(December 10, 2010 - by Ralph Kurtenbach) Clemente Pilco's custodial work changed a bit this week as Radio Station HCJB spruced up, set up and geared up for a visit from listeners during Misión Compartida this weekend in Quito, Ecuador.

With his co-workers, Pilco helped to erect tents, then string lights and bunting between palm trees. They also wired electricity to the campus outside the Larson Center, site of radio broadcasts before a live studio audience.

Monday, Dec. 6, marked a national holiday in Ecuador, celebrating the founding of Quito in 1534. But after that, a crew of HCJB Global workers tackled the teardown and hauling that followed six Coro Vozandes concerts in Quito. Then the setup for Misión Compartida began in earnest as long days and extra work hours became the norm.

Translated from Spanish, the phrase means "sharing the mission." For weeks, on-air promotions have invited listeners to the annual three-day gala affair that offers something for people of all ages. Face-painting, a bouncy castle, clowns and cotton candy attract the toddlers and children, while grown-ups watch Candice Figueroa, Ofelia Díaz and other program hosts conduct the live sharathon.

"The listeners come during Misión Compartida to donate, but this is also a time when we can pray for and with them," said Anabella Cabezas, director of media for HCJB Global's Latin America Region.

Musical performers invited include Ecuador's own Pato Mena and the group, Blest. This three-member singing group comes from Florida to perform two concerts. Their 2007 album, Palabras del Alma (Words of the Soul), was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY. Their recording of Déjame (Let Me) with Ricardo Montaner was nominated for the Dove Awards, a major award for contemporary Christian music. Thirteen other musicians and bands are scheduled to perform.

Other out-of-towners are likely to hop a bus in the wee hours to travel several hours to spend part or all of the day at Misión Compartida. Cabezas and her team have prayerfully set an ambitious financial goal for the three-day event: US$250,000. This would surpass earlier pledge amounts since the station first began soliciting listener support several years ago.

Coordinating volunteers for a telephone call center to receive support pledges, HCJB Global executive secretary Jenny Calderón has found plenty of willing workers. Other listeners come to the campus to drop off their donations. At times in other years, donations were brought to the tables in piggy banks. In-kind donations for a bazaar have ranged from guinea pigs and chickens to appliances, and on one occasion, a car.

In prior years, some 5,000 people have visited during the event. In last year's Misión Compartida, fan numbers to the station's Facebook accounts doubled with 63 percent of fans, indicating they were between the ages of 18 and 34. The Facebook link is http://www.facebook.com/HCJBLaVozDeLosAndes.

Those wishing to follow progress of the event may do so at http://www.radiohcjb.org/ where new information will be posted and the event will be livestreamed.

Source: HCJB Global