Sometimes cultural differences are uncomfortable. Today we discuss a common blood sport in Ecuador. (This is a throwback podcast. It was originally published in June 2019.) Love, The Downings

What do the Inca, the Conquistadores, the cult of Pachamama and Mariolatry have in common? Find out by listening to today’s Cultural Insight podcast. Rumicucho is one of the “high places” the Conquistadors destroyed. with much love, the Downings What is the church? Click here… Continue Reading "Syncretism"

Hello friends, today we invite you to enjoy a blast from the past. This missionary devotion was first posted October 12, 2018. It was our fourth podcast and was voiced by both Timothy and Esperanza. It seems that we have lived three lifetimes since… Continue Reading "Grown Out Of Love"

Missions is not a recruitment project for God’s labor force. It is a liberation project from the heavy burdens and hard yokes of other gods. John Piper The terrible yoke of other gods is evident in this lost and dying world. Some gods have… Continue Reading "Liberation"

“The concern for world evangelization is not something tacked on to a man’s personal Christianity, which he may take or leave as he chooses; it is rooted indefeasibly in the character of the God who has come to us in Christ Jesus. Thus it… Continue Reading "The Distinctive Mark"

Is it odd that people who live with Eternity in mind care so much about time? Today’s cultural insight explores the Ecuadorian concept of time. Love, The Downings To learn about hot and cold cultures click here!

Oh, I praise the Lord who bought me, hallelujah! I’m a happy pilgrim bound for glory land; I am singing, and I hope to sing forever, When before His throne eternal I shall stand.  Refrain: I will praise Him, hallelujah! I will praise Him… Continue Reading "I Will Praise Him, Hallelujah!"

Caldo de pata (cow feet soup) Serves:10 people This traditional Latin American comfort soup is somewhat of an acquired taste.  Still life is full of adventure and this soup is worth a try, at least once. Seven out of Seven Downings recommend this unique… Continue Reading "Caldo De Pata"

The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Christ, the more missionary we become. Henry Martyn One of the beautiful truths of our Christian journey is that the longer we walk with Christ and the closer we get… Continue Reading "Nearer"