A mission team travels to Cajamarca, Peru, to share the Gospel, emphasizing the need for cultural sensitivity and holistic ministry. Historical context and local customs inform their approach.
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¡Lee en español! Continue reading Mission Trip to Cajamarca, Perú
The passage explores the concept of culture, rooted in cultivation, from its agricultural origins to its spiritual significance. It highlights the Andean traditions of the Kichwa and Cañari peoples, emphasizing their reciprocal relationship with the earth, while also reflecting on the interplay between ancient practices and Christian teachings. Ultimately, it calls for true cultivation of the heart in light of faith. Continue reading Culture – The Soil of Human Flourishing
As dawn broke over the Andes on May 24, 1822, the crisp mountain air was charged with anticipation. On the … Continue reading The Battle of Pichincha
Ecuador’s New Year’s Eve celebrations blend vibrant traditions with spiritual reflection, revealing deeper meanings of time, renewal, and divine purpose. From playful car fines to the ceremonial burning of effigies, each custom invites contemplation on legacy, hope, and reliance on Christ. These rituals embody human desires for connection and transformation as the new year begins. Continue reading Reflections on Ecuador’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Have you ever considered how important food was in the ministry of Jesus? We see that the context of many … Continue reading Food
What do the Inca, the Conquistadores, the cult of Pachamama and Mariolatry have in common? Find out by listening to … Continue reading Syncretism
In many cultures bull fighting is popular. Here is our cultural insight about this event in Ecuador. With Love, The … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Bull Taunt
We understand foreign culture in several ways. One way is by understanding the legends and folklore. Listen to today’s podcast … Continue reading The Legend Of Cantuña
Sometimes cultural differences are uncomfortable. Today we discuss a common blood sport in Ecuador. (This is a throwback podcast. It … Continue reading Blood Sport
What do the Inca, the Conquistadores, the cult of Pachamama and Mariolatry have in common? Find out by listening to … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Syncretism
What if I told you that there is a building in Quito that if finished would cause Armageddon? Just click … Continue reading Cultural Insight: World’s End?
The wellspring of the Gospel is powerful and freely flows into every culture. As you will find out on this … Continue reading Water
The Gospel message is the same in every epoch and in every culture. Our Christian experience flows from the Gospel … Continue reading Church
Do you know the difference between a hot culture and a cold culture? We invite you to listen to this … Continue reading Hot Culture, Cold Culture
Why is the USA called the land of opportunity? Do you know the difference between a class based and classless … Continue reading Class
This post was first published in May of 2020. Friends, today’s cultural insight is about poverty. After we recorded this … Continue reading Poverty
With much love, The Downings Have you heard our ministry story: Heavy Hearts? If not please click here. Continue reading Carnival
Is it odd that people who live with Eternity in mind care so much about time? Today’s cultural insight explores … Continue reading Time
Folklore is an important part of understanding the historical underpinnings and thought processes of a culture. In today’s podcast we … Continue reading Kapak Urku
In Ecuador there are two systems of justice. Indigenous Justice is an ancient practice of restorative justice and it is … Continue reading Willachina, Tapuykuna, Chimbapurana, Killpichirina, Paktachina (Indigenous Justice)
Friends, this post was first published in April of 2019. In today’s cultural insight podcast we explore the Ecuadorian tradition … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Cooking on Volcanic Rock
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, … Continue reading What is a Minga?
Today’s cultural insight comes in the form of a story. The legend of Father Almeida tells a story of sin … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Until When….?
Today’s cultural insight is a particularly delicious cultural experience. Every January 6, it is customary to meet with family and … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Rosca De Reyes
Friends, this post was first published in February of 2019. With much love, The Downings Continue reading Cultural Insight: Rumicucho
Why does Ecuador need missionaries? This legend of La Raina Del El Quinche will give you some insight into the … Continue reading Cultural Insight: The Virgen Of El Quinche
Folklore and legends are in important part of understanding a culture. Folklore sometimes communicates deep or difficult cultual reality. Listen … Continue reading El Guagua Auca
With love, The Downing Family Continue reading How To Tell If A Volcano Is Male Or Female
Friends, this post was first published in September of 2019. Pan de yuca or cheese bread (this recipe is taken … Continue reading Pan de Yuca
One way to gain insight into a culture is by understanding the idioms they use. In this cultural insight we … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Idioms
Why is the USA called the land of opportunity? Do you know the difference between a class based and classless … Continue reading Class
Friends, this post was first published in July of 2019. The wellspring of the Gospel is powerful and freely flows … Continue reading Water
Happy new year from our family to yours! Continue reading Happy New year!
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving Colossians 4:2 Here is the link to … Continue reading Thanksgiving Update:
Friends, this post was first published in May of 2019. Why does Ecuador need missionaries? This legend of La Reina … Continue reading La Reina Del El Quinche
Have you ever considered how important food was in the ministry of Jesus? We see that the context of many … Continue reading Cultural Insight 7: Food
This post was first published on September of 2019 In the Sierra after the first rain of the rainy season … Continue reading Eating Bugs
Cowards, men born for servitude, what are you afraid of? No time to lose! Manuela Cañizares Continue reading The First Shout of independence
The Incas placed great importance on the sun and moon. Solstice and Equinox dates were recognised as being very significant … Continue reading Inti Raymi
Now that you have in your mind what the photo above means listen to the podcast below to see if … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Assumptions
Ecuador is a country the same size of the State of Colorado. It has five branches of national government and … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Voting
On January 22, 1973, seven unelected officials made a decision that has resulted in the deaths of 61,678,839 innocent children … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Abortion
With much love, The Downings Friends one of the worries we set ablaze last year was our budget! We were … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Up In Flames
Do you ever get the feeling you don’t fit in? Sometimes missionaries feel as though they are straddling two cultures … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Personal Space
It is crazy what you notice when you have been away for a some time. Love, The Downings Continue reading Cultural Insight: Reverse Culture Shock
Hello friends, this week we are revisiting some of our more popular posts from the past. Make sure you tune … Continue reading Cold Culture, Hot Culture
Ecuador’s conservative abortion laws have been called “violence against women” by leftist groups. It is odd that no one seems … Continue reading Cultural Insight: Abortion