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Investing in the next generation

Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds. Psalm 145:4

By Laurel Ellis

October 27^th, 2020

Training, mentoring and encouraging

Throughout these many months of the pandemic, ministry has continued, mostly via Zoom and Facebook Live. This has included preaching, teaching, sharing devotionals, leading small groups and times of mutual encouragement with missionaries and national pastors. Some of the most rewarding moments have been in mentoring and helping train new missionaries, both US missionaries headed to five countries of LAC as well as potential Ecuadorian missionaries sensing His call to the nations. God hasn't put his mission on hold.

Here in Ecuador, some churches have reopened with reduced capacity due to social distancing as well as mandatory masks, others continue only online. With multiple generations living under one roof, there are still many Covid cases, even among some of our pastors and families. The Ecuadorian people are resilient, extended families care for one another, the churches help as they can and are making the best of a difficult situation.

Sinincay...the rest of the story!

Even in the pandemic, Centro Cristiano de Sinincay moved forward with construction. Their first service in the sanctuary was on September 20th where I preached in back to back services. To God be the glory!

Pastor Julio standing in front of the unfinished sanctuary (2018)

First service inside new sanctuary.

Front of building, lower part is parking.

Investing in the next generation

Video about Sinincay

On a more personal note

I am so very grateful for the missionary team here in Cuenca. Joe and Emily Knapp's arrival and inclusion of me in their family has energized my life. Their children call me Tia (Aunt) Laurel. I haven't traveled to see my kids and handsome little grandson this year, but they are all doing well and that brings peace and joy to this momma's heart. My mother-in-law, Sharen Ellis, passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest on October 15th. She was a dear friend, encourager and an important link to Rick. I miss her every day. On the other side of the spectrum, I'm privileged to mentor a young missionary couple, Joey and Gabi Ross, who came to visit this month.

Missionary ladies on our team.

Chocolate chip cookie dough with Katie, Isaac and Anna.

Knapps are famous thoughout LAC for their videos introducing training competencies.

Pictured with Sharen, my mother-in-law, in 2016.

Joey and Gabi Ross, missionaries in the northern highlands of Ecuador.

Devin, Karyn and one year old, Anson.

Daniel wearing his Panama hat, a misnomer since they are from Ecuador.

David and Jenny with their beloved pet, Ari, who passed away a year ago.

My new kitty, Amie, sharing the recliner during a Zoom meeting.

Footnotes

Your faithful prayers and support sustain me!

FootNotes

Your faithful prayers and support sustain me!

© 2026 Laurel Ellis

Her children arise and call her blessed.

Proverbs 31:28 NIV

"Here I am. Send me!"

Isaiah 6:8

"...you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ..." Phil 1:5 NLT

Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1Corinthians 3:7

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.

He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23 NLT

The Goodness of God

Taste and see how good the Lord is! Psalm 34:8 CEB

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