HCJB World Radio Sends Relief Team to Site of Erupting Volcano in Ecuador

July 17, 2006

HCJB World Radio Sends Relief Team to Site of Erupting Volcano in Ecuador

July 17, 2006

HCJB World Radio sent a five-person team to the site of central Ecuador's erupting Mount Tungurahua today to assess the situation and bring relief supplies, medical help and spiritual encouragement to those affected by the volcano that began spewing lava and toxic gases on Friday, July 14.

"We're traveling with two physicians and our photographer," said Healthcare Director Sheila Leech. "We're taking food -- things such as rice, tuna, sugar and cooking oil. We don't know of anyone being injured or killed, but farm animals have been injured and crops damaged. Our doctors will look at evacuees in the refugee centers who have been affected by the ash. For example, irrigating their eyes as needed."

Leech added that the team will stay overnight in Penipe where some of the evacuees are located. "We'll take a look and see if we need to return with a mobile medical clinic immediately or at a later date."

The Associated Press reported that some 3,700 people have abandoned their homes in half a dozen hamlets since Friday, Ecuador's Civil Defense said. "There have been no victims, but all the vegetation has died, and we have lost cattle," said Juan Salazar, mayor of Penipe county which includes two villages where 300 families have been forced to flee.

In May the volcano, 90 miles south of Quito, began emitting its loudest and most frequent explosions since it rumbled back to life in 1999 after being inactive for nearly eight decades.

On Friday the Geophysics Institute reported that the 16,470-foot-high volcano had changed its behavior drastically by expelling at least four lava flows-the first since activity resumed. Hugo Yepes, director of the institute, said the wind was carrying ash from the explosions up to 75 miles west of the volcano. Some roads near the volcano have been blocked, and at least one bridge was destroyed.

Leech said the explosions are facing in the opposite direction as Baáos, a town of 20,000. "There are reports of pyroclastic flows and explosions every 45 minutes to an hour," she said. "The volcano has settled down a bit, but volcanologists are very noncommittal about what could happen next. The danger is not over."

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.