partnering with
YOUTH WORLD
SHORT TERM MISSION TEAM
INFORMATION GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Mission/General Description .............................................................. 3
What is Youth World? ................................................................................. 4
What is International Teams? .................................................................... 5
Statement of Faith ...................................................................................... 5
Philosophy of Short Term Teams and Partnership ................................. 6
Vocabulary .................................................................................................. 6
Support Raising .......................................................................................... 7
Prayer Support ............................................................................................ 7
Suggestions for Prayer Partners ............................................................... 7
Financial Support .................................................................................. .... 8-9
Ministry Prep ............................................................................................... 10
Examples of Ministries with which you could be involved ............... 10-11
Country Specifics History ..................................................................... 11-13
Climate/Weather ......................................................................................... 14
Crossing Cultures .................................................................................. 14-15
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YOUTH WORLD SHORT TERM MISSIONS TEAMS
(A ministry of Youth World & International Teams)
Our mission: The Short Term Ministries Department exists to facilitate biblically based
transformational experiences in collaboration with existing ministries in Ecuador.
Our Short Term Teams (sub-department) exists to create the space and bridges so that
various parts of the Kingdom of God can come together to serve, and learn from, one
another.
We do this by hosting a variety of types of teams throughout the year in our ministry
setting of Ecuador. We host youth teams, adult teams, intergenerational teams, men’s
teams and women’s teams.
General Description:
Quito Quest Teams join us here in Ecuador for a short-term mission (STM) experience
designed specifically for your team, in collaboration with you and the ministry sites
where you might best serve. Quito Quest STM lengths vary based on time of year and
your request. Itineraries generally include an initial day of orientation & settling into the
culture in the city of Quito, followed by ministry days at various sites (in or outside the
city of Quito depending on your team’s gifts and talents), a day of reflection and solo
time at Youth World’s retreat and training center (El Refugio), and time at an artisan’s
market, for example the famous indigenous market in Otavalo.
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WHAT IS YOUTH WORLD?
Youth World is a ministry of International Teams that exists to identify, teach and equip
leaders to impact young people and families to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
Based in Quito, Ecuador, Youth World was founded in 1994 to impact Latin America
and the world by reaching young people with life-saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Youth World accomplished this goal through six areas of ministry:
Identifying, training, equipping and networking national youth leaders throughout Latin
America. (La Red)
Facilitating multicultural youth ministry that engages in relationships with international
students so that they embrace Christ, seek to serve others, and build community
wherever they go. (International Student Ministries)
To see youth at risk become successful Christian leaders in their home, church,
community and the world. (Casa Gabriel)
Training and retreat center (300 acre property N. of Quito) which facilitates a deeper
relationship with Jesus Christ through nature and outdoor adventure. (Hacienda El
Refugio)
The Short Term Ministries Department exists to facilitate biblically based transformational
experiences in collaboration with existing ministries in Ecuador. (Short-Term Ministries)
Evangelizing, discipling and investing in Latin American skate-boarding youth,
equipping them to become Godly leaders within their home, family, church, and society.
(La Roca)
For more information about Youth World go to www.youthworld.org.ec
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WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL TEAMS?
International Teams (IT) is the mission agency which our Youth World team of
missionaries serves with and under. IT exists to bring people together to help the
oppressed. IT USA is headquartered in Elgin, Illinois. Founded in 1960, IT has over 1200
workers of 55 nationalities that serve on more than 200 team locations in 65 countries.
Youth World is one of those teams!
For more information about International Teams go to www.iteams.org
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Youth World International
It is to be noted that no grouping of words can fully express all that might be said as to
our convictions and doctrinal position. However, as a general and comprehensive
combination of the principal factors for which Youth World International stands, the
following expresses our statement of faith.
1. THE TRINITY: We believe in one God, existing in a trinity of persons: Father, Son
and Holy Spirit (John 15:26), who are eternal and of equal dignity and power
(Matthew 3:16-17).
2. THE BIBLE: We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, verbally inspired and
without error as originally written, and that it is the only infallible rule of faith and
practice for the Christian (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21).
