What does a weekend of board games, lakeside walks, and go-karts in the streets of Baños have in common?
For Murray and Sheryl, they’re snapshots of a life rooted in joy, adventure, and a desire to seeing young people grow in their faith. After years of ministry in Ecuador, they’ve learned that mission work isn’t about quick results but about patience, presence, and walking alongside others as “the Gospel with skin on.”
In this quick-fire conversation, Murray and Sheryl share the heart behind their work, what inspires them most about young people, and the wisdom they’d pass on to a new generation stepping into mission.
If you had a free weekend with no plans, how would you spend it?
Murray: Enjoying a complex board game marathon (Terraforming Mars, Marvel Champions, Wingspan, and the list goes on)
Sheryl: Walking around the lake in the brilliant sunshine in the local park, watching families playing soccer together all over the place as far as the eye can see
What’s your favourite place you’ve ever visited in Ecuador?
Murray: Viewing the striking, awe-inspiring scenery along the highway between Loja and Cuenca, Ecuador
Sheryl: Baños, Ecuador where we rode go-karts in the public streets of this touristy town with natural hot springs
If you had to describe your family in three words, what would they be?
Murray: Committed imperfect believers
Sheryl: Dedicated, fun-loving
What has been the heart of your ministry with young people over the years?
Murray: “The Gospel with Skin On” – sharing and living out God’s truth in everyday life and decision-making, investing our lives, modeling what it looks like to know God intimately and walk closely with Him in obedience. Our goal has always been to see young people raised up to godly maturity, becoming our co-laborers alongside us in ministry.
Sheryl: Modeling, and guiding them to know, love and live God and His ways. We serve others together and have fun along the way.
What’s the biggest opportunity young Christians have today that you didn’t at their age?
Murray: Access to incredible Bible study/reference resources online even including seminary-level education, and resources to bolster your personal spiritual walk even while on the mission field far away.
Sheryl: Instantaneous communication at great distances with your prayer supporters is a tremendous advantage.
What’s one piece of wisdom about cross-cultural ministry you wish more young people understood before they go?
Murray: Humble yourself and don’t leap to conclusions about how locals think or why they see/do things the way they do. You don’t know as much as you think you do, and you must be willing to listen to older mission workers, local believers, and even local nonbelievers, asking open ended questions and seeking to understand before offering solutions. You are probably blind to how your own culture and past context shapes how you perceive and interpret your new context.
Sheryl: It’s harder than you think and it requires patient persistent observation, humility, and gracious responses. It takes a long time to get past the surface and to relate to people at a deeper heart level. So be prepared to do the work and to invest TIME.
How have you seen young people change when they begin to encounter God?
Self-esteem soars.
They boldly stand up for and defend God and His ways and His truth
They choose to do what’s right
They make better personal choices
They continue to love and serve the Lord even when we’re not around
They inspire others to follow Christ
They are examples to other young people and begin to lead them to grow in their own walk with Christ
Please pray:
- For young people Murray and Sheryl disciple, that they would continue to grow in maturity, choose Christ daily, and become leaders who inspire others to follow Him.
- For Sheryl and Murray, that God would strengthen and sustain them as they model the gospel in everyday life and invest deeply in the next generation.
- For long-term impact, that the seeds planted in ministry would bear lasting fruit, with more young people serving alongside them and carrying the gospel forward in Ecuador and beyond.