Quito, Ecuador 2007

The Perfect Ending

2007-08-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

I was not able to be seated with the other team members on the flight from Panama City to Miami on our return trip. There was an empty seat next to me and I secretly hoped that no one would sit there so I could have more room for the flight. God had other plans. Just as the door to the plane was closed a beautiful young girl slipped into the seat beside me. She spoke English very clearly and I commented on how well she spoke English. We struck up a conversation. Her name is Maria and she is from Columbia. She asked me why I was in Ecuador and I told her I was on a mission trip. She said “what is that?”. I told Maria that we had come from the United States to share the love of God with the people of Ecuador. Although I did not have an Evangicube or even a Bible I could get to I shared with her about my relationship with Jesus. After we talked for a few moments I asked her if she would like to pray and receive Jesus and she said she would. After she prayed I asked her how she felt inside and she replied “I feel good inside”. When we were leaving the plane I gave her my bilingual Bible and she promised to read it. Please pray with me that Maria will read and study that Bible and that she will grow up to be a strong sister in Christ. Pray with me that she will share her newfound relationship with our Savior with her family and friends in Columbia and they will be saved too. Alex met her later and got her email address. I am going to get the discipleship material in Spanish and try to disciple her thorough email. Pray that God will make her receptive to learning more about Him.
God is soooo good!

by:Bart Kingsley

My Little Buddy

2007-08-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

The second day of the week I had a privilage to lead these three older children (13, 8, and 11) to Christ. Later in the week I had a chance to talk to their mother, aunt, and grandmother who also prayed to receive Christ. It was so awesome to see a whole family get saved and to see them grow as Christians. I spent a lot of time with Diego (far right) and he became my little buddy. We played futbol with him and his friend Cristian everyday and it was a special bond between me and Diego. We let Diego keep the evangiball and he was so excited.

Throughout the week I was able to disciple Diego's whole family. They finished all three lessons and on the last day they learned to share their testimony. I was amazing how quickly they started to grow in Christ.

The last day was very tough because I had to say goodbye to Diego. I was not prepared to give him a gift but I felt like I needed to leave him something to remember me by so I gave him my watch. His face lit up with excitement and he told me that he hoped God blesses me all my life and he would always remember me. It warmed my heart to hear that and I gave him a huge hug and told him I loved him and wanted him to continue to grow as a Christian and we parted. I will never forget that family and how much they changed me!

By Lauren Lewis

The Loving People of Quito

2007-08-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

It was very wonderful to experience the culture of Quito. When we first came to our church sites, the people greeted us, but in a very different way than I was used to. The nationals gave me a full body hug, and then put their cheek against mine, and then made the kissing sound. A few days later my translator explained that a short, quick kissing sound was appropriate for a regular greeting, and the longer kissing sound that I made was only for well established relationships. oops.

The people here are very loving and approachable. It was very easy to start conversations. Whether the people were working in the store, or sleeping at home, they would always come out and talk, and actually listen intently. I believe that God really prepared the hearts of the people before we came. The nationals here have showed me how loving families and friends can be. Praise the Lord!

by Alex Zhushma

PRAISE GOD FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE

2007-08-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

We praise Almighty God for the tremendous week we had in Quito, Ecuador. 135 North Americans with 126 translators and hundreds of nationals evangelized and discipled THOUSANDS of people this week. All of the numbers are not in but here are the most up to date statistics:
4371 Professions of Faith
39 new churches planted plus many churches strengthened
936 people were discipled in their homes
Please continue to pray for the pastors and nationals as they take up the responsibility of continuing the work.
More pictures and stories to follow.......

Discipleship visits are uplifting.

2007-08-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

Discipleship visits were often the most encouraging and uplifting visits for me and those we met this week. We always enjoyed a great celebration when someone received Christ’s salvation, but there was something special about opening the Word of God with a new believer and see the Spirit open up the treasures of Truth captured in each phrase.

Here, my translator, Dayana, and a young national, Carolina, are leading a new believer, Adriana, and her mother-in-law, Estela, in their second Bible study. We were all excited when Adriana showed us that she had completed the first Bible study on her own the night before.

Please pray for Adriana and Estela; pray that they would be the Salt and the Light in their families; pray that through their daily witness their families would also come to know Christ as their Savior.

by: Chris Neugent

Translators accept Christ and become disciplers.