3. THE PLAN OF SALVATION: We believe in Jesus Christ, conceived of the Holy
Spirit (Matthew 1:20) born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35), whose death on the
cross for the redemption of sinners provided a sufficient and complete
propitiation for their guilt (Ephesians 1:7), and who rose again for our justification
(Romans 4:25), ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of the
Father, interceding for all those who come unto God by Him (Hebrews 7:25). We
wait for the “blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior,
Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13), and we believe that all things shall finally be subjected
to God through Him (1 Corinthians 15:25-28).
4. THE CHURCH: We believe that the true church, which is the body of Christ
(Ephesians 1:23), is formed by the work of the Holy Spirit in all those who trust
Christ as their Savior (Ephesians 2:22, 1 Corinthians 12:13).
5. THE CHRISTIAN’S MINISTRY: In view of Christ’s last command (Matthew 28:19,
20) and recognizing the lost condition of all those who fail to accept the gospel
message (John 3:18, 36), we believe in the urgency of every Christian’s
responding to the Great Commission of Christ. “Therefore go and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19, 20) “For God
so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in
Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
All scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, NIV
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PHILOSOPHY OF SHORT TERM TEAMS AND PARTNERSHIP
By Cameron Graham Vivanco, May 2006
Why do we do Short Term Missions? What is our main purpose for running short term
teams at Youth World? How do we know if it is worth it? How do we know if we have
done it well? What is success?
Obviously, part of the answer to the questions above depends on how we define
success. Below is a study into how Youth World International, based in Quito, Ecuador,
and more specifically the Short-Term Missions Department defines success in shortterm. Generally Short-Term Mission (STM) teams embark on their mission with the very
best of intentions. They have heard the call of Christ to serve their neighbors or to make
disciples and are excited to be obedient. The reality is that good intentions are just the
beginning. If that is all a short-term missioner carries with them, then they will soon run
in to difficulty.
To ensure that we have the most positive impact possible, we’ll do some advance
preparation and training for the STM experience. That will take place over the next
several months in a series of meetings to help us all get ready for a wonderful – and
fruitful – Ecuador experience. It matters a great deal what your attitude is, and what your
expectations are for this experience. And so, we will explore the why of short term
mission and consider how we define “success.”
VOCABULARY
One note about terms, you may have noted that I am not saying ‘Short-term Mission
Trips,’ which is obviously the most commonly used terminology. The word ‘trip’
inherently directs the focus of the short term mission on the people taking the ‘trip’. It
places the one who packs their suitcases and goes somewhere in the center of the
experience, instead of recognizing the larger process that is unfolding.
STM should positively impact at least 4 different groups of people; not simply those
with the suitcases. Those four groups are: those who leave their context (the ones with
the suitcases), those who sent the team (the sending church or entity, the larger
community around the team), those who are gracious enough to accept the team into
their midst (ministry sites) and the entire community or context around those who
accept the team (church, neighborhood, community).
God, praise Him, is already alive and well wherever it is that a STM team goes. Even if
the destination is to non-believers, you can trust that God is already there and is already
working. Our job in STM is to merge into His traffic, participate in what He is doing, and
then merge out of it, on to the next thing to which He has called us.
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SUPPORT RAISING
“God’s Work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” Hudson Taylor,
Missionary to China
Did you read the above quotation carefully? As a team or as individuals, you are about
to begin raising prayer and financial support for your mission experience. God’s supply
should be a comforting thought. It is exciting to invite people to partner with you in your
mission experience. Give people the opportunity to be blessed by being part of what
God is doing. If God is in your work, finances will never be an obstacle that cannot be
overcome. It may present a challenge, but never a barrier.
PRAYER SUPPORT
Prayer is essential. Satan will be doing everything in his power to destroy the impact of
your ministry. Spend regular time together as a team in prayer. It is also important that
each team member has people praying for him or her before, during, and after the
mission experience.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYER PARTNERS
Below is a list of things you could have prayer partners pray for:
- Pray for
, that God will develop His gifts in him/her, and show him/her
their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. Pray that he/she is open to the fruit that God
desires to bear in him/her. (Matthew 28:19)
- Pray for wisdom and guidance for team leaders and team hosts.
