Christy Baxter - Ecaudor and Peru 2009-2010

I have been in Ecuador since the 27^th of December 2009; taking part in the Quest Internship for eight months out of the year 2010. My overall goal in taking part in this internship was to see where God is leading me in my life thus far and hopefully to see if missions will be a full time call for my life. 

During my time here, I have worked with the Compassion Int’l ministry in Otavalo, and a few ministries in Quito; Opcion de Vida, where they help street kids get a second chance on life. The women’s prison Bible study every Wednesday; spending time with the women there. And Camp Hope, an orphanage for special needs kids, where I helped/spent time with kids with Cerebral Palsy.  

I have definitely learned to rely more on God. That he can and will provide for my needs and keep me from harm. Living in another country and culture has taught me to be adaptable and sometimes that you just need to go with the flow and not worry about ‘my schedule’ so to speak. After giving over my expectations, life just seems so much simpler and more fulfilling.

As time has quickly gone by I have realized that even if I am not called to full-time missions, I will always have a heart for it. There is so much need for missions, whether it be in your neighbourhood, in another city, or in another country. As Canadians, we live in a very multi-cultural country, so we don’t have far to go to be in another culture and with another people group. 

Kieran Wheeler - Ecaudor 2009-2010

I choose quest because it seemed like a great way to get exposed to missionary work and cross-cultural living post-degree.  I wanted to find a way to test the waters of missionary work and to see whether this was something that God was calling me to.  A highlight of my internship was getting the hands on experience of seeking out ministries to be effective in alongside the experience of learning a new language.  Wanting to be effective in ministry and serving pushed me to learn more Spanish and work on my communication skills.
While in Ecuador, much of my time was spent in Riobamba living with a pastoral family as I learned Spanish.  In an attempt to get involved within this community I started to serve with an orphanage and make frequent visits to some rural churches in an effort to encourage them.  There stories and testimonies saw that I was encouraged greatly as well.  One of the greatest things that God has shown me from my internship is that cultures can greatly affect the Gospel message that Christ has charged us with bringing into the world.  I understand now how cultural awareness is greatly important when it come to bringing the message to another people group.  Ultimately God has shown me that his purpose for me to serve in a similar context and although I don't know the specifics of where he will lead me, he has given me a heart for not only the lost, but for those who don't have the opportunity to hear of his saving grace.