Ecuador Encounters: Why We Go, Why We Love, Why We Return
In partnership with Far-Flung Tin Can, a team headed to Ecuador! 🇪🇨✨
Let me set the scene.
Back in 2008, Lee University’s Campus Choir first traveled to Ecuador, where Kyle encountered Pan de Vida — a powerful feeding and discipleship ministry led by the incredible Laly Mendoza. What began as serving after-school meals to just eight children has now grown into a ministry impacting over 350 kids every single day through food, education, and the hope of the Gospel. That trip marked Kyle’s heart forever and birthed the vision for Far-Flung Tin Can.
Ecuador has been part of Far-Flung’s story from the very beginning. It’s where so much of their calling was shaped, and it’s why we keep returning — year after year. This nation, these children, and God’s dream for Ecuador are deeply woven into the heartbeat of the ministry, and we have the honour of partnering with Him in what He’s doing here.
We were based in one of the city’s poorest and most dangerous areas — a place so rough that even taxis hesitate to drive there. The streets were marked by gang violence, addiction, broken families, and heartbreaking stories. One 17-year-old boy shared through tears that he had planned to end his life just the week before… but instead, he encountered Jesus.
That’s why we go. 🙌
Our days were full and beautiful. We helped run a vibrant Vacation Bible School (VBS), distributed food to families in need, and worked on a building project for a local man named John. We preached, prayed, and poured out love wherever we went. I had the honour of preaching at a youth conference and again in a small rural mountain village — and each time, we witnessed hearts turning toward Jesus.
I was deeply moved by the people of Ecuador. Their kindness, gentleness, and generosity in the midst of such hardship stunned me. Our team was full of joy, servant-hearted, and deeply committed to loving the one in front of them. We laughed hard, built sweet friendships, and returned home with hearts overflowing.
Would you join us in praying for Ecuador?
Pray for breakthrough. Pray that every child, every family, and every community would know the love of the Father, walk in deep hope through Jesus, and encounter the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit.
Because what God is doing here is just the beginning. 💛