- Pray for the relationship between the nationals and the team, that they will be open to
learning from each other and will honor God in the way they interact with each other.
- Pray for unity among the team. Being in close quarters with a team, even for a short
period of time, will likely bring up personality conflicts. Pray that God will give the team
a spirit of unity.
- Pray for good communication and cooperation with the Christians the team will be
working with.
- Pray for sensitivity and openness for
while ministering in another
culture.
Prayer Cards
A good idea is to create a card or bookmark that includes the basic information of your
mission experience along with your photo, prayer requests, dates, etc. This is a helpful
reminder for people to pray for you regularly. You can create this as an individual or as a
team.
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Question #1 is whether you will raise funds as a team or as individuals. Or both. Our
recommendation is to raise funds in as many ways as possible.
As a Team:
-
Pray on a regular basis as a team for the funds you need
Talk to your Church Mission Board regarding possible funding
Set up a Team Fundraising Committee to:
o Decide on what and how many fundraising events
o Set dates for fundraisers
o Secure sites for events
o Enlist volunteers for events
o Talk to potential sponsors for events and/or donations
o Give all monies raised to team administrator
o Check out group fundraising ideas at library or Christian Bookstore
As Individuals:
Raising support is an opportunity to see God work. God has promised to provide for all
of our needs (Philippians 4:19). God has already provided the people who will give
financially towards your mission experience, you need to discover who they are!
Allowing others to support you lets them share with you in God’s work. They can
experience the challenges, joys, and victories of the ministry as they join in partnership
with you.
In support raising, your attitude is everything. If you are positive and excited about what
God is doing in you and the opportunities in front of you…so will the people with whom
you talk. This is an opportunity for them to be involved! If they choose to be…great! If
not…great! God WILL provide!
Look up the following passages and consider how they relate to raising support:
motivation, attitude, planning, efforts, etc. Each text relates to your task of raising
support in different ways. Reflect on the texts and use them to help guide your thoughts
and plans. Feel free to look at other texts that might prove helpful and encouraging to
you.
Philippians 4:6-7, 10-20; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Proverbs 16:3 (also Psalm 37:3-5), 19:2021; Proverbs 11:14, 15:22; Proverbs 12:11, 28:19
Read through Romans 12:1-13. How does Paul’s description of the Church as a body
relate to the ministry to which you are preparing? How can other parts of the body be
part of the ministry that takes place in this Short Term Mission experience?
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People give to people. Your personal relationships where people know you, love you,
and support your life are your best contacts. People also give to vision. You need to
clearly communicate what you are doing. The more information people have, the more
likely they are to give. You need to communicate:
- Who you are
- Where you are going
- Why you are going
- When you are going and for how long
- Who you are going with
- What do you expect to learn from your experience
- What do you expect to give to others
- How much it will cost
- How much money is still needed
- How will the monies be used
- How can they be involved
Step One: Begin with prayer. Admit your need for total dependence on God. Ask Him to
teach you more about Himself during this process. Ask God to meet your needs. As you
contact people, pray for them. Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Step Two: Identify your contacts. On a sheet of paper, brainstorm lists of people you
know. These could be family members, friends from church, friends from school,
neighbors, relatives, teachers, Christmas card lists, friends of your parents. Be creative.
Step Three: Write a personal support letter to these people letting them know of your
needs for prayer support and financial support. Make it personal. Include a short,
handwritten note in each letter.
Sample Letter
Dear
, I want to tell you about an exciting opportunity. I have been
selected to go with (your church name) on a short-term mission to (location) from
to
. As a part of this team I will be involved in…
I want to invite you to join me in this great opportunity. You can be involved by praying
and/or giving financially to help me. All of your donations are tax deductible. Please use
the enclosed slip to indicate your partnership with me.
Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you have in regards to this
experience- (phone number). I look forward to all God is going to do in us and through
us as we partner together to further His kingdom.
Your friend in Christ,
Step Four: Send out your letters with an enclosed response slip and a return envelope
with your address on it.
