My team has arrived in Quito, Ecuador and we are loving it so far! Ecuador is full of unique characteristics that we didn’t see in Colombia.
Fun Facts about Quito, Ecuador:
-Quito is nicknamed “Florence of the Americas” because of the architecture having a mix of European and Spanish colonial influences
-Quito is near two active volcanoes (Cotopaxi and Pichincha)
-The city is built atop the ruins of an Incan city
-The sun rises and sets at the same time every day of the year (6:00-6:00 am and pm) because of the close proximity to the equator
-It is one of the world’s biggest flower exporter and is the orchid capital of the world
Another reason we are loving it so far is the ministry we get to work with is doing some AMAZING things here in Quito. This week so far we have helped do some projects around the center including organizing the attic, clothing donations, and helping with food preparations for the services. Pan de Vida’s entire focus is around helping the less fortunate to reach their God-given potential. Their entire mission is to spread he gospel of Jesus Christ and meet immediate needs of the less fortunate in Ecuador. They fully believe that poverty can be broken and that starts with a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In 2000, Ecuador suffered an economic crisis that caused poverty to increase. Founder of Pan de Vida felt called to help in 2001 when he met a 10 year old shoe shiner. In 2001, they launched there first feeding program which has now grown to feed over 1,600 people.
They have 6 core programs that help them meet the needs of the community
- Hunger Relief-through Sunday and Wednesday food service programs they can help families put food on the tables
- Education-distribute school kits, uniforms, and shoes as well as host children’s summer bible camps
- Health- host health fairs and use traveling medical caravans to provide basic medical assistance
- Shelter- Annually choose 10 housing projects to help rebuild houses for beneficiaries in the program
- Micro business- Partner to empower women annually to show them financial independence through entrepreneurship
- Emergency Relief- Delivered food kits to help victims of flooding gin 2008, helped 7,500 families after 2016 earthquake, and currently are helping 600 Venezuelan immigrant families who are now getting acclimated to Ecuador
From the moment I walked into the doors of Pan de Vida, you could feel the love pouring out of every inch of the building. All the staff and weekly volunteers love what they are doing and love making people feel that love. When they walk into the Sunday and Wednesday services they want everyone to leave the weight of life at the doors and just experience God’s love through a message, fellowship, and a warm meal.
It’s been an incredible week, and I can’t wait to share more with you all about what God is going to do over these few weeks here! If you want to know more about Pan de Vida there is going to be a video link to learn more!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-6kTmdYNn-g&t=2s
Fundraising Update: I am in need of $2,200 to get me to my next financial deadline of $13,000. It may seem like a crazy unreachable amount, but I know my God and fully trust that He will provide in His perfect timing! If you feel led to give, you can directly through the ‘Donate’ button on my blog.
Thank you so much to all my supporters and prayer warriors! You are making this ministry all possible!!!
Much Love,
McKenzie
