The people of Capulispungo prepare to start digging pipe trench by hand.

(June 15, 2012 - by Vozandes Community Development staff) An Ecuadorian team of 12 HCJB Global staff and volunteers spent months preparing for a week of cross-cultural ministry in the Quichua community of Capulispungo, perched on a remote windswept, 12,400-foot-high Andean mountain ridge.

The team raised about US$4,000 for the project, selling cake, cookies and soup during coffee breaks and accepting contributions. Although team members serve in full-time ministry, the multicultural nature of Ecuador cannot be fully appreciated in the modern city of Quito.

"We did not go as rescuers but rather to serve the Quichua people," related Beatriz Alban, an Ecuadorian mother of two and office manager of Vozandes Community Development, after digging pipe trenches each day.

Beatriz Alban with colorfully dressed ladies in Capulispungo.

Bruce Rydbeck, director of clean water projects, said Alban's humble attitude reflects a changing mindset in Ecuador. "The indigenous people of Ecuador were liberated from servitude a century later than slaves in the U.S.," he explained. "Some aspects of racial prejudice still persist in Ecuador. Jesus sends us to conquer those social and language barriers with His compassion."

"God's blessing is not defined just by material possessions but also what God does in people's lives," added Luis Alcázar, a computer specialist at Radio Station HCJB in Quito. "By participating in the work together we could appreciate the community's great effort to build the water system as well the tremendous capacity which God has given them for their own development."

The 160 families of Capulispungo struggled for decades to obtain a reliable supply of clean water. Rural Ecuadorian communities build their own water systems and only infrequently receive government help.

Part of the 11 miles of trench dug for the water project.

Vozandes Community Development helped the people protect their springs, supplying water to the community a number of years ago, and designed the renovations needed for the water system.

Although the springs now provide plenty of clean water, the distribution pipes supplying the homes-scattered across the mountainside community-needed replacement. During the May 28-June 2 outreach, the team helped dig a portion of the 11 miles of pipe trench required. German Mennonite churches contributed the pipe and materials needed for this most recent phase of the project which the community expects to complete by August.

After the exhaustion of digging trenches each morning at high altitude, team members provided activities and Bible classes for about 75 children. They also cooked meals in the rudimentary school kitchen, and in the evenings led group Bible studies.

"The missions trip was a great blessing in learning how to survive in an environment totally different than our own and learning to appreciate the community lifestyle of the Quichua people," confessed María de los Angeles, an Ecuadorian mother who volunteered to serve with the team.

Workers with a 8,000-gallon reservoir. Left to right: Efrain Morocho, Bruce Rydbeck, Wim de Groen, Geoff Kooistra, Santiago Acosta.

The last night of the team's stay, a worship service was held by the community featuring lots of singing in which all participated. During the service more than 20 people came forward to commit or rededicate their lives to Christ. The people of Capulispungo then served a delicious traditional meal for everyone.

"The unity we felt with the community-especially during the last service when we shared together and received their appreciation shown through their words and gifts-profoundly encouraged me," shared Alcázar.

Tannia Lascano, a health and hygiene teacher who has served in community development for the past six years, said the outreach illustrates how "God's principles overcome cultural and personality differences restoring relationships in a way that brings

Tannia Lascano helps lead a VBS class.

 glory to Him. That week I experienced a bit of heaven in bringing together people of every tribe, tongue and nation to worship the Lord together!"

"Everyone was there-all nations and tribes, all races and languages … heartily singing: Salvation to our God on his Throne!" (Revelation 7:9-10, The Message).

Source: HCJB Global