In Ecuador’s churches, believers seek a deeper, ongoing faith that transcends Sunday worship. They are embodying worship as a continuous lifestyle, not limited to emotions or performances. True worship, as depicted in the New Testament, involves daily acts of service and obedience, nurturing spiritual growth within communities. Continue reading Rediscovering True Worship: A New Testament Call to Authentic Discipleship
The Mt. of Olives church in Cangahua, Ecuador, recently celebrated its 23rd anniversary, highlighting community unity and faith through three days of worship, fellowship, and a Bible conference. The event showcased linguistic diversity, communal dining, and a commitment to spiritual growth, exemplifying the transformative power of church anniversaries in Ecuadorian culture. Continue reading Resilience, Communion, Renewal
The Downing family shares their faith-based financial strategy for farm development, emphasizing trust in God’s provision, prayer fundraising, and stewardship in advancing their ministry goals. Continue reading Faith, Finance, and Furrows: Stewardship and Strategy
The Downing Family is acquiring a 7-hectare property near Quito to strengthen Ecuador’s Church of God through spiritual formation and community-building, requiring $160,000 investment. Continue reading Farm Project Phase One
The devotional reflects on the calling to serve in Reque, emphasizing the eternal significance of service and trust in God’s promises for fruitful outcomes. Continue reading Postscript: A Call to Steadfast Service
The message encourages believers to find strength in God’s presence while sharing their faith in Reque, drawing inspiration from the Roma Lee Courvisier School and the assurance of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading Devotion 10: Courage for Reque’s Witness
The message emphasizes the importance of finding rest in God amidst service and labor, encouraging renewal through His presence, and supporting fellow workers with encouragement and prayer for their spiritual well-being. Continue reading Devotion 9: Rest for Reque’s Laborers
Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth in faith, like the Roma Lee Courvisier School, and find joy amidst adversity while serving in Reque through God’s grace and purpose. Continue reading Devotion 6: Joy in Reque’s Challenges
The Apostle Paul’s message encourages the Church’s unity, highlighting that diverse tasks unite us in serving the community at the Roma Lee Courvisier School for Christ’s glory. Continue reading Devotion 4: Unity in Reque’s Community
The Downing family invites participation in their upcoming mission trip to Perú, emphasizing prayer for the Breiel Church and its ministries, highlighting unity and impactful service. Continue reading Looking Towards Perú: The Breiel Church
Pray for our seminary class focused on the Book of Hebrews this Saturday. Your support matters. Continue reading An Invitation to Prayer
The narrative explores humanity’s journey from creation in Eden to redemption through Christ. Initially, Adam and Eve enjoyed communion with God until sin entered, leading to death. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are promised eternal life, overcoming sin and death, ultimately restoring the paradise lost and ushering in God’s eternal kingdom. Continue reading Meditation on Life, Death, and Victory
Paul’s letter to the Philippians, particularly Philippians 3:10, emphasizes a desire to deeply know Christ and experience the power of His resurrection and suffering. This relationship transcends intellectual understanding, inviting believers to engage in transformative encounters with Christ’s living power, shaping their lives, purpose, and struggles, ultimately fostering resilience and hope. Continue reading The Living Power of Christ: Experiencing Resurrection in the Here and Now
The text discusses the significance of Christ’s resurrection, emphasizing its transformative impact on faith and church structure. Paul’s direct calling from Jesus illustrates the notion of divine authority and personal connection to God, challenging traditional hierarchies. Believers are encouraged to embody resurrection faith, viewing life through an eternal lens and living as active participants in God’s redemptive narrative. Continue reading The Living Head: Following the Resurrected Christ in a World of Human Institutions
The text explores the profound significance of belief without physical evidence, referencing Jesus’s words to Thomas in John 20:29. It emphasizes that faith transcends sight, encouraging individuals to cultivate trust based on transformative experiences rather than tangible proof. The message invites deeper engagement with spirituality, questioning, and personal growth in understanding faith’s mysteries. Continue reading The Blessing of Belief: The Unseen in the Light of Resurrection
The journey of faith intertwines grace and glory, fundamental divine attributes shaping our lives. Grace offers God’s unmerited favor, empowering us beyond sin, while glory presents His profound presence, enriching our existence. Embracing these realities requires continual surrender, gratitude, and awareness, transforming us into conduits of divine love and reflection in the world. Continue reading Illuminating the Soul: A Journey Through Grace and Glory
The Whisper in the Storm explores Psalm 4, emphasizing the divine protection and peace it offers amid life’s chaos. The psalmist, believed to be David, expresses a dialogue of trust and faith, acknowledging God’s presence and guidance. The text invites introspection, sacrificial trust, and a deeper understanding of joy and safety found within God. Continue reading The Fortress of Faith
Psalm 3, attributed to David during his exile, reflects the depth of human anguish and the power of faith in adversity. Through vivid imagery, David expresses his trust in God as a protective shield amid overwhelming opposition. The psalm emphasizes persistent prayer, divine salvation, and assurance that true deliverance comes from the Lord. Continue reading The Shield of Faith: Unveiling God’s Protection in the Crucible of Adversity
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus teaches His followers that they are the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” These metaphors signify their role in preserving goodness and illuminating truth amidst moral decay. Believers must remain distinct from worldly values, embodying Christ’s love and purpose to glorify God. Continue reading Embrace Your Role: Being Salt and Light in the World
Prayer is portrayed as the vital heartbeat of the soul, essential for a deep, continuous relationship with God. Rather than a mere ritual, it is an ongoing dialogue that transforms daily life into sacred moments. This intimate communion fosters spiritual growth, patience, and trust, leading to profound joy and peace in God’s presence. Continue reading Prayer the Sacred Dance
Every step in the progress of missions is directly traceable to prayer. A.T. Pierson In Acts chapter six the Apostles … Continue reading Prayer
(This ministry story happened very early on in our ministry here in Ecuador. Thank you for traveling along with us … Continue reading Ministry Story: Preaching and Prayer
In the book of Esther we read: Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, assemble all the Jews who … Continue reading Together Tuesday: Sending Well Part Four
Have you ever thought about the powerful impact your prayers have? Prayer is the life line of the missionary. When … Continue reading Ministry Story: Prayer
One of the privileges of being a missionary is that we get to work alongside of so many dedicated people. … Continue reading Together Tuesday: Paul & Kattia Jones
Today’s Together Tuesday is a continuation from yesterday’s cultural insight podcast. If you have not heard the podcast, no worries … Continue reading Together Tuesday: Venezuelans In Ibarra
We tried something different and…. it was a success! Each year the Church of God Seminary in Ecuador offers a … Continue reading Success!
People have been struggling to put pen to paper and define beauty for millennia. Consequently there are a plethora of … Continue reading Beauty
Last week we were scheduled to leave our studies in Costa Rica for a four day Visa run, something we … Continue reading Provision, Look What God Has Done!
The Downings (If you would like to join our network of supporters please click here.) Continue reading A Dollar And Some Hard Candy
We are at the heart village in Lake Wales, Florida training to be missionaries. Although we can not update you … Continue reading The Commands of Christ Three
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send … Continue reading Prayer Partnership