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Annual Report

Some years seem shorter than others. 2019 felt like a very short year for us. Short but action packed! The link below will let you read the annual report we recently gave to the National leadership of the church in Ecuador.

Click here to read our report.

haga clic aquí para leer nuestro informe.

Love, The Downing Family

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Together Tuesday: Sending Well Part Two

You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.

-3 John 6-8

What kind of support do missionaries need? How can we send missionaries well? Last week we spoke about moral support  (we invite you to click here to listen or share last week’s podcast).

This week we discuss logistical support. What are some of the small things you can do to support your missionary in this way? We have big and small answers to that question.

https://ourmissionpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/together-tuesday-sending-well-part-two.m4a

Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you.

-1 Thes 3:1

With much love, The Downings

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Class

Why is the USA called the land of opportunity? Do you know the difference between a class based and classless society? This cultural insight podcast sheds some light on this subject.

https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/cultural-insight-4-class.m4a

  What does the sign say in our featured photo? “We are looking to hire a woman to work at our hotdog stand.” In Ecuador employers can hire based on sex, color or any other criteria they choose.

With much love,

The Downings

Have you partnered with us yet? If not please click here.

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Together Tuesday: Sending Well Part One

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

-Romans 10:13-15 NIV

Realistically not every believer is able to cross cultural or geographical boundaries to bring good news. But every believer can be involved in the process of sending those who can go. In Romans 10 we find two complementary roles: those who go; and those who send. Both roles are necessary to advance God’s great commission. Today’s podcast explores the first of six types of support every missionary needs.

  https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/together-tuesday-sending-well-part-one.m4a

  With much love,

The Downings

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing”

-1 Thes. 5:11

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Cultural Insight 2: Hot Culture, Cold Culture

Do you know the difference between a hot culture and a cold culture? We invite you to listen to this cultural insight to find out!

https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/cultural-insight-2-hot-culture-cold-culture-.m4a

With much love,

The Downings

Friend we would love for you to click here and read about our mission!

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Sunday Teaching: Press The Battle On

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.

https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/sunday-teaching-press-the-battle-on..m4a

Forward, forward, is the battle cry, Onward, onward, to our home on high; We will conquer for the Lord or die, The foe’s retreating, press the battle on.

Refrain: Strengthened by the mighty pow’r of heaven, We shall conquer, we shall conquer; Till the raging foe afar is driven, Press the battle on.

Forward, forward, never faint or fear, Christ, our Captain, is forever near; Be courageous, full of hope and cheer, With full assurance press the battle on. [Refrain]

Forward, forward, put the foe to flight, We are battling for the truth and right; We shall triumph in Jehovah’s might, Then do not falter, press the battle on. [Refrain]

Forward, forward, there’s a crown before, See it shining on that heav’nly shore? We shall wear it when the conflict’s o’er, The prize is waiting, press the battle on. [Refrain]

-Naylor and Warren

Onward With Love,

The Downing Family

Do you still need to switch your support to our new donation platform? If so please click here!

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Tree Tomato Ají Sauce

Tree tomato aji hot sauce / Ají de tomate de árbol

https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/ecuadorian-ajc3ad-sauce.m4a

  Yield: ~1 1/2 cups of tree tomato aji

Tamarillo or tree tomato aji hot sauce is a very tasty hot sauce made from tree tomatoes or tamarillos, hot peppers, onion, cilantro and lime juice.

Ingredients

4-5 tree tomatoes, fresh or frozen if you can not find tree tomatoes you can use Tamarillo

2 ajies or hot peppers (serranos or red chilies are good options, habaneros if you are brave)

2 tbs finely chopped white onion

1 tbs finely chopped cilantro

1 tbs lime or lemon juice

¼ cup water

Salt to taste

Instructions

First: If using fresh tree tomatoes peel them, boil them for about 5 minutes to make it easier to peel them.

If using frozen tree tomatoes, defrost them over night in the fridge, then cut them in half and scoop out all the insides.

Then: Blend the tree tomatoes with the hot peppers (seeded and deveined if you want it mild, you can always save a few seeds and add them in if it’s too mild).

Then: Transfer the blended mix of tree tomatoes and hot peppers to a small sauce pan, add the water (you can add more if you want a more liquid sauce) and cook on medium heat for about 5-8 minutes. You can also omit the cooking part, the sauce will be fresher, but will need to be consumed faster.