Step Five: Follow up on your contacts. After a week or so, follow up with a simple phone
call to your supporters. Keep your call brief, ask if they received your letter and ask if
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they have any questions. If possible, share again about your excitement as you see God
working in your life now and in the future. Thank them for their time.
Step Six: Follow up all of your contacts with a thank you note. Thank them for praying
and/or thank them for giving. Do not forget this important step!
MINISTRY PREP
Ministry is the integration of your faith with action. It is reaching out in love and sharing
the truth of the gospel in any and every way to draw all people to a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
Ministry preparedness is one of the most important parts of your missions training.
Because you will be on the field for a relatively short period of time, the more prepared
you are, the more effective you will be.
Ministry needs to always include sharing the gospel in some manner, having the
attitude of being a blessing and being flexible. Ministry can happen at any time on your
trip. Be prepared.
EXAMPLES OF MINISTRIES WITH WHICH YOU COULD BE INVOLVED
Work projects. Hands on construction. Building projects. Have your team bring
gloves.
Evangelism. For example: Steps to peace with God, Romans road, 4 spiritual laws,
wordless book. Personal testimonies are a very typical part of ministry here. (These can
be simple…how my life was before Jesus, how I came to Christ, and how He has made a
difference in my life since. Or how your relationship with God helped you through a
difficult time. These should be short…3-5 minutes max… and be practiced ahead of
time).
Music. Individuals, small groups and/or whole group. Spanish and English are
appropriate.
Drama and/or Mime. This could be set to music, tape or spoken (preferably in
Spanish).
Puppets. Songs, stories, and/or plays in Spanish.
Children’s VBS Ministry. This can be games, Bible stories, drama to music/Spanish,
songs, and crafts. Be creative and include clear, detailed instructions. Please try to
come up with crafts that would be reproducible in Ecuador if the ministry site leaders
want to use the ideas for future ministry. You are responsible to bring what you need as
far as supplies. Please ask the Short Term Coordinator for information on how many
supplies or crafts are needed at each ministry site.
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Preaching. Some of your team members should be ready to give a 20-30 minute
message.
Youth Ministry. Brainstorm a 1-3 hour youth ministry event. Games, songs, relevant,
Biblical message, testimonies. The Short Term Coordinator will send you more detailed
information.
Sports Outreach. Be prepared to play a sport and then share message/testimonies.
Most popular sports in Ecuador are soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Check with the
Short Term Coordinator about supplies to bring.
Encouraging Missionaries. There are many ways your team can and will be an
encouragement to the missionaries you work with. Some teams want to bring down
items that would be a blessing to those serving full-time with Youth World. Some teams
are willing to carry items down for Youth World and/or personal missionaries, using
some of their luggage space. If you would like to serve in this way, ask the Short Term
Coordinator for suggestions, ideas and/or more information.
COUNTRY SPECIFICS HISTORY
The Republic of Ecuador straddles the Equator and is one of the smallest countries in
South America. It covers approximately 109,483 square miles (283,560 km), about the
size of the state of Colorado. Despite its small size, Ecuador is one of the most
geographically varied countries in the world. Its continental territory borders Peru to the
south and the east, Colombia to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
The Andes Mountains, which cross the country from the north to south, divide
continental Ecuador into Costa (Coastal Lowlands), Sierra (Highlands), and Oriente
(Amazon Region). The Galapagos Islands constitute the fourth distinctive region.
Ecuador is divided into 24 provinces.
The Costa extends the length of the coast and offers beautiful unspoiled beaches,
some resorts and rich agricultural land.
The Sierra lies between the western and eastern ranges of the Andes Mountains. This
valley has been populated for many centuries. Nestled in the valley is Quito, the capital
of Ecuador. The Sierra also contains six active volcanoes. The world’s highest active
volcano is Cotopaxi, which reaches 5,897 meters.
The Amazon Region begins on the eastern slopes of the Andes. This region, completely
covered by the Amazon rainforest, contains vast animal wildlife and vegetation.
