Christ’s Work in the Jungles of Ecuador

Late last month I grabbed Grant Braden, the Orphanos Media Care Officer, and we took off to Ecuador to visit our three Orphanos partners serving there.

We got to hang out with Amber and Ani and see the Man of Peace ministry in a beachfront community called Coaque. We spent time with Dan and Gina Weston, witnessing the work at Light in the Darkness in downtown Quito. We also made the trek into the Amazon River Basin to see Gary and Christina Tennant.

It was such an encouragement to see each of these friends and experience what a typical day looks like in their different contexts.

Visiting the Tennant family during the final leg of the trip was special. We have partnered with them for several years and even had the chance to host them at the Orphanos office earlier this year, but to set eyes on the plans the Lord has given them was a great blessing.

Some doors have closed since their initial call into the jungle, but the Lord has faithfully guided them to where they are now. In fact, they never planned to build a full-scale ministry outpost, but it’s where they currently find themselves.

While Grant and I were visiting, the Tennant’s were working on what they’re calling El Campo Alpa (a hybrid Spanish/Kichwa name that means “Country Land”). Phase one was clearing the land. Phase two was laying gravel and dirt for a road. We were there to witness this being completed.

El Campo Alpa will take years to fully complete, but during and after construction, their hope is to serve children and their families by teaching God’s word. In addition, they plan to provide nutritional support and education, while helping encourage the growth of healthy, Christ-centered families.

It’s exciting to think what it will look like five years down the road, and how many children and families might be changed by the gospel because of this ministry.

Gary and Christina have come to truly appreciate Jesus’ words in Mark 9:37.

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

Serving in the jungle is no easy task and I’m rejoicing to witness the Tennant family answer the call the Lord has placed on their lives.

Join me in praying the Lord’s glory would be manifest in Ecuador through our partners: at the beach, in the high mountains, and in the jungles. He is worthy.

Grace & Peace,

Wayne Sneed