It is one of the great tragedies of church history – the divorce between the church and her mission. Today few churches even know that the divorce occurred, making it even more painful. The separation has persisted so long that it seems normal. Tom… Continue Reading "The Divorce"

Today’s cultural insight comes in the form of a story. The legend of Father Almeida tells a story of sin and redemption. Just click play below to be regaled with local Ecuadorian lore. With love, The Downing Family Friend we need your support! Click… Continue Reading "Cultural Insight: Until When….?"

God is reaching the lost not through programs but through individuals whose lives are so committed to Him that He uses them as vessels to anoint a lost world. K.P. Yohannan, Revolution in World Missions Good programs and great vision draw the attention of… Continue Reading "Living Committed"

The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity, but its sending capacity. Mike Stachura Along our mission path we have encountered an attitude in many churches that can best be described as low self-esteem. Many churches have given up hope that… Continue Reading "Sending Capacity"

Friends the movement of God should always be offensive not defensive! Today’s podcast explores an early hymn of joy and responsibility. Click play below to be encouraged. Forward, forward, is the battle cry,Onward, onward, to our home on high;We will conquer for the Lord… Continue Reading "Sunday Teaching: Press The Battle On"

Ecuadorian Shrimp ceviche Serves 8-10 people. Three out of seven Downings recommend this classical Ecuadorian dish. Click play on the podcast below to hear all about it! Ingredients 1 ½ red onions sliced very thin 4 tomatoes sliced very thin The juice of 12… Continue Reading "Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche"

On January 22, 1973, seven unelected officials made a decision that has resulted in the deaths of 61,678,839 innocent children in in the United States. Tragic for our nation! Yet, Jesus still offers healing and hope to all who seek him. Ecuador’s conservative abortion… Continue Reading "Cultural Insight: Abortion"

The worldwide proclamation of the Gospel awaits accomplishment by a generation which shall have the obedience, courage, and determination to attempt the task. John R. Mott The more We experience life on the mission field, the more we believe this quote to be true!… Continue Reading "Start With Your Neighbor"

One way to gain insight into a culture is by understanding the idioms they use. In this cultural insight we explore Ecuadorian idioms. With much love, the Downings

God has huge plans for the world today! He is not content to merely establish a handful of struggling churches among each tongue, tribe and nation. Even now He is preparing and empowering His Church to carry the seeds of revival to the uttermost… Continue Reading "Seeds of Revival"