The last two days have been full of worship, laughter, and so many opportunities to serve.
Sunday morning started with pancakes, bacon, and another homemade juice made from strawberry, watermelon, pineapple, and lime. Jahkii’s review? “Da bomb.”
Before heading out, TJ led our devotional from John 13, where Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. We talked about having a heart of service and being doers of the Word, not just hearers. TJ then had us sit with the question: What would it look like this week to serve someone in such a humble way that it surprises them?
From there we joined Ekballo Church for worship. Even though the service was entirely in Spanish, we found ourselves recognizing words and singing familiar songs like Holy Forever, Give Me Jesus, Hermoso Nombre, and El Fuego Nunca Duerme, and piecing together the message as we listened.
The sermon centered on honor and gratitude. We heard the challenge that we cannot truly honor one another until we first honor God. However, when our hearts become crowded with other priorities, even good ones, we begin to lose sight of Him.
The service ended with Pastor Steven encouraging us and praying over each member of our team individually by the power of the Holy Spirit. It was as if Pastor Steven really knew us. This special moment highlighted for me that we may come from different countries and speak different languages, but we are one body in Christ.
On our walk home, we unexpectedly saw a father and daughter Freedom and Nancy had told us about the day before. They breakdance at traffic lights around Quito to earn money, and earlier this year Freedom painted the daughter’s portrait and gave her the original. Seeing them perform for ourselves was a glimpse into the relationships Freedom and Nancy have built over the years.
That afternoon we gathered at the Rodriguez home to watch the World Cup final. We met Josué’s parents, learned you definitely don’t drink soursop straight from the pouch, cuddled with their cat Arrigato, and celebrated as España won the World Cup.
The evening ended with one of our favorite projects, packing 89 SmartBoxes. Freedom shared how the ministry began with his substitute teacher recognizing his artistic gift and blessing him with a box of art supplies. Today, those boxes are filled with school supplies, hygiene items, Scripture, and the hope of the Gospel. Thanks to Cumberland’s support through Fam Jam, we packed every box while singing and celebrating what God will do through each one.
___
Monday morning’s breakfast featured avocado toast, hash browns, fruit, and fresh naranjilla juice. We learned the juice comes from the lulo plant, which grows primarily in Ecuador and Colombia. Jahkii’s official review? “¡Muy delicioso!”
Gigi led our devotional from Acts 6:1-7, where the Hellenistic Jews were being overlooked. She challenged us to ask, “Who is most likely to go unnoticed, and what can we do to make sure they don’t?” Then it was back to La Roca for our final day with the students.
There was no shortage of things to do. We raced RC cars (Kayla, Freedom and Nancy’s daughter, claimed the top spot), played Spikeball and kickball, and made what felt like thousands of balloon animals. Some kids proudly walked their balloon dogs around on balloon leashes. Others discovered it was just as fun to pop them.
We also met our newest translator, Ana, who enjoys hiking, biking, spending time with family, and loves translating because it helps connect people who speak different languages.
Before wrapping up, Nancy shared about the humility of Jesus and His brief but impactful ministry. Daniel then taught from the story of the centurion’s servant in Matthew 8 and Luke 7, challenging us to have faith like the centurion, who believed Jesus’ words alone had the power to heal. Josué once again brought Daniel’s message to life with translations full of expressions and energy. It’s something you really have to experience in person. We closed with the reminder that no matter our past, we are loved, forgiven, and Jesus willingly gave His life for us.
After the students headed home, we gathered with the La Roca leaders to pray together before saying goodbye. Then we wrapped up the night with dinner.
Looking back, what stands out most isn’t one conversation or one activity. It’s the ordinary moments where God showed up: in worship, over shared meals, while packing SmartBoxes, making balloon animals, praying with church leaders, and simply spending time with children who wanted someone to play with. We’re reminded again that faithfulness often looks ordinary, but God delights in using ordinary acts of service to accomplish extraordinary things.
Thank you for continuing to pray for our team. Please pray for Ekballo Church, the leaders of La Roca, the students from Carapongo, the families who will receive the SmartBoxes, and that the relationships God has started this week would continue to bear fruit long after we’re gone.
