Ecuadorian Missionary Physician Named Provincial Health Director

October 26, 2012

Ecuadorian Missionary Physician Named Provincial Health Director

October 26, 2012

Dr. Claudia Avila with her husband, Dr. David Graham.

(Oct. 26, 2012 - by Ralph Kurtenbach) Dr. Claudia Avila is the new Director of Health of Ecuador's Pastaza province after a swearing-in ceremony Friday, Oct. 5, with Ecuador's Health Minister, Carina Vance, in the provincial capital of Puyo.

A medical missionary, Avila was working as an attending doctor in the outpatient clinic of HCJB Global's Hospital Vozandes del Oriente (Hospital Vozandes-Shell) when offered the position by Health Ministry officials.

"They were attracted to not only her fine medical work but to her well known integrity as well," said her husband, Dr. David Graham. "She carries a passion for people who needed attention in all areas of life: mind, body, and spirit." Even as Avila has begun her new responsibilities with the province, Graham continues his work as a surgeon at the Shell hospital.

Avila replaced Dr. Kléber Gavilánez, who held the Pastaza health post for six years. In installing Avila, Vance reviewed the progress on a Health Ministry hospital in Puyo. Construction is under way with plans to open the hospital in 2013. "The country has more than 140 hospitals with excellent infrastructure," said Vance.

Avila told listeners at the October 5 event that she aims to contribute to health programs implementation, aimed at improving residents' quality of life of people living in jungle communities scattered throughout the province.

"Through a coordinated effort we can serve the community and carry out the project of the national government," she said.

Avila is a medical graduate of Universidad Central del Ecuador (Central University). In addition to her medical training, she recently completed a master's degree at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (Catholic University) in public health, according to Graham, whose asks that mission donors and friends pray for his wife in her position of influence.

"This will require much prayer for strength and wisdom," Graham said.

Avila's appointment to the health post this year follows the May 2012 recognition by Ecuador's Social Security Institute of the mission hospital for its efficient operations that safeguard the health and safety of 67 staff members at the facility in the country's eastern rainforest.

Source: HCJB Global

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.