456. Join the Mission Ecuador Team
We’ve been going to Ecuador for the last 2 years for short-term missions, and we are going again this year. I remember the first time we went, and we were all feeling nervous and anxious, as we didn’t know what to expect from the new mission field. We had only one prayer request: “God, show us what you are doing here so we can participate in it.” We went there not as pioneers but participants, and God has done many things beyond our expectations. We still feel like we don’t have much to offer, but God has shown us why we are needed there through the welcome and gratitude people express to us.
Last year, 16 people signed up in total. As the numbers grew, we had to reorganize our team structure, which allowed us to create more ministries and empower more people to lead them. Number is not everything, but there was a special strength when there were more people in the team.
The mission trip is not just about doing ministries in the mission field. I believe a good team does a good ministry. And to become a good team, it requires enough time to train together. So the mission training runs for about 13 weeks, with an emphasis on becoming a united team and on experiencing the training missionaries undergo. So each team member goes through the same training: Physical, spiritual, and language training. I was worried that some older members from KSC would find it challenging, but last year, 2 members shared that the training really helped them prepare for the mission.
Though it is a joint mission with KSC, I believe there are ministries that only ESC members can do effectively. And all we require of members is a willing heart to participate in what God is already doing. So, if you have not gone to the mission yet, consider going, even out of obligation for once. I shared many times that I go on the mission trip out of obedience, not excitement. But I always come back excited, having witnessed what God has done through us. Having gone on a mission trip at least once helps you become a better supporter and intercessor for the team, even if you are not going.
