When I was with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia fully supplied my needs. I kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.
2 Corinthians 11:9
Where God lays on our heart we must go. If we cannot go we must give! Today’s podcast continues the series about sending missionaries in the best way possible. If you haven’t heard part one click here, or part two click here.
With much love, 
The Downings
Who founded the Church? To answer this question we consider an excerpt from the book THE CHURCH OF GOD, WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT by D.S. Warner.
We are told that Abraham “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Heb. 11:10 And in the next chapter, the apostle Paul says to the converted Hebrews, “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” 12:22-24
That city—“whose builder and maker is God”—we have come unto in the gospel dispensation, and it is “the church of the first- born.” Christ, who was “God… manifest in the flesh,” 1 Tim. 3:16 is the founder, builder, and maker of the church. “For this man [Christ Jesus] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.” Heb. 3:3-4 “Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church… holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5:25-27 “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:18
With much love, The Downings
If you enjoyed this podcast click here to listen to last week’s Sunday Teaching.
With much love,
The Downings
You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.
-3 John 6-8
What kind of support do missionaries need? How can we send missionaries well? Last week we spoke about moral support (we invite you to click here to listen or share last week’s podcast).
This week we discuss logistical support. What are some of the small things you can do to support your missionary in this way? We have big and small answers to that question.
Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you.
-1 Thes 3:1
With much love, The Downings
A while back we spoke about understanding Culture through language (you can listen to that podcast by clicking here). Today we invite you to begin understanding Ecuador through food. Today’s podcast begins a Saturday series called “Cooking With The Downings.” Each Saturday you will be invited to experience a different Ecuadorian recipe and join us as we explore the gastronomy of our beloved Ecuador.
Today’s episode of Cooking With The Downings is a bit work intensive but it is worth it to get a taste of Easter on the Equator. Fanesca is a popular soup served during Easter celebrations. To listen to our thoughts about it click play on the podcast below.
Fanesca (Ecuadorian Easter Soup) Recipe.
Serves: 25 people
This recipe serves a lot of people because Easter Soup is made for a very special occasion. It is made for the traditional family get together’s held on Easter Sunday.
Ingredients
Instructions
First. Soak the salt cod in water for 24 hours, changing the water every 6-8 hours, at the end cut the cod into medium-sized pieces.
Then. Barely cover the diced butternut squash and zucchini and cook until tender, drain the water and place them in a blender and make a puree.
Then. Boil the shredded cabbage for 3 minutes, drain and add the cabbage to the squash puree.
Then. In a large pot, Heat the butter over medium heat to make a flavor base for the soup, add the achiote, onions, garlic, cumin, pepper and oregano and cook until the onions are tender.
Then. Add the cooked rice to the flavor base and mash it with a potato masher to make a thick puree.
Then. Mix in the squash and cabbage puree.
Then. Add 4 cups of milk and the fava beans, green peas, corn, lima beans and cannellini beans, stir and simmer for 15 minutes, stir frequently and avoid the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
At The Same Time. Bring 6 cups of milk to boil, add the cod, and boil for 10 minutes.
Then. Add the milk and cod to the soup.
Then. Blend 2 cups of milk with the roasted peanuts, and pour into the soup, cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Then. 10 minutes before serving, add the lupini beans, the heavy cream and the cheeses, stir to help the cheeses dissolve. Add chopped cilantro and stir well.
Enjoy. Serve with sliced avocado and traditional Ecuadorian side dishes.
Are you thinking of attempting this recipe? We would love to read your comments about your experience.
With much love, 
The Dowings
Did you like this podcast? If so, click here for a less intense recipe for Pan de Yuca!
April is a month of celebration! Adelena turns two this month, the Santa Clara and El Carmen churches celebrate their Aniversarios and Resurrection Sunday is here! Today’s podcast speaks of celebration.
With much love, 
the Downings
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
-Romans 10:13-15 NIV
Realistically not every believer is able to cross cultural or geographical boundaries to bring good news. But every believer can be involved in the process of sending those who can go. In Romans 10 we find two complementary roles: those who go; and those who send. Both roles are necessary to advance God’s great commission. Today’s podcast explores the first of six types of support every missionary needs.
With much love, The Downings
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing”
-1 Thes. 5:11
In today’s cultural insight podcast we explore the Ecuadorian tradition of cooking on volcanic rock.
With much love, The Downings
The traffic in Quito can be grueling. Among the thousands of cars one stands out. Señor Ortega’s wooden car is a sight to behold. 
He made a promise to his daughter that he would drive to U.S. in a wooden car to visit her for her birthday. His first attempt ended in Colombia where his first wooden car experienced un solvable mechanical problems. The 54-year-old cabinet-maker returned to Peru and made a more reliable design. 
Señor Ortega is now in Ecuador and will soon enter into Colombia. Once he reaches the Colombian-Panama border he will have to put his car on a boat to enter Panama as there is no drivable international border between the two countries. Once he reaches Panama he has good roads ahead of him. 
Señor Ortega has put a lifetime’s worth of work and skill into his wooden car to keep a promise he made to his daughter.
His sacrifice to keep his promise encourages us. How about you? Are you encouraged?
With much love, The Downings
With much love,
The Downings
