On November 6, a group of Canadian Covenanters will be travelling to Ecuador, one of the Canada Covenants Regional Partners. As this group prepares for the trip, we want to express our care and commitment to the work God is doing in Ecuador, specifically by making a financial gift to The Santiago Partnership, and we want to invite you to partner with us.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus expands the disciples' understanding of who their “neighbour” is to include everyone they encounter, even those across cultural or ethnic borders. Offering hope, care, and compassion to others around the world by being good neighbours is central to a mature disciple's life. Nearly thirty years ago, this idea of being a good neighbour was an important reason the Canada Covenant entered into partnership with the Evangelical Covenant Church of Ecuador (IPEE) to do the work of Christ in local Ecuadorian communities.
Our friendship and gospel partnership with IPEE dates back to 2000. Andy and Jenell Pluim, who served as short-term missionaries in Ecuador from 1991 to 1993, served full-time as Canada Covenant global personnel to Ecuador at Covenant Bible College from 2000 to 2007. The connections formed then were instrumental in establishing new partnerships, beginning with The Santiago Partnership Medical Clinic in Cayambe, supported by Ecuador Covenant churches, and continuing through our ongoing relationship with the Covenant Church in San Antonio, Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico La Hermosa.
Over the past decade, we have strengthened these relationships through a formal ministry agreement established in 2015 that supports The Santiago Partnership and Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico La Hermosa, not only financially, but also through annual trips to provide physical support to Ecuadorian-led ministries, grow in awareness of the ministries of IPEE, and by continuing to build relationships with our Ecuadorian sisters and brothers in Christ. Over the years, we have partnered with Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico La Hermosa and The Santiago Partnership on construction projects, family visits, and spiritual care. These experiences also help to raise Canadians’ awareness of how God is at work around the world and how we can participate in God’s kingdom work.
Next week, we’ll share more about The Medical Clinic, that provides family and general medicine, dentistry, pediatrics, gynecology, and more to the underserved area of Cayambe and to remote regions via Medical Caravans.
To give to this appeal for our Ecuadorian Partners, click the button below or visit: covchurch.ca/ecuador-give. You can also send your donation through Interac to donate@covchurch.ca or by cheque to our mailing address listed below.
