Teaming up with Pastor Efren
By Josh Parsley | Ecuador in South America
Equipping Servants International (ESI) group
The Great Commission isn’t just for the church to go into the world and reach the lost. It’s also for the church to continue “teaching to observe all that” Jesus commanded us (Matthew 28:20). SIM Ecuador’s ministry Words of Hope focuses on church leaders and seeing the church at large grow in their faith and understanding.
Efren Cuenca, pastor of the church God Is Love in Loja, said: “SIM was a fundamental pillar in my ministerial development. Even outside of the workshops, they continue to support me through prayer, pastoral companionship, visits and above all brotherhood in the love of Christ.”
Efren is one of many pastors who have worked closely with SIM. He completed our 2.5-year mutual discipleship ministry for pastors and leaders called Equipping Servants International (ESI). After going through it himself, he’s now a leader of a new ESI group that started this year helping other church leaders grow in their understanding and ability to faithfully preach God’s Word.
Pastor Efren has also opened up the doors of his church to SIM. Last year, SIM Ecuador was able to do a 5-week study called “What Is the Gospel?” with the church that went through the basics of God as Creator, the Fall of Man, Jesus as the Redeemer, faith and repentance, and how to live the gospel daily. The church was encouraged in their understanding of what God has done through Christ and to share it with the world.
Efren later said, “We have plans to grow and plant churches. We want to be bridges that join people to Christ through the Word, prayer, social help, and spiritual accompaniment. Our objective is to carry the gospel as true disciples ...”
Serve with us
The Words of Hope ministry focuses on discipleship not just for pastors, leaders, and churches, but all believers. We do this through various strategies, including a Christian bookstore. If you would like to learn more about joining our team, contact us today.
Pray for:
• The church of Loja to grow in their understanding and faithful application of the Bible.
• Pastors like Efrén who are looking to be equipped in their pastoral ministry.
• Workers to join our equipping ministry team.
Related stories
Transforming the life of a widow
Thanks to God's work through Operation Neighbour Care in Zimbabwe, read how Sharon moved out of poverty to find dignity and hope as an entrepreneur market gardener.
Mobilising relief after Cyclone Freddy devastation
One of the worst tropical cyclones in Malawi’s history, Cyclone Freddy has caused devastation across the country. Find out what SIM is doing to bring relief for the many who are affected, and how you can help.
Sammy* finds new gospel voice with the young
Having struggled for five years to connect with people in the local language, a mission worker finally finds a voice through the young people he is investing into.
