CHOOSING TO LEAVE A COMFORTABLE LIFESTYLE TO SERVE THE LORD IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY IS NOT EASY, EVEN IF YOU FEEL GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO DO SO. AS POTENTIAL MISSIONARIES, WE HAD THREE MAIN PURPOSES FOR OUR SURVEY TRIP:
1. Make contacts with veteran missionaries
We accomplished this by spending time with a family in Manta. They were a tremendous help! In a sense we “job shadowed” them and learned about everyday life in Ecuador. They showed us the practical and spiritual aspects of their ministry. We enjoyed our time with them and are seeking the Lord’s will in determining where we should serve in Ecuador.
2. Count the cost
In Luke 14:26 – 38, Jesus Christ gives very strong teaching concerning following Him. Using the analogy of building a tower, Jesus teaches that we must know the cost of following him. This involves leaving family and friends as found in verse 26. During our survey trip, we needed to know the cost (both literally and figuratively) of living in Ecuador. We wanted to know how to prepare and see what adjustments we would need to make in order to take up our cross and follow Him as he is leading us to Ecuador.
3. See the people
In Matthew, we find that Jesus Christ “saw the multitudes, [and] he was moved with compassion” (Matt. 9:36). In Lamentations, the prophet declared: “Mine eye affecteth mine heart” (Lam. 3:51). Our goal was to see the people of Manta and Quito. We learned of their spiritual needs and this has moved us to continue pursuing God’s call to Ecuador.