Ecuador: A Country in the Clouds
I recently had the opportunity to take a trip to Ecuador, and it was one of those experiences that reaffirms just how big and amazing our God is. Our mission there was to connect with local businessmen and Pastors and share the passion we have here in the States: our Bible study method called Simple Discipleship.
They were so receptive and genuinely excited to hear what God has been doing in our own Bible study groups here and DCA. They loved hearing about our High School students. It was a clear confirmation that God truly blessed our time there. Not only did we get to witness the beauty of another place on God’s earth—a testament to His creativity—but we also saw the overwhelming beauty of His work in different cultures and people. God’s love and beauty truly extend way beyond anything we could ever imagine or think!
A Divided World United in Faith
While in Ecuador, we had the unique chance to stand on the equator itself, literally placing one foot in the Southern Hemisphere and the other in the Northern. It was a powerful reminder of a larger spiritual truth. Though divided in distance, we are united in Faith. We had such a great time with brothers who share a deep longing to grow in their faith in Christ. They listened intently to everything we shared and left motivated to start their own Bible study groups.
Everywhere I go, I find places that just captivate my heart. The mountains of Ecuador are breathtaking, and the capital, Quito, felt like a city nestled in the clouds.
A Moment on a Bench
One afternoon, I took a moment to just sit on a bench in front of the hotel. It was a quiet moment that turned into a God experience. As I watched busloads of people passing by, a sense of urgency washed over me. I was overwhelmed with the fact that many of them would meet God one day having known very little of Him here on earth. And tragically, some will hear the words, “I never knew you.”
The beauty of God’s creation is everywhere, yet it’s filled with people who overlook it daily. This moment reminded me of a vital lesson we all need to learn: We need to stop and listen to God.
Rewiring for Peace
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of life. Peace doesn’t feel peaceful when you’re pre-wired for chaos. That’s why we need to intentionally listen for His voice, even with all the noise.
The truth is, we need to come to Him to be rewired. We come to God not just for a change of eternal destiny, but for a fundamental change right here, right now—a change of heart, head, and hands:
Heart: To know and receive His love and peace.
Head: To understand and apply His truth from the Word. (Simple Discipleship)
Hands: To actively live out our faith through simple acts of discipleship.
My trip to Ecuador wasn’t just about sharing a Bible study method; it was a powerful reminder that the need for God’s Word is universal. The enthusiasm of those men to start Simple Discipleship groups shows that people all over the world are hungry for a simple, effective way to draw closer to Christ.
What about you? Are you making time to stop, listen, and let God rewire you for His peace?