Then: Add the onion, lime juice, cilantro and salt to taste.

Enjoy! Serve warm or cold.

Notes

Replace water with oil (avocado, light olive oil, or a mild flavored oil) for a creamier Cuencano style aji (do not cook it after blending).

With love,

The Downings

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Grown Out Of Love

https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/podcast-4-grown-out-of-love.m4a

Missionary zeal does not grow out of intellectual beliefs, nor out of theological arguments, but out of love. -Roland Allen

The Apostle John was known as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” His Gospel account has been called the Gospel of love. In his first epistle John even writes the bold theological statement “God is love.” There is perhaps no better witness for the Christian faith than a life lived in the grip of Divine love. Nothing can motivate our commitment to the Great Commandment better than love. Wherever our steps lead us, to our neighbor’s yard or to jungles far away when our steps are measured and motivated by love they have the best effect.

May we be a people known for our love. May we love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength resulting in holiness. May we love our neighbors as ourselves resulting in their eternal benefit. Love God, love others and live accordingly!

With much love,

Timothy, Angelita, Tim 2, Esperanza, Ezequiel, Elias, Adelena Downing

Please click here to read more about our ministry!

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Throwback To The USS Croaker

It is difficult not living near our family. We are not complaining but our kids are missing out on family history and shared stories. Recently the grandkids and Grandpa had some time to reflect on Dad’s military service. Right out of high school Dad joined the Navy and due to his propensity for math he was able to get placed on a Submarine. He served on two submarines during his time Navy the sweatshirts the boys are sporting are from the USS Croaker. Why is family history so important? For our kids it provides a glimpse into a long interaction between our family members and God. Our family stories are always enveloped in God’s presence and work in our lives.

Blessings,

The Downing Family

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Cultural Insight: Abortion

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 laws have been called “violence against women” by leftist groups. It is odd that no one seems to call out the inherent violence against babies brought about by liberalized abortion laws.

We pray that this will be the generation who sees abortion for what it truly is and abolishes it.

https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/cultural-insight-abortion.m4a

With love,

The Downings

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Together Tuesday A Way To Help

On Tuesdays we try to share ways that you can help. Today we are happy to announce a go fund me campaign to help with ministry and construction expenses. In the past when we made a ministry or construction need known, several of you have met those needs by contacting us privately and donating directly to us. We made sure all funds donated reached their intended ministry.

Click here to read about a current need.       Click here to read about a need fulfilled.

We set up this campaign for the National Leadership (Junta) of the Iglesia de Dios in Ecuador. We are simply promoting it and facilitating it. All funds that come in will be given to the Junta to fund ministry and construction projects.

Click here to check out the Go Fund Me Campaign

Blessings,

The Downing Family

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Syncretism

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.

https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/cultural-insight-syncretism-.m4a

  Rumicucho is one of the “high places” the Conquistadors destroyed.

with much love,

the Downings

What is the church? Click here to find out!

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20/20 Vision Part 2…..Next Week

Hello friends, are you looking for the “20/20 Vision Part 2” post that was promised last week? Our apologies, we had an intense ministry week here in Ecuador and some technical difficulties we hope to have what you are looking for posted on Sunday next week. In the meantime please enjoy this throwback post titled “His Yoke Is Easy”

https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/his-yoke-is-easy.m4a

I’ve found my Lord and He is mine, He won me by His love; I’ll serve Him all my years of time, And dwell with Him above.

Refrain: His yoke is easy, His burden is light, I’ve found it so, I’ve found it so; His service is my sweetest delight, His blessings ever flow.

No other Lord but Christ I know, I walk with Him alone; His streams of love forever flow, Within my heart His throne. [Refrain]

He’s dearer to my heart than life, He found me lost in sin; He calmed the sea of inward strife, And bade me come to Him. [Refrain]

My flesh recoiled before the cross, And Satan whispered there, “Thy gain will not repay the loss, His yoke is hard to bear.” [Refrain]

I’ve tried the road of sin and found, Its prospects all deceive; I’ve proved the Lord, and joys abound,

More than I could believe. [Refrain]

D.S. Warner

Love,

The Downing Family

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Shrimp Stuffed Avocado

This recipe for shrimp stuffed avocado is made with ripe avocado filled with shrimp, red onion, radish, bell pepper, celery and cilantro mayonnaise. It is a delightful appetizer but we find it is filling enough to be counted as a meal! If you dislike shrimp you can salvage this Ecuadorian food experience by replacing the shrimp with pulled chicken. 

