The recent history of Ecuador is riddled with gang violence. In 2021, Ecuador president Guillermo Lasso attempted to crush drug trafficking and production by declaring a state of emergency. Just weeks before this Presidential declaration, it was reported that a gang fight in a penitentiary that resulted in 119 inmates being killed and many more injured. However, this state of emergency would do little to calm the nation down as crimes and violent deaths continued to increase drastically.

Both Guayaquil and Duran, major port cities, are the epicenter for cocaine traffickers as linchpin between two of the world’s largest producers of cocaine – Colombia and Peru. These major drug hubs are protected by the various Mexican Cartels who work with Ecuadorian gangs. It is this collaboration that has fueled the violence in Ecuador. Unfortunately, these gangs find the children and youth as easy prey, drawing them into their ranks either by choice or force.

One day 10 members of a powerful gang walked into a local elementary school fully armed with weapons and threatened to kill the children if they didn’t do what they were told. Sadly and unfortunately, they carried out their threat and executed six children in front of the rest of the class.

We are expecting a fierce spiritual battle in these regions as we start COJ Ecuador in obedience to our God’s call. While the drug cartels are there to take away their lives and use them for their evil purposes, COJ will be there to give life to these poor children in Jesus’ name. This will be our greatest battle yet. Therefore, we need all the firepower of your fervent prayers. Please pray for our almighty God to shatter the rods of these oppressors and to shine His great light upon the communities of Duran and Guayaquil. And please pray for God’s divine protection over all of our staff from the evil hands of these drug cartels. Also, please pray for the conviction and repentance of these gang members. Our God will give us great victory and the poor children of Duran will see the great light of Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!

Towards the end of 2022, God gave us confirmation to begin COJ ministry in Ecuador through answered prayers and seed offerings from sponsors across the US. On Christmas Eve, we announced the launch of COJ ministry in Ecuador to the pastors and leaders who were thrilled to hear the good news.

Then in the beginning of 2023, the mission center staff visited Ecuador once again to meet with the pastors and Sunday School teachers to share the vision, mission, and core values of COJ ministry. Our mission is to nurture and equip the children to be disciples of Jesus who share the gospel and shine His light.

Now the registration process for COJ children has begun. This month, they will receive school supplies and uniforms in time for the start of a new school year. For some of the COJ children, this will be their first time attending school, so please keep them in your prayers as they adjust to the school life. We will also provide Sunday school materials and Sunday school teacher’s training in the coming months so please keep the Sunday school teachers, directors, and the pastors in your prayers as well.

God stirred our hearts and showed us the poor and needy children in the community of Duran. We obeyed the conviction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit and responded with faith. May God use COJ ministry to bring hope to the hopeless and light to those in darkness in Ecuador, Peru, India, and to the ends of the earth!

• For the COJ children to be protected from the powers of darkness and be the salt and light of the world in their homes, schools, community, and beyond.
• For the COJ pastors, leaders, and Sunday school teachers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and have the heart of ABBA Father to nurture and equip the COJ children to be disciples of Jesus.
• For the light of Jesus to shine upon those living in darkness and sin in the community of Duran, the city of Guayaquil, and the country of Ecuador.