-Brittani Banks
Sunday morning started with pancakes, bacon, and another homemade juice made from strawberry, watermelon, pineapple, and lime. Jahkii’s review? “Da bomb.”
Before heading out, TJ led our devotional from John 13, where Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. We talked about having a heart of service and being doers of the Word, not just hearers. TJ then had us sit with the question: What would it look like this week to serve someone in such a humble way that it surprises them?
From there we joined Ekballo Church for worship. Even though the service was entirely in Spanish, we found ourselves recognizing words and singing familiar songs like Holy Forever, Give Me Jesus, Hermoso Nombre, and El Fuego Nunca Duerme, and piecing together the message as we listened.
The sermon centered on honor and gratitude. We heard the challenge that we cannot truly honor one another until we first honor God. However, when our hearts become crowded with other priorities, even good ones, we begin to lose sight of Him.
The service ended with Pastor Steven encouraging us and praying over each member of our team individually by the power of the Holy Spirit. It was as if Pastor Steven really knew us. This special moment highlighted for me that we may come from different countries and speak different languages, but we are one body in Christ.
On our walk home, we unexpectedly saw a father and daughter Freedom and Nancy had told us about the day before. They breakdance at traffic lights around Quito to earn money, and earlier this year Freedom painted the daughter’s portrait and gave her the original. Seeing them perform for ourselves was a glimpse into the relationships Freedom and Nancy have built over the years.
That afternoon we gathered at the Rodriguez home to watch the World Cup final. We met Josué’s parents, learned you definitely don’t drink soursop straight from the pouch, cuddled with their cat Arrigato, and celebrated as España won the World Cup.
The evening ended with one of our favorite projects, packing 89 SmartBoxes. Freedom shared how the ministry began with his substitute teacher recognizing his artistic gift and blessing him with a box of art supplies. Today, those boxes are filled with school supplies, hygiene items, Scripture, and the hope of the Gospel. Thanks to Cumberland’s support through Fam Jam, we packed every box while singing and celebrating what God will do through each one.
___
Monday morning’s breakfast featured avocado toast, hash browns, fruit, and fresh naranjilla juice. We learned the juice comes from the lulo plant, which grows primarily in Ecuador and Colombia. Jahkii’s official review? “¡Muy delicioso!”
Gigi led our devotional from Acts 6:1-7, where the Hellenistic Jews were being overlooked. She challenged us to ask, “Who is most likely to go unnoticed, and what can we do to make sure they don’t?” Then it was back to La Roca for our final day with the students.
There was no shortage of things to do. We raced RC cars (Kayla, Freedom and Nancy’s daughter, claimed the top spot), played Spikeball and kickball, and made what felt like thousands of balloon animals. Some kids proudly walked their balloon dogs around on balloon leashes. Others discovered it was just as fun to pop them.
We also met our newest translator, Ana, who enjoys hiking, biking, spending time with family, and loves translating because it helps connect people who speak different languages.
Before wrapping up, Nancy shared about the humility of Jesus and His brief but impactful ministry. Daniel then taught from the story of the centurion’s servant in Matthew 8 and Luke 7, challenging us to have faith like the centurion, who believed Jesus’ words alone had the power to heal. Josué once again brought Daniel’s message to life with translations full of expressions and energy. It’s something you really have to experience in person. We closed with the reminder that no matter our past, we are loved, forgiven, and Jesus willingly gave His life for us.
After the students headed home, we gathered with the La Roca leaders to pray together before saying goodbye. Then we wrapped up the night with dinner.
Looking back, what stands out most isn’t one conversation or one activity. It’s the ordinary moments where God showed up: in worship, over shared meals, while packing SmartBoxes, making balloon animals, praying with church leaders, and simply spending time with children who wanted someone to play with. We’re reminded again that faithfulness often looks ordinary, but God delights in using ordinary acts of service to accomplish extraordinary things.
Thank you for continuing to pray for our team. Please pray for Ekballo Church, the leaders of La Roca, the students from Carapongo, the families who will receive the SmartBoxes, and that the relationships God has started this week would continue to bear fruit long after we’re gone.
-Brittani Banks