2007-08-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

Jorge is in the middle of the picture. He is one of two replacement translators we had this week because others could not be there. Byron was the first replacement and he arrived on Monday. While we prepared to go out, we shared Christ with Byron and he was saved. Jose’, the pastor, and I were able to disciple Byron all day Monday. On the bus Tuesday morning we found out that Byron would not be with us that day. I told our team, Ben and Stacy from New Jersey, that we would just have to get him saved too! Well, you guessed it! Jorge, our replacement, was saved gloriously during our prayer time that morning! Again, the pastor and I discipled Jorge and he was eager to learn about how he could live for Jesus. Jorge was ready to share the cube by the end of the day Thursday. He is going to become and active member of our host church Iglesea Bautista Gethseminae in Ecuador. God not only used us to make disciples but to make disciplers.
Glory to Jesus!

by: Bart Kingsley

Refugees find Christ!

2007-08-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

Gloria and her son Brian and daughter Joanna are refugees to Ecuador from an earthquake in their home in Columbia. She has applied for a Visa so she can stay in Ecuador with her children where she says the opportunities are better. Pray for her that she will find work to support her children. I met Gloria and shared “The Cube” with her while my translator and national were discipling a young girl. She looked at me intently while I shared and did not say anything. After she prayed and was saved, she told me that no one had ever told her about Jesus before. She invited me to her apartment with her daughter to go through lesson one. A little while later while we were preparing to go to a gathering at the local volley ball court she looked at me and said “I have always dreamed that someone from far away would come and tell me about Jesus”. I looked at her through tears (I don’t cry much) and told her that it had always been my dream to go to a far away place and tell people about Jesus.
God is so good!
P.S. Brian and Joanna were also saved.

by: Bart Kingsley

Two new friends

2007-08-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

I am not sure which was more exciting, seeing people accept Christ or seeing their eyes light up when they realized they could understand the Bible. These kids, both 10 years old, were so excited about learning about the Bible that they would not let us leave. We told them we had to leave but they would just beg us to continue teaching. We stayed for 1 ½ hours in their mothers store. Just the day before both children and their mother accepted Christ. After we prayed with the mother, she grabbed me and said she had been searching for something her whole life, now she knows she has found it. What a blessing!

by: Lauren Lewis

Futbol

2007-08-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

Our futbol team: by Jennifer Dean Rockett

These are some of the kids that played soccer with us. These 5 all listened intently as we told them about Jesus, and God’s love. They posed for a picture and gave us all hugs.

2007-08-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Futbol (Soccer) Evangelism: by Jennifer Dean Rockett
On Tuesday, during siesta time (afternoon nap time), we decided to go outside and play soccer. Slowly, the kids started coming out to watch and see what was going on. We invited them to play, and they joined us, one by one. David and our translators played for about 25 minutes, and then we sat down and used the soccer ball to tell them about Jesus. 5 kids sat and listened as we talked to them about Jesus being their “very special friend”. We prayed with them, and then went back to playing.

A Week of Blessings

2007-08-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

A Week of Blessings.....By David Phillips
So many blessed things have happened since we arrived in Ecuador. The time to write them down has been regrettably small, but I guess that only goes to show how much God is doing here. The recurring theme of the week has been the power of the Holy Spirit. I have seen it in ways I never have before. I have seen God take feeble words and change hearts. I have seen Him take strangers and make brothers and sisters. I have seen Him take discomfort and reveal strength. I have seen Him take disappointment and shine down faithfulness.
It has been awesome to watch God work in my team’s barrio of Calderon. We have had many professions of faith, and the discipleship of those new believers has been a true blessing. It is amazing to watch people respond to being truly loved, both by God and by other people. We live in a world of starving hearts and to have even a small part in feeding them is a gift I am very grateful for.
One such story involves a woman named Janhet. Our second visit with her after she received Christ ended with her saying she felt such comfort and peace when we came to see her. It moved my heart to see so clearly how God can use us to touch other lives. This has been a week of overflowing blessing, and I am so glad to have had a part in it.

Musicians

2007-08-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

These three young people were all musicians so we just hit it off. They all play violin. I was not suppose to visit homes on their side of the street but for some reason the team that was suppose to just passed them by. My translator, Arturo observed them watching us and asked me to go across the street to see them. Each of them were so smart. They asked great questions and even spoke a little English. After a short visit, all of them including mom invited Jesus in their hearts. The dog didn't accept Christ though, pray for the dog.

"Evangecube" training

2007-08-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Lauren Lewis is teaching how to use an "evangecube". This is the tool we are using to evangelize in Ecuador. The church members are catching on very quickly. Lauren is one top notch evangelist. Looking at her reports everyday is a real joy.