The Galapagos are a group of isolated and protected volcanic islands 600 miles off the
coast of Ecuador. The vegetation and wildlife have existed in isolation, which makes the
Galapagos a fascinating place to visit.
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Quito, the capital city, is in setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the
volcano Pichincha. Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city is also the chief port and
commercial center.
Quito was founded as San Francisco de Quito on Dec. 6th 1534 by the Spanish
conquistadors. Quito is considered to be one of the most beautiful capitals in the world.
The historic center of Quito, known as “Quito Colonial” is replete with narrow and
winding cobblestone streets, magnificent churches and wide-open squares. The
buildings that line the streets reflect Spanish colonial influence with their balconies, tile
roofs, thick columns and central patios. The Old City of Quito lies over the ruins of the
pre-Incan city of Kitu, principle city of the Shyris (12th century). Kitu was later replaced
by the capital of Atahualpa’s Incan empire (16th century).
The city was razed by the Incan General Rumiahui as a measure of the resistance
against the conquering Spanish.
Advanced indigenous cultures flourished between 10,000 BC and 15 AD and by 1450
AD, most of these cultures had developed into organized ethnic populations. The Incas,
the largest culture, originally from the central regions of what today is Peru, dominated
most of western South America the latter half of the 15th century. By 1600, Spain had
conquered most of Central and South America. The Spanish colonial rule lasted about
300 years.
The History of Ecuador extends over a 9,000-year period. During this time a variety of
cultures and territories influenced what has become the Republic of Ecuador. The
history can be divided into five eras: Pre-Columbian, The Conquest, The Colonial
Period, The War of Independence and the Republican Era. The beginning of the history
is represented by a variety of cultures and finishes with the Incan invasion. The incas
were followed closely by the arrival of the conquistadors, the Spanish Conquests. The
Spanish would found modern day Quito and Guayaquil as part of the politicaladministration era which lasted until the war of Independence, the rise of Gran
Colombia and Simón Bolívar to the final separation of his vision into what is known
today as the Republic of Ecuador.
The Republic of Ecuador celebrated its first Independence Day on the 24th of May, 1822
when they got their independence from the Spain. ‘El Primer Grito de Independencia’
the local name for Independence Day of Ecuador is widely celebrated throughout as a
National Holiday. The anniversary of the nation’s independent statehood from under
the Spanish rule marks the beginning of a new era for the Ecuadorians.
After nearly three hundred years of Spanish colonization, the first major attempt for
independence was made in 1809, but this only lasted for 24 days before the Spanish
army regained control of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Simón Bolívar, who first led the
fight for freedom in Venezuela and Colombia, then made his way to Ecuador to lead the
independence movement in 1820. The two-year battle of the famous Battle of
Pichincha, on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, 3,500 meters above sea-level, right
next to the city of Quito, in modern Ecuador, saw the defeat of the Spanish royalist army
led by Bolívar on 24th May, 1822.
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In 1830, the Republic of Ecuador became an independent entity, seceding from Gran
Colombia. Traditionally a farming country, Ecuador’s economy was transformed after
the 1960s by the growth of industry and the discovery of oil. There was rapid growth
and progress in health, education and housing.
But by the end of the 20th century a combination of factors, including falling oil prices
and damage caused by the weather phenomenon El Nino, had driven the economy
into recession. Inflation, which had become the highest in the region, led the
government to replace the national currency with the US dollar in an effort to curtail it.
Not all Ecuadorans have benefited equally from oil revenues. The traditionally
dominant Spanish-descended elite gained far more than indigenous peoples and those
of mixed descent.
Steps to stabilize the economy, such as austerity measures and privatization, have
generated widespread unrest, particularly among the indigenous poor.
Despite its history of internal rivalry, border conflicts with Peru and nine presidents in
less than 9 years, life in Ecuador remains relatively peaceful.
The Ecuadorian flag has three horizontal stripes, which from the bottom up are red,
blue, and yellow. The yellow stripe is twice as wide as the red and blue ones. The
symbolism of the colors is as follows: Red stands for the blood shed by the soldiers and
martyrs of the independence battles. Blue represents the color of the sea and sky.
