Written by Timothy Downing, Missionary in Ecuador

Following Jesus’ Pattern in the Land of the Equator

Grace and peace to you, dear partners in the gospel. As I write from our ministry base here in Ecuador, my heart overflows with gratitude for the faithful way you have walked alongside us in this work. Like Paul, who rejoiced in the Philippians’ partnership, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3)—for your prayers, your generous support, and your unwavering commitment to seeing disciples multiplied throughout Latin America.

Today, I want to share with you an exciting new direction the Lord is leading us in our seminary training—a shift that feels both revolutionary and beautifully ancient, like discovering a well-worn path that Jesus Himself walked with His disciples.

Returning to the Master’s Method

When Jesus called His first disciples along the shores of Galilee, He didn’t invite them to a distant classroom. Instead, He said simply, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). His teaching method was gloriously practical—walk together, learn together, practice together, reflect together, then go and do it again.

This living pattern of discipleship, where knowledge immediately flows into obedient action, has captured our hearts and is reshaping how we train pastors here in Ecuador. Like those early believers in Acts who “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42), we’re embracing an approach that refuses to separate theological education from the daily rhythms of pastoral ministry.

The foundation is beautifully simple yet profoundly challenging: those called to teach must first prove themselves faithful in smaller spheres of influence. As Paul instructed Timothy, “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). This is discipleship multiplication at its most practical—and it’s exactly what our students need to become the shepherds Christ is calling them to be.

A New Rhythm: Learning Through Leading

Breathing Life Into Education

Instead of traditional semester-long courses that can overwhelm students with information, we’re offering classes every other month. Think of it as breathing—a natural rhythm of inhaling biblical truth and exhaling practical ministry. Each session focuses on a single, carefully crafted book that addresses one essential doctrine with the depth needed for both personal transformation and effective teaching.

This isn’t about covering less material; it’s about cultivating it more thoroughly. Like a gardener who tends fewer plants but nurtures them with greater care, we’re choosing depth over breadth, transformation over mere information transfer.

From Learner to Leader

Here’s where our new approach becomes beautifully challenging: every student who attends our classes commits to establishing and leading a small group using the same book we’ve studied together. They won’t just learn about discipleship—they’ll practice it. They won’t simply discuss pastoral care—they’ll provide it under the loving guidance of their local pastor.

This requires students to move beyond the comfortable role of receiver to the stretching role of giver. Like those first disciples who returned from their mission with stories of breakthrough and challenge, our students discover that teaching others deepens their own understanding in ways that passive learning never could.

Each student’s commitment includes:

• Developing a clear plan for their small group
• Identifying potential participants from their sphere of influence
• Most importantly, presenting their plans to their pastor for guidance and approval

This pastoral oversight isn’t bureaucratic procedure—it’s biblical wisdom. Moses had Aaron, Paul had Barnabas, and our students need their pastors’ shepherding as they step into new levels of responsibility.

Churches Multiplying Churches

Picture this scene unfolding across Ecuador: over the coming months, dozens of small groups spring up in communities throughout our region—each one led by a seminary student who is growing in both knowledge and practical skill. These groups don’t compete with existing churches; they serve as bridges to them, training grounds for deeper discipleship, and doorways for neighbors who might never otherwise hear the gospel.

But here’s the greater vision that stirs our hearts: these students aren’t just learning to facilitate Bible studies. They’re developing the essential skills of pastoral ministry—listening to people’s struggles, applying Scripture to real-life situations, navigating group dynamics, and shepherding souls through both celebration and crisis. Under careful pastoral guidance, they’re becoming the kind of leaders who can plant healthy churches, serve as faithful associates, or multiply this same pattern in future contexts.

When James reminds us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22), he’s describing exactly what this pattern cultivates—disciples who instinctively translate truth into action, who cannot rest content with learning that doesn’t lead to loving service.