Meet Nati

2007-08-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Mary Logan is shown here with one of the children from the church where she and Kim Emrick worked. The child is Nati. Nati said "I want to go and see the North American". She ran up to Mary. It was really hard not to take her back to the hotel. She was one of the children who Mary told the story of Noah to on Sunday.

Practicing the cube.......with some pigs!

2007-08-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

Practicing with some PIGS!!!!
Chris Neugent wanted a little time to practice before talking to humans so he found some pigs. Not really, Chris is having a great time evangelizing and discipling. He is also having some fun with the animals in his village.

Meet Santiago

2007-08-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Santiago is one little boy (pictured above) who prayed to receive Christ after the cube was shared with him by Kim Emrick. On Tuesday the team went back to begin the discipleship process and he had 3 more friends with him, Carolina, Brian and Jefferson. All the children accepted Christ as well. This picture shows them diligently working on their first discipleship lesson.

2007-07-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Lauren Lewis, Alex Zhushma, Becky Johnson (from Wisconsin) and I had a great time worshipping with pastor Jorge Mena. After the morning worship, we had the privilege of training 12 of his congregation. After a time of training, we went out and evangelized leading several to Christ. That evening we held the first cell group with 22 in attendance. Please continue to pray for this team daily.

2007-07-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of an e3 mission trip is training the nationals. Pictured are two women from the church Lauren Lewis and Alex Zhushma were assigned. They trained 12 people the first day in evangelism and discipleship.

2007-07-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

The city of Quito is surrounded by volcanoes. The snow peaked mountain you see is a volcano. My translator said that they have not erupted in nearly 100 years, and that is just about time!

We made it

2007-07-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

After several delays at Miami airport we made it to Quito..... without any luggage! All of us packed just enough clothes for one night. Thank you Jesus. On Saturday we meet our translators and pastors and went prayer walking in the communities that we would work in. On Sunday we had some good experiences in the churches. Some of our team members had to go outside their comfort zone to preach and give public testimonies. All went well.
Today is Monday, the first time I have had the chance to get to a internet cafe´. I am responsible for several teams so instead of working with just one church, I am going with a different group each day. On Sunday I worked with Lauren Lewis, Alex Zhushma and a new friend from Wisconsin, Becky Johnson. We had a great experience. After the morning worship service, we had lunch and trained 12 of the church members in evanglism and discipleship. A very good number considering the entire attendance was only 25. That afternoon following training we went out into the community. 4 people people gave their hearts to Jesus. We did a cell group Bible study at 5 pm. 22 came to this. The study was on SALVATION. It went very well.
Today I am with Jennifer Dean Rockett, David Phillips and a new friend Dan Johnson. This team is the furtherest out of town. We went out evangelizing some this morning and will do a cell group at 7pm tonight. Please continue to pray for our teams as we attempt to reach the people of Quito, Ecuador.

Meet the team members

2007-06-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Mary Logan
This is my very first misson trip out to the country and I am so excited! Since you are reading this I guess I will share a little about myself. I grew up in Hoover with a great Christian family and I am one of four children. I am 20 years old and work at the Galleria in Hoover while trying to make it through school at Jefferson State. I have been a member at First Baptist Church in Pelham, Alabama for one half of a year. Thank you to all who helped sponsor me in any way to go on this trip.
Kim Emrick I'm a member of Pelham First Baptist Church. I recently graduated from the University of Montevallo, started working full time a few months ago and moved to Calera, AL with 3 friends, two cats and a fish. I'm very excited about the opportunity God has given me to go to Ecuador this summer. I have been on several mission trips in the states but never out of the country. This trip to Quito is going to definitely put me out of my comfort zone. I pray that God will fill me and use me according to His plan, not mine or anyone else's. May we extend a loving hand and expand the Kingdom in His name.

