South American Division

Adventist Students Transform Communities in Southern Ecuador Through Service and Spiritual Outreach

Sixty volunteers conduct 14 projects, leading to 24 baptisms and promoting environmental conservation and community support.

December 23, 2024

Peru

Thais Suarez, South American Division, and ANN

Group of volunteers from the Peruvian Union University who participated in the missionary trip to Ecuador.

[Photo: South American Division]

From November 30 to December 8, 2024, 61 students from the Peruvian Union University (UPeU) from the three headquarters of the educational institution, located in Lima, Juliaca, and Tarapoto, participated in an outstanding social and spiritual internship in southern Ecuador.

Led by Christopher Rojas, director of the UPeU Mission, the youth fully impacted the Guabo, Arenillas, and Huaquillas communities, with 14 social and spiritual service projects, leading 24 people to baptism.

The volunteers painted the facades of houses as part of the social activities they carried out.

In El Guabo, students from various specialties worked on projects focused on environmental education, urban cleaning, and the construction of a "living fence" to protect children and promote the conservation of the environment. Dr. Gabriela Arquina, a professor at UPeU, highlighted the commitment of the volunteers. "We are here to contribute to caring for the environment and to support key areas such as psychology, education, and environmental engineering," he explained.

The visit of the mayor of El Guabo, Master Hitler Álvarez, underlined the impact of these initiatives. During a tour of the Republic of France school, the burgomaster expressed his appreciation and made a commitment to improve educational facilities.

Mayor of El Guabo together with the volunteers who carried out social actions in the area.

Projects with Purpose

Students also developed educational workshops for villagers.

Students from each UPeU headquarters mobilized to a different city, implementing activities aligned with their academic specialties and community service. According to Pastor Christopher Rojas, these projects seek not only to help local communities, but also to shape the character and vision of students. "Volunteering allows young people to get to know new places and, above all, to share the gospel anywhere in the world," he stressed.

Impact Testimonials

Villagers were not the only beneficiaries as students expanded their vision of service.

One of the students who participated as a volunteer highlighted the human warmth received by Ecuadorians. "They have treated us as if we were part of them. This motivates us to continue showing the love of God practically, without judging or criticizing, only helping and sharing the message of salvation, "he emphasized.

In addition, the volunteers participated in educational workshops, cleaning activities, and support programs in vulnerable neighborhoods, leaving a tangible mark on each community visited.

Volunteers also carried out cleaning activities.

A Comprehensive Mission Model

As a result of the actions of the students, who also shared the message of hope, more than 20 baptisms were performed.

Mission Trip UPeU not only brought social aid but also spiritual hope. In total, 24 people decided to give their lives to Christ through baptism as a result of the students' missionary work. This initiative reaffirms UPeU's commitment to the comprehensive training of its students and its mission to serve society and carry God's message across borders.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish website.