Your Partnership Makes This Possible

Dear friends, none of this would be possible without your faithful partnership. As I fast and pray about implementing this new pattern, I’m deeply aware that the Lord has used your generous hearts to provide the foundation for this work. Your monthly gifts don’t just support buildings and programs—they’re investing in a multiplication movement that will bear fruit for generations.

The materials we’re developing reflect this vision of reproduction. We’ve completed eighteen carefully crafted books, each designed to be both theologically solid and immediately applicable. These resources are suitable for seminary-level study yet accessible enough for the new believers our students will soon be discipling. We’re also translating these materials into Spanish, recognizing that Christ’s call to make disciples extends across every language barrier.

Each book serves as both a seminary textbook and a small group resource—bridging the gap between academic training and practical ministry in ways that honor both biblical depth and pastoral accessibility.

An Invitation to Join Us

As we step into this new season, I want to extend three heartfelt invitations:

Come and See

If the Lord opens the door for you to visit Ecuador, we would be honored to welcome you. Come see firsthand how your partnership is bearing fruit. Meet our students, visit the churches where they’re learning to shepherd, and experience the joy of discipleship multiplication in action. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the sparkle in a student’s eyes when they share how God used them to lead someone to Christ in their small group.

Pray With Us

This new direction requires wisdom that only comes from above. Would you join us in prayer for:

• Our students as they step into leadership roles in their communities
• The pastors who are mentoring them with such grace and patience
• The new believers who will be reached through these multiplying small groups
• Clarity and favor as we develop additional resources and training materials
• Open doors for this pattern to spread to other regions and countries

Partner With Us

If the Lord stirs your heart to support this work financially, every gift—whether large or small—directly impacts the multiplication happening here. Your partnership doesn’t just sustain our ministry; it multiplies it exponentially as each student we train goes on to train others.

The Ravenna First Church of God in Northeast Ohio has already given us a generous donation, which will help provide books and materials for our students in this endeavor!

A Harvest Worth the Investment

The Lord Jesus promised that when we are faithful in little things, He will entrust us with greater things (Luke 16:10). This new seminary pattern is designed around that very principle—proving faithfulness in small, practical ways that prepare leaders for the precious responsibility of shepherding God’s people.

As I look across the beautiful mountains of Ecuador, I can almost see the future harvest: churches planted by our graduates, pastors equipped through our resources, and countless lives transformed through the small groups launching even now. The investment you’re making today in theological education is multiplying into a movement of disciple-making that will echo through eternity.

Jesus reminded us that “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Together, we’re not just training workers—we’re training worker-makers, disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

May the Lord continue to bless our partnership as we seek to raise up a generation of pastors and teachers who know not just what to believe, but how to live it out and pass it on. In a world hungry for authentic spiritual leadership, we have the privilege of training shepherds after God’s own heart.

As you finish reading, would you take a moment to pray about how the Lord might be calling you to participate more deeply in this ministry? Whether through prayer, financial partnership, or even a visit to Ecuador, your involvement makes an eternal difference. What is the Holy Spirit stirring in your heart about this new direction we’re taking together?

With deep gratitude and expectant hope,

Your fellow laborers in the harvest

Free Book!

We’re delighted to share with you a complimentary digital copy of one of our focused study resources—a book designed to take one essential biblical truth and help you not only understand it deeply, but live it out practically.

Think of it as a tool crafted for both personal growth and ministry multiplication. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your own walk with Christ or equipping others in discipleship, this resource is designed to serve both purposes with clarity and biblical faithfulness.

If you’d prefer to hold this book in your hands—there’s something beautiful about turning actual pages as you study God’s Word—you can easily order a physical copy from Amazon by simply clicking on the book image above.

Like having a trusted companion you can carry anywhere, a printed copy allows you to underline meaningful passages, write notes in the margins, and return to key truths whenever the Spirit brings them to mind. Whether you learn best by reading from paper or want to share a tangible resource with someone you’re discipling, the choice is yours.