Recently we helped host an international Church Planting conference here in Quito. The network is part of Acts 29 International, a strong movement of Godly men who are focused on planting churches that plant more churches.
This conference was more of an introduction to the network, and a start to the long application process the pastors have to go through to be a part of the network. Our goal was to try to get the pastors and future church planters excited about the network and about helping new church planters out with their experience, to keep each other accountable, and create a strong network of Godly men that they can fall back on for help, instruction, correction, and encouragement. And over all, I think it was a huge success with a good handful of men who have graduated our IBCI training and have shown strength in being active in their current churches, while maintaining a vision for the lost.
Promoting it was a great way to get my feet wet in how graphic design and marketing works down here, as sizes, printers, and many more things are very different than the states. This first event was a sort of trial to see how effective my passions can be when mixed with the mission. Sure, we’ve seen an increase of use and contact on the Compassion Connection website, but with promoting this event, we had a full room of men and their wives who were very interested. Attendees came from all over Ecuador, from the jungle region (5 hours away), from two different coastal areas (6+ hours) and a few more from Brazil, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. We had some interest in Colombia as well, but those guys weren’t able to make it.
On top of that, we made some great connections with the Christian radio station down here, HCJB, and Steve was interviewed a week before the event, and a reporter came out to the event as well and interviewed the lineup of speakers. There was even talk of some TV time, but I think we just ran out of time. Praise God for His working behind the scenes to help us in our efforts to connect, and increase the men down here who are on the front lines of the Gospel.
