Transforming Lives in El Cristal
A medical missionary team brings hope and healing to a rural community.
El Cristal is an underserved community of 1,000 people, far removed from bustling city life. We conducted a health brigade there and then organized a follow-up in cooperation with local church members and a full-time missionary.
Our mission team began the second phase of outreach by making in-home visits. They educated the locals about dental health, natural remedies and mental well-being. Addressing the dangers of unhealthy eating, including the consumption of meat, proved challenging, but necessary.
We talked to students at the community school and emphasized the importance of a balanced lifestyle. In return, the principal and teachers expressed their gratitude. Some of the staff were especially impressed by our insights into true education, and two of the teachers decided to make significant lifestyle changes after reviewing the material that we presented. To the glory of God, they are now experiencing noticeable improvements in their health!
Before the year ended, our team organized a special event at the school. We prepared and distributed 180 vegetarian sandwiches prepared with plant-based milk to the school’s teachers and students. This activity demonstrated that vegetarian food can be delicious, healthy and varied—just as Christ designed it in the beginning.
Every Sabbath, the team invited residents to partake in the spiritual Bread of Life through worship and fellowship. The families who attended the health brigade continued to welcome our visits, and nine individuals agreed to Bible studies.
Two challenges remain in this underserved rural community. First, we need a church building. Many families have expressed an interest in attending Sabbath services, but the lack of a dedicated church building poses a challenge when it comes to maintaining regular gatherings and nurturing new believers.
Second, we need Bible workers. As interest grows, the need for more Bible workers becomes urgent. With only a handful of workers available, many opportunities for outreach remain untapped.
The impact of our health mission is undeniable. Students, teachers and families in El Cristal are beginning to embrace better health and to see the light of God’s truth. However, without more Bible workers to provide spiritual guidance and a church building to serve as a central gathering place, the mission’s long-term growth is at risk.
Your prayers and support enable us to sustain the work in El Cristal and to expand to other communities waiting to hear God’s truth. May we continue to labor together to share Christ’s love and prepare for His soon return.
Location
Ecuador
Author
Fernando Endara is the co-director of the health brigade ministry in Ecuador.
How You Can Help
Pray for Dr. Gaby and Fernando as they use the health message to be the entering wedge in their communities.
Pray for the health brigades as they bring the right arm of the gospel to the people of Ecuador!
Give. To help reach other souls through the health message, mark your donations “Ecuador Evangelism” and send to:
Mission Projects International
PO Box 237
Kirksville, MO 63501
To give securely online, visit:
www.missionspro.org/donate
Thank you! Your gifts sustain three full-time Bible workers who are bringing God’s last warning to the people in northern Ecuador. Thank you so much for your support
of these workers!