pieces.
Then. Cut the cow feet in small bite size pieces, and remove the bones.
The soup:
First. Make a flavor base for the soup using the grease from the boiled cow foot broth: heat it over medium heat in a pot, and add the chopped onions, garlic, oregano, achiote, cumin, salt and pepper
Then. Mix the peanut butter with the milk and add it to the flavor base then stir until the peanut butter dissolves
Then. Add the broth and remaining ingredients
Then. Simmer over low heat for 25 minutes.
Enjoy. Serve sprinkled with chopped cilantro and chopped green onions.
Love,
The Downing Family
Grown Out Of Love
Hello friends, today we invite you to enjoy a blast from the past. This missionary devotion was first posted October 12, 2018. It was our fourth podcast and was voiced by both Timothy and Esperanza. It seems that we have lived three lifetimes since then!
Missionary zeal does not grow out of intellectual beliefs, nor out of theological arguments, but out of love.
Roland Allen
The Apostle John was known as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” His Gospel account has been called the Gospel of love. In his first epistle John even writes the bold theological statement “God is love.” There is perhaps no better witness for the Christian faith than a life lived in the grip of Divine love. Nothing can motivate our commitment to the Great Commandment better than love. Wherever our steps lead us, to our neighbor’s yard or to jungles far away when our steps are measured and motivated by love they have the best effect.
May we be a people known for our love. May we love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength resulting in holiness. May we love our neighbors as ourselves resulting in their eternal benefit. Love God, love others and live accordingly!
Love,
In The Light of God
Along a dark and gloomy path
I groped beneath the shades of death;
No hope beyond my dying breath,
Till light from the Savior came.
Refrain:
In the light of God,
Now my soul is singing, all, all is bright;
In the light of God,
I’m now in the light of God.
My darkness now is passed away,
In Jesus all is perfect day;
And peace and comfort ever stay,
Since Christ is my perfect light. [Refrain]
O Jesus, to my heart so sweet,
Thy Word’s a light unto my feet;
How holy, happy, and complete,
I walk in the precious light. [Refrain]
All glory to my Savior’s name,
To do Thy will my highest aim;
Thy favor’s more than earthly fame,
Thy smile is my constant light. [Refrain]
D.S. Warner
With love,
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Contentment’s Secret
I cared not where or how I lived, or what hardships I went through, so that I could but gain souls to Christ.
David Brainerd
The Apostle Paul wrote words to the Philippian church that echo throughout time and eventually each follower of Christ are challenged by them. “I know what it is to be in need, and i know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in
any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Paul then goes on to give the reason for his contentment; “I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble.” The reason for Paul’s contentment and his ability to continue in the difficult mission of Christ was indeed his reliance on Christ. Christian thought tends to end there, but there is more. Paul brings his readers first to Christ then to the expression of His body, the church. Paul’s needs were met by the people of God, his contentment
was given by God.
May neither geography nor difficulties ever chart our course, may we be on mission,
focused on the mission giver, and may we always be found in partnership with fellow
citizens of God’s Kingdom.
Blessings, 
The Downings
I am Healed
Traditions & Eternal Value
Sometimes we are guilty of throwing away tradition in favor of all things new. Other times we elevate our traditions way beyond their value. It can easily seem like some traditions become idols.
Can we hold our traditions and still offer something of eternal value? Absolutely, today’s ministry story is about a church that is doing just that. Click play to be introduced to the Mount of Olives congregation. A Church of God located in the foothills of the Cayambe volcano.
With love, 
The Downings
Disciple! Assurance
Friends, this post was first published in July of 2020.
Jesus wraps His Missionary enterprise, His disciple-making Commission in the power of His authority. Time and geography have not abated the authority with which Christ sends us into the world. We are to undertake His Commission in the extraordinary power of His authority. Today’s podcast explores the great assurance that is given to us with the beginning words of Christ’s great commission.
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:18-20
The Greek word we translate as “power” or “authority” literally means “out of being.” The great assurance of Matthew 28:18 is that out of the very being of God flows all of the necessary power and authority to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission. This authority was given to Christ and vicariously, as we follow Him, this authority is given to us who are “joint heirs with Jesus.”
The New Testament scholar A.T. Robertson wrote: “It is the most sublime spectacle in world history to see the Risen Christ, without money or army or state, charging this band of five hundred men and women with world conquest and bringing them to believe it was possible and to undertake it with serious passion and power.”
When the church has a clear vision of Christ’s authority we can rest assured that we have the power to fulfill the mission of our Savior.
Here is the Audio only version of Disciple! Assurance.
Here is the video version of Disciple! Assurance.
If you would like the book from which these lessons flow here is a link.
With much love,
The Downing Family
Please help us by sharing this content!
Back To The Blessed Old Bible
To understand this hymn we first must understand that the term “Babel” refers to a place of confusion. Especially confusion induced by mankind’s struggle to dominate God. The Biblical background is found in the days following Noah’s flood. The people of earth thought that they should organize a plan of safety, they would build a tower so that they could climb out of the flood waters of God’s judgment if necessary. God confused the language of mankind in response.
The early call of the Church of God was to come out of Babel, leave the confusion of man made creeds, sectarian divisions and the denominational struggle to organize God’s work as though they owned the work.
A similar term used by the early Church of God was “Babylon.” Where as the term “Babel” spoke of spiritual confusion, “Babylon” spoke of false religion. In the parlance of the Church of God, Babylon refers to the man made denominational systems as opposed to the Divinely organized “Body of Christ” which no man dare organize.
With this definition of Babel in mind, let’s listen to the podcast.
Back to the blessed old Bible,
Back to the city of God;
Back to the oneness of heaven,
Back where the faithful have trod.
Back from the land of confusion,
Passing the wrecks and the creeds;
Back to the light of the morning,
Jesus our Captain leads.
Refrain:
Back to the blessed old Bible,
Back to the light of its word;
Be on our banners forever:
“Holiness unto the Lord.”
Back to the blessed old Bible,
Saints of Jehovah, rejoice;
Jesus is calling His people
Back to the land of their choice.
Often our fathers have sought it
While we in Babel abode,
Now we have found the fair city—
Church of the living God. [Refrain]
Back to the blessed old Bible,
Leaving confusion and strife;
Fleeing from Babel to Zion,
Back to the joy of our life.
Over the mountains we wandered,
Looking in vain for the right;
Now in the evening we’ve found it:
Truth of the gospel light. [Refrain]
Back to the blessed old Bible,
Back at the Master’s call,
Back to the words of our Savior,
Loving, obeying them all.
Never in sects to be scattered,
Never again to do wrong;
Unity, holiness, heaven,
Ever shall be our song. [Refrain]
-Daniel Otis Teasley
Love, 
The Downing Family
Liberation
Missions is not a recruitment project for God’s labor force. It is a liberation project from the heavy burdens and hard yokes of other gods.
John Piper
The terrible yoke of other gods is evident in this lost and dying world. Some gods have even transcended religion. Convenience, epicurean appetites, and envy are all modern deities that hold sway over vast numbers of people.
Preaching salvation is not a sales pitch to get people come to church, it is a calling to be the church. Alter calls are not the feel good end to a worship service they are calls to action. The missionary calling is to seek and save those who are lost.
May we enthusiastically participate in the Divine liberation project. May the world turn to the easy yoke and light burden of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Love, The Downing Family