Sarah Bethea

1) That God would be glorified on this trip and that I would trust God and fully rely on His strength

2) That I be single minded on Christ and be bold in sharing my faith and the gospel

3) That I would be open and have a teachable heart/spirit to what God teaches me and that God would deepen my passion for Him and for caring for His orphans

4) That God would keep me healthy and safe

5) That God would give me peace while flying. I really don’t like to ride in planes. And that God would help me while traveling. I get really carsick easily.

Julie told me she had found an orphanage in Ecuador and was going to plan a mission trip to go there. My heart instantly broke for these precious little orphans. I began to pray and seek the Lord if He wanted me to go on this trip. As time went on, I felt God was calling me to go care for the orphans in Ecuador and to share the gospel. However, I didn’t think I would be able to take time off from my summer internship job because my boss told me she couldn’t provide me time off. So I said, “Ok Lord I trust you; if you want me to go provide the way.” Then I sent an email to my boss. Her response was “No problem, have fun in Ecuador.” I knew this was the Lord making a way for me to go. So I said, “Yes Lord I will go.”

Thank you so much to all of you who have supported our team financially and with all your prayers. I am so excited to see what amazing things our Awesome God is going to do on this trip….can’t wait to share it with you all!

In Christ’s Amazing, Unfailing Love,

Sarah Bethea :-)

Jared Murphy

1) pray that i wont be worried about problems and stress here at home so i can be focused and as useful to God as possible while i am there.
2) pray that i wont get sick on the trip and i will remain healty during and after the trip

I feel like God is calling me to go because when I went to guatemala I saw how much the kids loved the attention and how much they wanted to be loved even if they couldnt communicate with us. Another reason is I love children and I feel like this is a good way to serve.

Jordan Fischer

1) Pray that we will be open to God’s will in how he wants to use each of us on this mission.

2) Pray that our interactions with each other, and every person we have contact with, will be bring honor and glory to God.

3) Pray for the health and safety of our team, especially those members who have sensitive health issues.


When I was initially confronted about being a part of the Ecuador mission team, the first thoughts that crossed my mind were doubtful. At the time, I was in the midst of applying to the Air Force Academy and knew that if selected, my summer plans would be very… regimented. I had thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Guatemala, and I knew that the Ecuador trip would be very similar. However, I also knew that God’s plan ultimately would prevail. The only detail that remained is where my future plane ticket would take me; Colorado Springs or Riobamba. I soon discovered that God’s plan for me did not include the academy. The decision from that point on was quite simple. Right now, I am blessed with the ability to be able to pick up and leave the country at almost any time without worrying about responsibilities to a job or family. I have a strong desire to follow God’s lead, wherever it takes me. Therefore, I know that it is God’s will to send me as a part of this team.

Hannah Beaty

1) That God would protect my health.

2) That I would be able to stay focused on God.

3) That God would continue to bring in funding.

When I first heard about this trip I wanted to go, but after much consideration I concluded that me going on the trip would be unpractical. I was averaging about thirty-five hours a week at work, and I had been trying to put at least twenty hours a week on my online classes. I didn’t have the time or the money to go. However, God slowly changed my mind. He kept prodding me, and I finally decided to be apart of this mission’s team.

Chad Elam

1) Pray for smooth travels

2) Pray that we communicate even with the language barrier

I'm going because I have never been on a missions trip. I have always heard people tell about how close to God they got on one, so I wanted in on that. And I enjoy children and interacting with them so I thought this would be a good trip for me.

Heather Snyder

1) I would have peace while traveling. I'm leaving Addilece for the first time and I'm not going to be able to check on her or talk to her like I normally would be able too.

2) I would have patience when dealing with schedules, and others, and the regular stress that comes from a trip like this.

3) My heart would be open to what God may show me and that he would not only speak His truths in my own life but also my family's lives.

Since high school God has been growing a deep passion and love for orphans in my heart. I've always had a desire to visit an orphanage oversees. However, my last two mission trips did not allow me that opportunity. Soon life got in the way of going oversees. However, when Julie presented this trip the pieces quickly fell into place. I realized that all the other "stuff" getting in the way wasn't there. God had completely cleared the way.

I'm excited to see what God is going to do in my life. However, I'm rather nervous also. Holding children who are fatherless that are the same age as my daughter is going to tear at my heart. I'm hoping that I come out of this knowing what God would have me do for orphans in Ecuador and around the world. I know He wants me to do more but I am not sure what that more is yet. I'm praying that He will give me a clear vision and heart that sees what He sees.

Brian Klein

1) We have a pretty young group, so please pray for wisdom for our leaders and maturity all around. 

2) Pray for the family that runs the orphanage, that they would be encouraged and refreshed by our visit, and not burdened. Pray also for the success of their mission, and of course for the children they minister to every day. 

3) Also, please pray for the health and safety of our group.

 

My first thoughts about the trip revolved around how much fun it would be to hang out with the children. Playing with the kids and teaching them about the Bible—kids who don't get the attention they deserve—sounded like a good time. When I thought more seriously about going on the trip, I realized I had taken off the first week of August for vacation, and didn't have any plans to fill it. I had asked for it off, randomly, months before. I took it as providential that it fell on the same week as the trip. Surely God wants me to go, I thought, no matter how insignificant my purpose may be. At that point, I made up my mind to go.