We went to build a church. God opened the door to build more.

Into the Jungle

Sometimes sharing the love of Jesus means stepping way outside your comfort zone, and this trip into the jungles of Ecuador was exactly that.

After landing, the team drove 8 hours to Sucúa, rode a bus for another 5 hours, then spent 5 more hours in a canoe heading deep into the jungle. The heat was intense, and the river was so low in places that the team had to climb out and push the canoe. Camp life was hot, humid and far from comfortable. But what waited at the end made every mile worth it.

What God Did

Together, the team:

• Put up all four walls of a church, the first time work on it has resumed since before COVID
• Installed a roof on a dormitory building for a Bible school

Two More Villages

Perhaps the greatest blessing of the whole trip: two more villages invited us to come build churches in their communities. Two more places asking for somewhere to gather, worship, learn about Jesus and grow in their faith.

We went to serve one community, and God opened the door to reach two more. The work doesn't end when the team comes home. In many ways, it's just beginning.

The Trip Home

On the way back, heavy rain made the river rise and the current pick up. The canoe nearly flipped after sideswiping a log. A trip that started scorching hot ended with everyone soaked, cold and battling wind and rain. Mission work isn't always comfortable or easy, but it matters.

What’s Ahead

Back to Ecuador in 2027: With two more villages asking for churches, we plan to return in 2027. That takes supplies, transportation, medical outreach and people willing to answer the call.

Cozumel Children's Church, February 13–20: We're building a children's church in Cozumel, Mexico: a place where kids can gather, learn about Jesus and worship together. From February 13 to 20, our team will be there to work on the existing church and begin planning for the future growth of the children's church. Will you join us in spreading the gospel in Cozumel too?

Become a Monthly Mission Partner: Not everyone is called to climb into a canoe, but everyone can help the Gospel reach these places. Monthly gifts of $10, $25, $50, or whatever God places on your heart help us plan ahead and keep building. Questions? Email us at raisetheroofministries@gmail.com.