2026 Ecuador Missions

A team from Crossway Church recently served in Ecuador alongside local ministry partners, focusing on meeting both physical and spiritual needs in the community. Led by Children’s Pastor Les Scheer, the team helped conduct a dental clinic, install waterlines, and distribute donated supplies. These efforts created meaningful opportunities to build relationships and share the love and message of Christ.


Throughout the trip, team members served with unity, flexibility, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. Despite schedule changes and travel delays, the group continued to serve with grateful hearts, trusting God’s provision along the way. Several team members also experienced personal spiritual growth, with some sharing their testimonies for the first time and serving in new ways.


Encouragingly, relationships in the village continue to deepen, and there has been growing spiritual openness among those the team connected with. While ongoing needs remain, Crossway is prayerfully seeking how God may continue to use future mission teams to serve this community.


We invite our church family to continue praying that the seeds planted during this trip will grow into lasting faith, and that God will guide future opportunities to serve both in Ecuador and beyond.

Serving with a willing heart

For Randi Hobbs, serving on Crossway’s recent mission trip to Ecuador was especially meaningful because she was able to share the experience with her daughters. Watching them step outside their comfort zones, connect with local children, and serve with joy gave her a powerful new perspective.

As part of the dental clinic team, Randi worked in difficult physical conditions that included high altitude, limited running water, and the challenge of sterilizing instruments in a remote setting. Through it all, she was reminded that missions does not require perfect circumstances, only a willing heart. God provided strength through the encouragement of the team and the shared purpose of serving others.

She was deeply impacted by the joy and gratitude of the people they served. Despite having very little, the community’s kindness and contentment challenged her view of what is truly needed for happiness and has led her to be more intentional about serving at home.

Some of her most lasting memories came from simple moments, playing with children and providing practical help to elderly residents. Randi encourages others to consider future mission opportunities, believing that stepping out in faith can change both the lives of those served and the hearts of those who go.

God's love without words

Mandi Kyles was deeply impacted by the warmth and excitement of the people in Ecuador. Their joy and welcoming spirit left a lasting impression and challenged her perspective on contentment and the simplicity of life.

One moment that stood out was seeing an indigenous boy light up with happiness over receiving a new toothbrush. She also loved watching girls simply be girls, enjoying having their nails painted and building friendships despite language barriers.

Throughout the trip, Mandi saw how the love of Christ can be shared without even speaking the same language. Serving alongside a team that worked humbly and without complaint stretched her faith and helped her feel closer to Christ.

She encourages others to consider going on a mission trip, believing it provides an opportunity to reset spiritually, die to self, and grow deeper in their walk with the Lord through serving others.

Trusting God in the Unknown

Serving on her first mission trip to Ecuador stretched Marissa Mitchell in ways she did not expect. Stepping into an unfamiliar environment without knowing exactly what each day would hold challenged her desire for structure and certainty.

Choosing instead to serve with an open mind, a willing heart, and a determination to love others well, Marissa leaned on God’s Word for strength and direction. Proverbs 3:5–6 became a steady reminder to trust the Lord fully, even when the path ahead felt unclear.

Through the experience, she was reminded that God has purpose in every place He leads us. Marissa encourages others to trust Him, follow His leading, and seek to glorify Him in every opportunity to serve.

Next Steps in Missions

What if the next mission story God wants to write involves you?

Start by praying. Ask God to grow your heart for people both across the street and around the world. Pray for the seeds that were planted in Ecuador to take root and for open doors for future ministry opportunities.

Then take a step. Learn about upcoming mission trips. Encourage and support those who go. Give to help meet real needs. Look for ways to serve right here in our own community.

Missions is not just a moment or a trip. It is a lifestyle of saying yes to wherever God leads. Pray for boldness. Be willing to move. Trust that God can use you to make an eternal difference.
Crossway Missions Page