Yellow symbolizes the abundance and fertility of the crops and land. The Coat of Arms
of Ecuador rests in the middle.
The Coat of Arms was given to the country at the National Congress of 1900. In the
shape of a heart, the Coat of Arms rests on a bundle of sheaves, which is the Republic’s
insignia for dignity. The palm and laurel branches between the four flags symbolize
victory. The condor perched at the top offers shelter and protection under its
outstretched wings and stands ready to strike out against any enemy. In the
background is the majestic Chimborazo Mountain rising to a lovely blue sky. The
highest in the Andes Range, this mountain unites with the Guayas River, formed from its
snows, to represent the brotherhood of the Sierra and the Coast. In the lower
foreground, the steamboat “Guayas” is seen crossing the wide river. This boat, the first
of its kind in South America, began service in 1841. The mast, with two wings at the top
and two snakes encircling it, symbolized accord and trade.
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CLIMATE/WEATHER
Ecuador, with its four distinct geographical regions, has a varied climate as well.
The Sierra, where Quito is located, is mild throughout the year. Although it is on the
equator, because of the altitude, temperatures range from 55-78 (average 64) year
round. This region claims to have “eternal spring”, where a typical day in Quito can be
sunny in the morning, cool and cloudy in the early afternoon, rainy in the late afternoon,
and cool/cold and clear in the evening/at night. Typically, the rainy season occurs from
October to May.
The Costa (the coast) is warm and humid during the entire year (76-90, average 83).
Rainy season is usually December to May.
The Oriente (The Jungle) is also warm (72-80, average 76), humid and rainy. The
rainy season is constant with less rain December to February.
The Galapagos Islands enjoy warm and dry weather year round, with an average
yearly temperature of 85!
CROSSING CULTURES
As you cross into the Ecuadorian culture, with many subcultures, it is important to keep
an open mind. Remember, just because something is different doesn’t mean it is wrong.
Ask God to help you see the Ecuadorian people as He sees them. Try to understand
why things are done differently than the way you would do them. Learn to appreciate
the differences. It is not right, it is not wrong, it is just different.
Remember you are the visitor; you have the different opinions and odd perspectives.
You are a guest who has been given the privilege of visiting Ecuador by the local
government.
Do not judge the value system you will encounter according to your own cultural
norms. “It is not right, it is not wrong, it is just different.”
Remember that the missionaries you will be meeting have dedicated themselves to
ministering to and with the people of Ecuador. They will be happy to discuss the
country and culture with you. However, when speaking with them, avoid criticizing the
country or people of Ecuador.
Remember most Ecuadorians in the Sierra are conservative in dress as well as many
other ways.
Control you body! Facial expressions and body language often speak louder than
words.
When eating: Be grateful- say “gracias,” smile, and compliment your host. Eat what is
before you. North America is one of the few cultures where people throw food away, in
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the rest of the world it is not only insulting to the cook, it is wasteful around people who
cannot afford to be wasteful.
Many Ecuadorians speak or at least understand English, so only say what you want
understood.
Ecuadorians are very patient and forgiving of bad Spanish. Use all of the Spanish you
can, “por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you) are very much appreciated.
Be prepared to shake hands with/kiss everyone you meet. You will also shake
hands/kiss when you say goodbye, even if you have only exchanged a few words.
Share you faith when you have the opportunity.
If you see something you don’t want to, i.e. nursing mothers or men peeing, it is not
their fault, but yours because you looked. Don’t stare!
You will encounter many beggars. A coin is an acceptable gift if you choose to give one,
but it is not necessary. View these people as Christ views them!
If you are from North America, introduce yourself as a “North American”. Ecuadorians
are American too… “South Americans”!
When giving your testimony, be culturally sensitive. Many of the people to whom you
will be speaking are much poorer than you, and with a different set of norms.
People will talk with their bodies and your body. You might be called “gorda” and
“flaca” in the same day, it is not meant to insult – everyone has a body so why not talk
about them.
Most importantly: If you are unsure of what to do in a situation step back and let the
missionaries take the lead. You will learn a lot by observing.
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