  https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/shrimp-stuffed-avocados-.m4a

  Ingredients

1 lb medium sized cooked shrimp

5 firm ripe avocados

½ medium red onion, diced

2 radishes, diced

½ red bell pepper, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 hard boiled eggs, diced

5 tbs mayonnaise with chopped cilantro

Lime juice from 1 lime

Salt/pepper to taste

Optional garnishes:

Chopped lettuce, sliced tomatoes and chopped cilantro

Instructions

First.  Chop the cooked shrimp in half, if desired keep a few whole to garnish.

Then.  Combine diced onions, radishes, bell pepper, celery, eggs, shrimp, ½ of the lime juice and mayonnaise in a bowl, mix well. Taste and salt/pepper if necessary.  Keep mixture refrigerated until ready to use.

Then.  Cut avocados in half, remove seed and peel carefully.

Then.  Drizzle remaining lime juice over avocados, this help keep them from darkening too quickly.

Then.  Use a spoon to stuff avocados with shrimp salad filling.

Enjoy.  Add any garnishes and serve immediately.

Note:

This dish is best served with aji or hot sauce to spice it up.

With much love,

The Downings

For more great recipes click here!

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Bound To Go

https://ourmissionpath.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/podcast-2-bound-to-go.m4a

Unless I am sure I am doing more at home to send the gospel abroad than I can do abroad, I am bound to go. -A. B. Simpson

In Matthew’s rendering of the Great Commission Jesus puts legs on the Great Commandment. Love of God and love of our neighbor demands that we are in perpetual motion. To that end Jesus says go. Go is such a simple command and yet it is often misunderstood or worse ignored. Greek, the original language of the New Testament sheds some light on our call to go. The participle “go” is followed by the aorist imperative “make disciples” which linguistically means that “go” becomes part of the imperative. Consider the words of Daniel B. Wallace, professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that grammar is inconsequential! Matthew’s grammar paints a picture and urges an action, and we seriously err if we neglect what our Lord is really teaching at the end of this Gospel.”

In light of the Scripture, may the measure of our calling reflect the wisdom found in A. B. Simpson’s words. May we weigh our responsibility to the Great Commission in terms of effectiveness.

With much love, Timothy, Angelita, Tim 2, Esperanza, Ezequiel, Elias, Adelena

click here to find out more about our ministry

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Throwback To A Beautiful Couple

Along our mission path we get to work with some pretty special people. This photo is of Eric and Bonnie Newell as they prepared one evening for the next day’s class. Two years ago we were blessed to have the Newells teach in our seminary of 2018.  

Blessings,

The Downing Family

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Trouble in El Carmen

Imagine being jolted awake by a car accident. Only the sound of crunching metal and the smell of hot brakes aren’t far outside of the safety of your home. No, this car accident quickly becomes a home invasion as a driver losses control on the dark mountain road far above your house and comes crashing through your roof!

Unfortunately the Pinchao family did not have to imagine such a horror, they lived it.

The car lost control late one evening and crashed through the zinc metal roof of the home rented by the Pinchao family.

The aftermath of the accident.

The family’s shared sleeping room came crashing down around them late one night.

The five members of the Pinchao family have a testimony of God’s protection and provision. Even though a car crashed through their roof and landed in their bedroom late one evening the family testifies of God’s protection. The kids received a few cuts and bruises when the car crashed through the roof. A brick wall fell on the mother but she only received few abrasions. The doctors still want to run some tests but it is obvious that she was divinely protected. The father received burns on his feet when an electrical wire fell on him but he was able to escape the bedroom with his family with no other ill effects.

Three out of the five family members in the El Carmen Church.

The family lost most of what was in the home but they are not complaining. They are blessed with a new place to rent and they are grateful to have each other. Currently they have foam mats for beds, a few kitchen items and a stove.

This past Sunday we were blessed to hear their testimony and also blessed to pass on a gift to the family. After hearing about the situation a christian sister was moved to give us enough money for the family to pay their next month’s rent! Because of this blessing the family can focus on each other and the parents can look for employment without the stress of next months rent. We were honored to pass along this blessing.

We know that the hand of God is on this family and we are happy to walk alongside of them and their church.

Blessings, The Downing Family

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