Our guest blogger this week is Rev. Dr. Andy Hale.
April 3, 2025
On April 2, a 25-person team from our congregation and partner churches headed to Ecuador for a week-long medical mission, continuing a 20-year relationship with Rescate Ecuador, a faith-based community development organization. We’ll be based in the city of Riobamba, staying at Hotel Bella Casona, and traveling to surrounding areas—including Cajabamba, Galte Bicñag, and Licto—to provide health clinics and community support.
Our team includes:
Marion Alexander, Amanda Matthews Barnette, Stephen Bissette, Donna Bissette, Joanne Buckner, Brittney Childers, Christi Carver, Dan Driscoll, Joan Dugan, Amy Gallaher, Andy Hale, Travis Howell, Jennie Kerley, Penelope (Litsa) Liontis, Larry McAlister, Yvonne Maddex, Jamie Martin, Miyuki Nakayama, Miriam Rodriguez, Tara Sizemore, Mike Spangler, Kathy Wilheit, Brent Willard, Jennifer Willard, and Goldie Williams.
This incredible group of medical professionals, ministry leaders, and volunteers will set up and staff mobile clinics that offer basic health evaluations, medication distribution, and patient education. But the heart of our trip is about presence—offering care, encouragement, and solidarity with the communities Rescate serves.
A great question we were recently asked was, “Why is this work needed in a country with government healthcare?” It’s true Ecuador provides public health services, but many rural and indigenous communities—especially the Quichua people—face deep systemic barriers: lack of transportation, inconsistent infrastructure, language and cultural gaps, and limited economic resources. Our clinics help fill in those gaps, especially for those often left out of the system.
Please pray for our team: for safe travel, clear communication, healthy bodies, and most of all, that God’s love is shared in every conversation, every clinic, and every moment of community.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Dr. Andy Hale, DLD