Each country (Ecuador and Zimbabwe) has experienced great economic challenges recently. In many cases the children have been left behind so the parents can try to meet their own needs. These children desperately need practical help to meet their basic needs and people who will love them and show them the love of their Heavenly Father.

In Ecuador the kids were greatly impacted by the covid shutdowns. Schools, churches, sports, and all other youth activities were basically non-existent for several years. When I was there last summer the kids were dealing with levels of depression and isolation we had never seen before. They are hurting and desperately in need of some help, friendship, and encouragement.

In Zimbabwe Global Encounters partners with Hands of Hope, a ministry that runs feeding stations for orphans all over the country. These feeding stations keep the kids alive physically, but also provide community, mentoring, and discipleship. Global Encounters brings the kids from the feeding stations to camp in groups of fifty to sixty at a time to be loved, trained, and fed (physically and spiritually). Because the kids at each camp come from the same feeding station and village, we get to see the real life relationships. We help the older ones learn to be protectors rather than bullies and teach all the kids to work together rather than fighting.

We are praying for salvation for any kids who come who are not saved yet, and for opportunities to disciple each of them in the Lord. I’m excited about sharing the gospel in Ecuador and Zimbabwe and loving the kids who will come to the camp.