We are officially in month two of the World Race. This month we get the opportunity to serve a ministry called Pan De Vida meaning Bread of Life. The ministry sight is located in the heart of Quito, Ecuador and has so many amazing ministries that we get to serve them through.
We are in ministry Sundays through Thursday’s and every day looks a little different. On Sundays and Wednesdays we help with the Church program and kids programs as well as assist in the food preparation. Everyone who attends the service is provided with a meal. On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday we are doing whatever the ministry needs help with. This week we did work around the building, we organized their attic, organized their donation room for clothes. Next week we will be working on a kids program that we will lead on Wednesdays. Each day we get to help make a post for them on their social media outlets. This helps them maintain communication with their supporters and share the word of what they are doing here in Quito. Every day will look different but everything we do for the ministry is helping them serve the people of Quito better.
At Pan De Vida the people that come to the church are people who are homeless or living in extreme poverty. While the church is open for all they take the time to meet everyone and assess the need that they have. On Thursdays and various times throughout the week they have “interviews” where people will come in and they will spend time getting to know them and their families needs. Some people are living on the streets seeking refuge from Venezuela or Colombia. Others are locals living in extreme poverty who don’t have the means to feed their families or provide shelter to their children. Every case is different and Pan De Vida takes the time to listen to the peoples needs and does what they can to help. One thing Pan De Vida does not do is hand out money, they are here to support and sustain these people long term. Below I will explain some of the many programs they have within the ministry.
Pan De Vida Mission:
To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet the immediate needs of the less fortunate in Ecuador in cooperation with other organizations through 6 programs.
Pan De Vida Vision:
To gather the resources needed to help the less fortunate people in Ecuador to come to a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and to develop to the fullest their God-given potential.
What we Believe (Pan De Vida):
- We believe the circle of poverty can be broken and that begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ.
- We believe all cans hare their gifts and talents and have the potential to serve others.
- We believe in ministry done with excellence through financial stewardship, following ethical guidelines, and investing to lasting partnerships.
Hunger Relief:
Help families that struggle to put food on their tables. 1600+ meals are served monthly.
Education:
Improve children’s chances to succeed in life. 300+ school kits, uniforms, and shoes distributed annually. 8 youth VBS and sports canes done yearly.
Health:
Provide health prevention and basic medical assistance. 300 expletive reached through health fairs. 900 people helped by medical caravans.
Shelter:
Improve living conditions to foster well-being. We select 10 construction projects a year aiming to cover basic necessities. Each project requires an average investment of $2000.
Micro business:
Empower women, foster entrepreneurship, and financial independence. We invest in 7 beneficiary mothers each year to take part in our sewing program. Pan De Vida provides training, materials, tools, psychological, and spiritual support.
Emergency Relief:
Respond to victims of natural disasters or crisis. 300 food kits sent to hep the victims of flooding in 2008. 7500 families helped after the earthquake of 2016 with emergency kits and shelters. 600 Venezuelan immigrant families helped in 2018.
Pan De Vida has a strong presence online to keep their supporters, volunteers, and people all around the world informed. If you are interested in receiving a monthly news letter or learning more about their ministry please see the contact info below.
www.pandevida.org.ec
