Missionaries Francisco and Juanita Vargas live in a poorer section of Tumbaco where their life’s work is ministry to primarily underprivileged children. Although “Nita”, an American who grew up in Paraguay, is the daughter of missionaries, she is quick to admit that working with children is a ministry she never anticipated. After she married Francisco, an Ecuadorian pastor, the Lord opened the door for their ministry.

 

 The children’s center is located behind this gate and across the street from their home.

 

 Behind this gate is Francisco and Nita’s home surrounded by Nita’s luscious garden. Her garden is a beautiful picture of the landscape of Ecuador.

 

 Her entire yard is covered with flowers of which many are exotic. She has various fruit trees and six avocado trees. Imagine my delight eating there. Her landscape and the lessons she says God teaches her in gardening is a thing of beauty worthy of a blog post in itself.

 

 Nestled within starkly contrasted pictures of poverty is the daily life and ministry of these missionaries.

 

 On Saturdays Kids’ Club is held at the center from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.  During our nearly two week trip, I witnessed firsthand the extensive labor of love invested here. In addition to their youth services held on Saturday nights {Youth to be featured in Ecuador Part 3.}, Francisco and Nita have an after school program, help sponsor numerous children in a high school sponsorship program and hold yearly summer camps for the kids and youth {Kids’ Camp also to be featured in Ecuador Part 3.}.

 

 This rock is a beautiful representation of the Vargas’ Ministry. Jehovah Jireh is indeed their provider! This is evident in their daily lives as they seek Him not only for financial provision, but for the time and strength needed to invest into these precious lives, and most importantly for the imparting of truth.

 

 Diane, making what she claims to be her last time down the slide while Terry, A.K.A. Terry-aki, stands by.

 

 Although there is a sacrifice to be made in making a mission’s trip overseas, it’s easy to step on foreign soil and embrace these children with the love of God. As the supporting team, we did our share of work; but, the truth is that we spent much of our time laughing and playing with the children.

 

 We were partakers in the fruit of hours upon hours of labor.

 

 

 This picture portrays beautifully the fruit of the Vargas’ Ministry.

 

 Worship is led with the assistance of Carlos and Germania Molina. After worship, the kids are divided into age groups. The older children {9-12} are taught by Nita and Francisco.

 

 The younger children {6-8} are taught by Germania and Carlos. Led by the pinkie finger of one of the younger girls, I listened to Germania’s teaching on both of the Saturdays we were there.

The children of this ministry are part of a culture primarily stuck in religious practices. Because of this, Nita stressed that the importance of ensuring these children grasp the meaning of salvation is a great task. The majority of them are from single parent, low income homes. Many of them are from abusive families. Fatherlessness is commonplace.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. ~ James 1:27

 

Working with children on a much smaller basis as a Nanny, I can attest to fatigue that sometimes accompanies the demands of tending to their physical needs as well as the enormous responsibility of nurturing them.

The work of this ministry is a full time job. The challenges are many. Picture a church consisting of children not yet mature enough to assist in aiding the Body of Christ; a church of non-tithers, if you will.

The needs at home and abroad are increasing economically as well as spiritually. Now more than ever the Body of Christ needs to take notice that the fields are ripe with harvest. And as we pray the Lord of Harvest will send forth laborers, may we listen carefully for His leading in our own lives.

It’s time we do what He has called us to do, go where He says go, and support those He sends.

 

 Paul and Diane have supported this ministry since 2005. They’ve watched many of these children grow over the past years. Here, they’re passing out dolls that were made by women in their local church to the girls and ball caps to the boys.

I have a greater understanding of the reason why they continue to support this ministry and make yearly trips to Ecuador. It’s easy to love these children. The love of God knows no language barrier.

And once you’ve locked pinkies with one of these kids and allowed them into your heart . . .

it’s so hard to say good-bye . . .

 Paul and Neyser on our last day there

 

Francisco and Juanita Vargas are part of Action International Ministries. For more information on how you can help support their ministry, click here.

***Stay tuned for details of Kids’ Camp and the Vargas’ Youth Ministry in Ecuador Part 3.