My life verse is Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

David Phillips
I am happy to have the opportunity to serve God in Ecuador this summer. I know He will do awesome things, and the fact that He uses people like me is a humbling thought. I look forward to working in a manner that will bring glory to God and His eternal kingdom. A passage I like to think about for encouragement and perspective through the day is Hebrews 12:1-3. “1. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2. fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Kayla Gehman
I'm 17 years old and an upcoming senior at Pelham High School. I'm also a member of First Baptist Alabaster. I've been fascinated with missionaries since I was a little girl in GA's. I've had the privilage to be a part of several mission trips in the U.S., but this will be my first trip ever outside the country. In the Spring of 2006 I felt that God was calling me to do more in missions. I committed my life to missions and my prayer since then was that I could go on an international mission trip. When I heard about the trip to Quito, I knew that this was the one! Pray for courage for all the team members in Quito, and also for our family members at home!
My favorite Bible verses are Galations 2:20 and Jeremiah 29:11

Jennifer Yates Rockett. I am married to Carson, and we have a 6 year old son named A.C. We live with our 2 dogs, Harley and Tinner. I teach 9th grade and I love pulling for the University of Alabama. Roll Tide! I am very excited about going to Quito. I know God has something wonderful planned!!
My life verse is Romans 8:28.
Lauren Lewis (in the center)
I will be going on my second mission trip to South America in July. God has blessed me with a last minute opportunity to join this team going to Ecuador to help start hundreds of churches. I have been on many mission trips in the US but nothing compares to reaching out to those in other countries. I'm will be starting my second year as a pre-med student at Auburn University in the fall majoring in biomedical science. I love sports of all kinds, espeically Auburn sports!!! War Eagle! I am currently working at the YMCA as a day-camp counselor and a front desk assistant. I love people and I love Jesus with all my heart.
My favorite Bible verse is Romans 5:1-5
Alex Zhushma

I am a member at First Baptist in Pelham where I heard first hand about the great things God is doing in South America. I decided to see and contribute to God's work there by going to Quito. I have been to mission trips within the US, but this is my first international one. It has already been exciting preparing for the trip and training for it. This summer I already went on a mission trip to Kentucky and have seen God blessing people who trust in Him. I graduated from Auburn and am about to go to grad school at UNC. Currently I work at a chemical company making lipids/fats. I trust that God will use me even in college as I start school in August.

Life verse: Mark 12:30-31 Love God. Love people.

Picture above: Kentucky mission trip. Soccer camp players. I'm in the middle.

Chris Neugent
Chris and his wife, Angie, have two children, Hampton and Emma. Chris is a band director and serves as the minister of music and worship and First Baptist Church Montevallo, AL.

“I am very excited to be traveling to Ecuador later this summer. What a wonderful opportunity serve the Lord ‘even to the remotest part of the earth.’ Please pray that God would strengthen and embolden me as I share the Good News with the people of Quito. Also pray for the safety and comfort of my family while I am away from them.”

Life Verse: Ephesians 2:8-10

Bart Kingsley...

Bart and Stephanie have two children, John and Laura, and two grandogs, Daisy and Howie. Bart is a pastor and Stephanie is a teacher. John is a Software Implementation Consultant for HA&W Innovative Technologies. Laura just graduated from The University of Montevallo with a degree in Management Information Systems. Howie and Daisy keep the rest of us in line.
I have been on many mission trips within the United States but I have always wanted to go on an international trip. When Sam challenged me to go to Quito this summer I hesitated because I did not have the funds. However, as I prayed about it, God kept saying to me "Bart, if you will step out in faith, I will provide the funds". I decided to commit to go. I sent out letters to get partners to help me with raising the funds. God was faithful in this as He is, always faithful. It was such a blessing and encouragement in my life to watch Him use faithful Christian friends to provide the full amount needed within three weeks! I am very excited about going to Ecuador to share the Good News and plant churches to His glory.
My life verse is Galatians 2:20

Ecuador - 07

2007-06-07T04:40:00.001-07:00

Ecuador is such a beautiful place

2007-05-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Ecuador is one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth. God has blessed me in my life allowing me to travel to England, France, Russia, Latvia, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and Peru. I have never seen a place that touched my spirit anymore than the beauty of God's creation in the Andes Mountans of Ecuador. Enjoy this picture my daughter took on a mission trip to Cuenca, Ecuador in March of 2007.

Training class number 1, May 10, 2007

2007-05-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

We had a great time tonight training. EVERYONE was there, 100% participation!!! It seems that this team is excited and ready to go. Please pray for this team as we continue to train and raise the necessary funds to go. A trip like this is a tremendous commitment not only of financial resources but of our time and energy as well.

Pictured above are some of our team members.

Training

2007-05-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

Training begins soon for the e3 Partners mission team headed to Quito, Ecuador July 27, 2007. Our goal for this trip is to help start 300 new churches in and around the capital city of Ecuador. We will be joined by hundreds of Christian friends from all over the United States. Natives of Quito will be assigned to help us as we attempt to do something BIG for God. Please pray as we train and prepare ourselves spritiually for this God sized task.