Inspired by a personal calling, Fulton Mero, a 60-year-old member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, sold his belongings to establish the Bethel Adventist Social Aid Center in southern Ecuador. For the past three years, the center has served as a place of healing and evangelism for individuals struggling with addiction.
“I told God I didn’t want to work for the world; I wanted to work for Him,” Mero shared. “So I sold my belongings and invested them in building the center, where we have been preaching the Word of God for three years.”
A native of the Eloy Alfaro Adventist Church in the Misiones district of Manta, under the South Ecuador Mission (MES), Mero explained that his decision to create the center was rooted in his own experience with addiction many years ago.
“Since its inception, 80 people have passed through this place, and 60 have been baptized,” Mero said. “When they leave, I guide them to the church closest to their home so they can continue growing in faith, sharing their testimony, and preaching.”
Community Support and Evangelism
Despite ongoing financial challenges, Mero’s commitment to the mission has not changed. To address food shortages, he established a community garden at the back of the center to help feed the residents.
Mero emphasized that the support of the local Adventist churches has been essential. Each weekend, members from across the district mobilize to assist with the center’s needs, while also participating in evangelistic efforts held on-site.
Photo: South Ecuador Mission
Photo: South Ecuador Mission
Photo: South Ecuador Mission
Photo: South Ecuador Mission
Photo: South Ecuador Mission
“I want to be a light in this world,” Mero said. “There are many who are suffering and don't know how to escape the abyss. Through this space, we want to help them find the Savior—the only One who offers new opportunities. I haven’t lost anything; my true gain is in Christ.”
A Landmark Ministry
The Bethel Adventist Social Aid Center is the first Adventist addiction recovery center in southern Ecuador. It primarily functions as an evangelism hub, hosting church-sponsored campaigns and initiatives throughout the year.
During the recent Easter program, 17 residents dedicated their lives to Christ and were baptized at the center on April 15, 2025.
The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
