The 2015 Ecuador International Scripture

The South American country of Ecuador is home to approximately 15.5 million people. This past April, local Gideons and their wives, along with a team of international members, distributed over 200,000 copies of God’s Word to the people of Ecuador; to schools, colleges, medical centers and prisons. By the end of the week, at least 100 people made professions of faith in Christ.

Gideons started in the city of Ambato to pray for the Lord’s guidance. Ambato is a city located in the central Andean valley.

The Gideons had planned a distribution to a Special Forces unit on a military base nearby. They were given the opportunity to speak to hundreds of uniformed men and women on the parade grounds and each soldier received a New Testament. The personal endorsement by the company’s commanding officer was particularly moving. He held his New Testament in the air and spoke to his soldiers, “This is the greatest weapon you will own. For a weapon to be effective, you have to spend time learning how to use it. You must care for it, and practice often. This weapon is no different – use it, read it, and I promise you will be more effective soldiers.”

Several teams also distributed Scriptures at the local technical university. A team of Gideons handed out New Testaments as thousands of students passed through the campus. Over 80% of the Scriptures distributed during this blitz went to students for an ongoing investment in the next generation.

During the week there were several highlights as men, women and young people gave their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are a few examples of God making divine appointments in Ecuador:

While walking through a market, I gave an elderly Ecuadorian man a New Testament. I began showing him Scripture verses. He was kind and gentle, but held a sad, dejected expression on his face. He humbly asked, \“Well, how can I be saved?\“ I explained salvation was a free gift and he only needed to believe, repent of his sins, and ask Jesus Christ to come into his life. His sad face transformed into a wide smile as he decided to put his faith in Jesus Christ.

As a team of Gideons made a distribution at Alfonso Castillo School, they presented New Testaments to three teachers in the staff room. One of the Gideons asked if they were Christians. Two of them said they were. However, one of the teachers, Alexandra, said she was not. One of the Gideons asked if he could explain to her how she could become a Christian. She said yes. He asked her to open her New Testament to the back and explained the plan of salvation. When he was finished, he asked her if she understood she was a sinner and needed Jesus in her heart. She again said yes and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as her Savior. The other two teachers were shedding tears of joy as they watched their friend sign the back of her Scripture. They also agreed to provide spiritual guidance and support for their new sister in Christ.

We rejoice in God’s promise that if we are faithful in sowing the seed, He will provide the increase. Thank you for being a part of this effort. Pray the Spirit of God will use these 204,000 copies of His Word to the eternal salvation of men, women, and young people in Ecuador.