Written by Adam Duncan, IM missionary to Ecuador
November 2026
From the time we arrived in Ecuador, our focus has been on developing local leaders. This comes with a major temptation: It is easier to do something ourselves than to teach it. As we have wrestled with how to share the Gospel, teach biblical literacy to a semi-literate population, and overcome syncretism (where we often use the same word but mean different things), we have learned to listen.
We learned that studies need to be modified to match our group’s reading level.
We learned that stories have power, and personal stories even more so.
We learned that no matter how much we lean into the culture, we will never belong to it.
Even when we have the right words, sometimes our voice isn’t the one that is needed. We are learning the difference between being a catalyst and a change agent.
As a catalyst, we can start a reaction, speed the pace, and overcome obstacles, but we are not the change agents. The change agents are already part of the equation. They move, live, and speak in circles we only visit. If we are serious about fulfilling the Great Commission, our job is to equip, empower, and release them.
This is a hard but practical reality. Our pride wants us to be the main character, but in reality Jesus really is the author and finisher of our faith. This is HIS Gospel, HIS plan, HIS story.
Recently, we were reminded of this in the Verde Cocha community. We have been working there for two years. Our work includes meeting with an Ecuadorian church planter, visiting once per month, leading worship services, working on infrastructure projects, providing medical care, organizing VBS events, and providing transportation and financial assistance.
Over and over again, we have found momentum stopped by a lack of local leadership and the difficulty of traveling to reach the community. We have prayed consistently and fervently for a local leader to coordinate services between our visits. Last month, the Lord opened a door to answer this prayer.
Luida is a young lady from this community who came to the Lord through the work of Kaleo Kids. She has worked at Antioch Christian Academy for several years and has helped with kids’ ministry in Verde Cocha for a few months.
In October, she approached us along with her father, Cesar, to ask how she could help to coordinate services on the weeks we are not in the community. We have since met with her, talked through structuring a Bible study, and provided Bibles and a Kichwa hymnal.
In November, she will start leading worship and a Bible study (the Creation to Christ Discovery Bible Study) on the weeks we are not there.
As we consider the many people and opportunities that have reflected God’s love toward this community (Kaleo Kids, Jungle Kids for Christ, Pastor Yulier, Hermanos Cesar and Luis Canelos, and our small part), I am reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
