Cousins Injured in Explosion in Ecuador Find Healing at Mission Hospital

November 25, 2011

Cousins Injured in Explosion in Ecuador Find Healing at Mission Hospital

November 25, 2011

(Nov. 25, 2011) On a Monday afternoon earlier this year Steve Wilson, director of HCJB Global Hands' Hospital Vozandes-Shell (HVO) in Ecuador, was in his office when the chaplain, Pastor Henry Cabrera, hurriedly came by his office.

"Could I borrow the hospital truck to go pick up Marta?" he asked. "There has been some sort of explosion, and her grandson is in the emergency room."

"Of course," Wilson answered. "Go get her!"

He was talking about Marta Aguinda who works in the HVO guesthouse about a quarter of a mile from the jungle hospital. It was 3 p.m., so Wilson told him that he should look for her on the road because she was probably on her way home.

"I went to the emergency room a few minutes later," Wilson related. "Pastor Henry and Marta had just arrived. I soon found out that two of Marta's grandsons were injured-not just one. Apparently they had been playing behind the house where they found 'something like dynamite,' lit a match to it and it exploded."

The older boy, Justin, 7, had lost both his hands in the explosion, and had some damage to his eyes. His cousin, Arón, 5, was also injured but not as badly.

"I arrived just in time to see Justin wheeled rapidly out of the emergency room, heading for surgery," Wilson explained. "Then I went into Pastor Henry's office where we spent some time crying and praying."

He added that Marta's two daughters (the boys' mothers) both have part-time, unsteady work. "One is a single mom, and the husband of the other is a bricklayer who also has part-time unsteady work," he continued.

"They all live with Marta who is the only one with a full-time job. But Marta was out of work the entire month of February due to back problems. She had to take out a loan to pay for her medical bills since she had received care at another hospital."

Within about two weeks, both boys were released from the hospital. Arón has made a full recovery, but Justin continues to need follow-up care as he adjusts to life without hands. The rest of his body is healing physically, but he has a lesion on his neck that will need further surgery. This fall Justin was also expected to be fitted with two prostheses.

Wilson added that since the family was unable to afford medical care for the two boys, the cost of their surgeries and other care was made possible through donated funds from HVO's Charity Fund.

Source: HCJB Global Hands

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.